Academics and Faith Formation
At St. David of Wales Catholic School, education is more than academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. Serving students from PreK through 8th grade, our curriculum is rooted in academic excellence, faith formation, and personal growth.
Aligned with the Common Core Standards and the guidelines of the Department of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Oakland, our program prepares students to succeed intellectually, grow spiritually, and engage confidently in the world around them. Grounded in Catholic values, we inspire students to become faith-filled, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals—ready to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.
We invite you to visit our campus and experience how learning, faith, and community come together to create a truly transformative education.
Core Curriculum at St. David of Wales Catholic School
Our core subjects include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Through a holistic approach to education, students not only master academic content, but they also develop in character, empathy, and resilience.
Religious Education and Worship
Faith is the foundation of life at St. David School. Religious instruction is deeply embedded in both our curriculum and our school culture, encouraging students to live out their beliefs each day.
Beginning in the early grades, students explore Scripture, Catholic teachings, and the Sacraments, all while developing a personal and meaningful prayer life. In second grade, students prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist through a guided, community-based experience.
Students in grades 4–8 have the opportunity to become altar servers, taking an active role in school and parish Masses. Training is provided by the parish to ensure each child serves with confidence and reverence.
Throughout the school year, students take part in regular liturgies, prayer services, and seasonal celebrations. These moments of worship, often student-led, help strengthen their connection to the Church and to one another.
English Language Arts
Our Language Arts program is designed to build strong readers, effective writers, and confident communicators. In the early grades, students benefit from small-group instruction tailored to their reading level, building a firm foundation in literacy.
As students progress, they are challenged to read critically, write persuasively, and express themselves clearly. By middle school, they engage with complex texts, refine their writing across genres, and deepen their understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and language mechanics. The goal is to instill a lifelong love of reading and the ability to communicate with clarity and purpose.
Mathematics
Mathematics at St. David is about more than numbers—it’s about problem-solving, logical thinking, and real-world application. From basic operations to algebra and geometry, students build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through engaging lessons and hands-on activities.
Our curriculum supports both individual mastery and collaborative learning, with an emphasis on applying math to everyday life. For students who are ready, Accelerated Algebra I is offered in eighth grade as part of our accelerated math program.
Science
We nurture curiosity and discovery through a dynamic science program that emphasizes hands-on exploration and critical thinking. Students investigate the natural world through experiments, observations, and creative projects. Students are also encouraged to use the school’s online collaborative and instructional resources.
The curriculum includes life science, physical science, earth science, and environmental studies. In middle school, students put their scientific skills to the test by participating in our annual Science Fair, developing and presenting their own research projects. St. David Catholic School uses the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards for technology skills to measure student success.
Social Studies
Through the study of Social Studies, students develop an understanding of history, geography, civics, and culture. They begin with local communities and gradually expand their view to include California history, U.S. history, and world civilizations.
The curriculum emphasizes the importance of informed citizenship and ethical responsibility. Students examine current events, learn about government systems, and explore global cultures—encouraging them to see their role in shaping the world. Students in grades 4–8 also have the chance to compete in the National Geographic Bee, deepening their knowledge of geography and global awareness.
At St. David of Wales Catholic School, faith becomes real through service. We believe that love for God is best expressed through action—and our students are called to be leaders in compassion, generosity, and justice.
One of the ways we live this out is through our Faith Families program. Each student is placed into a cross-grade “family” that meets regularly to pray, build relationships, and complete service projects together. Eighth-grade students serve as leaders, helping guide younger peers and fostering a spirit of unity across grade levels.
Beyond Faith Families, each class participates in outreach efforts that support local charities, parish ministries, and community needs. These experiences help students discover the joy and purpose of serving others—and empower them to make a real difference in the world.
To support the development of the whole child, we offer a variety of enrichment opportunities that spark creativity, promote health, and prepare students for the future.
Spanish
Spanish is taught from kindergarten through eighth grade, focusing on speaking, writing, and cultural appreciation.
Art
Our art program gives students the chance to express themselves through different media while learning about artistic traditions from around the world.
Technology/IT
Technology is fully integrated into the learning experience. With iPads for younger students and Chromebooks for older grades, students develop digital literacy and research skills in line with ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards.
Music
In music, students learn age-appropriate songs, explore rhythm and melody, and participate in our beloved Christmas musical. Students in grades 3–8 can also join the school choir, which leads singing during weekly Masses.
Physical Education / P.E.
Physical Education encourages teamwork, fitness, and personal growth. Students build coordination and sportsmanship through a variety of games and structured activities that promote a healthy, active lifestyle.