Co-Curriculars

Saint Paul's Episcopal School boasts a rich history in the visual arts under the direction of Mrs. Karen Alleman. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the early childhood art program views young children as capable, curious individuals full of potential. In these formative years, the art studio serves as a safe environment where students communicate through the "hundred languages of children"—expressing thoughts, wonders, and emotions through diverse artistic mediums. Driven by child-led curiosity, young artists explore and create using the core elements of design. They interact with open-ended materials, utilizing the classroom environment as a "third teacher" to spark discovery. We surround children with a rich variety of art forms—from print media to physical objects—to broaden their visual awareness from day one.

As students progress through the program, they utilize varied materials, techniques, and tools. This hands-on experience builds an understanding of how distinct mediums yield different outcomes. Moving forward, they manipulate materials with intent, gaining greater control over their personal expression and learning to identify foundational design elements.

In the upper grades, art serves as a powerful tool for communication and expressive language. Students deepen their familiarity with the creative process, navigating the journey from initial brainstorming to the final masterpiece. They explore both two- and three-dimensional media to express original ideas, utilizing specific artistic vocabulary to reflect on and critique artwork. 

Our goal in the library is for students to enjoy reading for both entertainment and information and to develop a deep appreciation for a wide variety of literature. Older students will strengthen their skills as readers and expand their reading horizons by exploring a variety of genres using state reading lists, such as the Bluebonnet Reading List. Younger students (ET-1st Grade) will be learning about things good readers do - how to pick a "just right book," how to visualize, how to ask good questions, how to make predictions, how to navigate the different sections of the library, etc.

We will also read from a variety of genres during library time so students are continually exposed to fluent reading and have an opportunity to practice reading skills and strategies. The library will support classroom instruction by teaching and reinforcing research skills as well.

Music is an important part of any child’s education, and the music program at Saint Paul’s has been well established over the years.  In music class, students will sing, dance, play instruments, learn to read music, and even write their own music.  Music provides our students with opportunities to explore their creativity and to take risks to perform in front of their peers and parents.

Early Toddlers and Two year olds experience lessons inspired by John Feierabend’s First Steps in Music for Infants and Toddlers. Our Three year olds and Pre-Kindergarten students continue to learn through movement and singing.

Kindergarten- 6th grade musicians experience Orff Schulwerk inspired lessons using curriculum developed by Jeff Kriske and Randy Delelles. Students learn to play many instruments including Orff barred instruments, recorders, and ukukeles.

All students have opportunities to perform throughout the year. Students in grade 1-6 also have the opportunity to sing with the Joyful Noise Singers.

The Physical Education curriculum of Saint Paul’s Episcopal School will enable to students explore and develop their God-given gifts within the area of physical fitness. Students will be involved in activities which encourage the enjoyment of play, cooperation, self-discipline, goal-setting, and the difference between athletic competition and play. Students will be exposed to different types of exercise, games, and sports throughout the year. Students will be challenged to see physical fitness as a lifestyle.

Our Spanish program features linguistic studies, active learning, and cultural studies of Spanish speaking countries. Children in our Early Toddlers and Two year old classes are introduced to Spanish vocabulary in class. Our Three year olds - Kindergarten students attend Spanish classes two times a week, while students in grades 1-6 receive Spanish instruction three times per week.

The primary purpose of the Spanish program is to develop the ability to communicate. A big part of this development is raising one's social conscience by cultivating an interest in and a respect for other cultures.

Saint Paul’s is a Google Apps for Education (GAFE) school and our goal is to help the students develop digital citizenship and gain the skills they need to be technology literate. Beginning in PreK, all students receive a secure Google account and utilize Google Classroom as a platform for managing and completing digital assignments and communicating in a safe and secure way both inside and outside the classroom.  We strive to integrate technology into the core content areas. Younger students will begin to develop a foundation of basic mouse, keyboard and computer operation skills as they practice foundational concepts like numbers, letters, sorting, sequencing, etc.

Each year, students will build on that foundation as they learn and practice proper keyboarding technique and work within the Google Suite of apps (such as Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drawing, etc.) to create and produce quality products that demonstrate their learning. Students also develop a digital portfolio (housed in Google Sites) that showcases and celebrates growth and learning as they progress through their academic career at St. Paul’s.