Upper School

The upper school encompasses third to fifth grade students who participate in weekly masses and various school-wide religious events. Enrichment programs offered in these grades encompass music, art, physical education, Spanish, library, computer skills, and the Innovation Lab. Additionally, fifth graders have the opportunity to elect their music and fine arts enrichment courses.

Third Grade


The third grade language arts curriculum centers on novels to cultivate a passion for reading, enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and creativity. Diverse novels across genres are explored through interactive storytelling sessions and discussions. Through art, writing, and role-playing, students explore themes and boost creativity. Tailored reading exercises analyze characters, settings, and plots while integrating grammar and spelling lessons to strengthen language skills and foster imagination.

Mathematics education in third grade builds upon prior knowledge, focusing on long-term mastery of facts, skills, and concepts. Students learn number facts, daily math skills, measurement, data, operations, algebraic thinking, geometry, patterns, and problem-solving through small-group instruction using diverse tools and technology, ensuring a solid grasp of fundamental math.

Social studies broadens students’ perspectives, covering local communities, national context, citizenship, government, Louisiana’s geography, history, and culture.

The science curriculum encourages inquiry and covers weather, climate, forces, motion, and matter. Through experiments, hypothesis testing, data recording, and observation, students actively engage with scientific principles, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.

Fourth Grade

Fourth-grade students dive into a comprehensive language arts program centered on various novels, promoting exploration and analysis across genres. This approach cultivates a love for reading, expands vocabulary, enhances comprehension, fosters critical thinking, and sharpens writing skills. Creative writing activities linked to novels enrich learning. The curriculum integrates Daily Oral Language for grammar, spelling, and editing, laying a strong foundation. Teachers employ effective strategies for assessments and encourage independent reading. Book talks facilitate sharing recommendations, improving presentation and fostering a collaborative reading environment.

In mathematics, fourth graders focus on essential areas: multi-digit multiplication, long-division, fractions, decimals, geometry, and measurements. Lessons advance with multi-step word problems, stressing basic multiplication proficiency. Technology, notably iPads, aids in building math vocabulary and number sense, preparing students for advanced concepts and real-life applications.

Social studies spotlights the US government, states, and capitals, culminating in the “Mercy State Fair,” blending state studies with music and art to conclude the fourth-grade journey.

Science classes engage students with captivating lessons on the scientific method, Earth’s systems, energy, and waves. Hands-on activities and technology deepen understanding and foster enthusiasm for science.

Fifth Grade

The fifth-grade ELA curriculum fosters a deep appreciation for literature, strengthening writing skills, grammar, vocabulary, and confidence as readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers. By analyzing various literary works, such as short stories, poetry, classic novels, and nonfiction texts, students develop comprehensive reading abilities, enabling them to navigate complex texts, cite evidence, and craft thoughtful responses. The course combines collaborative and independent learning, integrating interactive sessions covering reading, vocabulary, shared experiences, textual analysis, and exploration across genres. Students also engage systematically with the writing process through interactive journals and practice exercises to refine their skills.

In fifth-grade math, students build a critical foundation for more complex concepts in later grades. The curriculum covers whole number multi-digit operations, division with two-digit divisors, decimal fractions, operations with decimals, addition/subtraction of fractions, and multiplication/division of fractions, along with volume understanding.

Social studies focuses on American history, starting from nomadic lifestyles to post-Civil War repercussions. Students learn historical research, DBQs, critical reading, and essay writing, essential for success in higher grades.

The fifth-grade science curriculum advances understanding in physical, earth, and life sciences through interactive activities fostering curiosity and scientific inquiry. Students engage in hands-on experiments, data analysis, and investigations to cultivate a passion for learning and scientific curiosity.