Academics
At Nazareth School, Catholic identity is alive and well in all aspects of everyday life. The Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) granted Nazareth School full accreditation through June 30, 2029. This accreditation was awarded to Nazareth School in recognition of the excellent Catholic education provided to all learners. Following our Core Values and Mission Statement, Nazareth School provides all learners academic excellence rooted in Catholic tradition. Our Catholic values and faith are seen in many activities on campus including class led weekly all school Mass, Nazareth House Intergenerational Program, Children’s Choir, Catch of the Week, Food Drive Fridays, and the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) fundraisers.
Curriculum
We have designed our academic and cocurricular programs to be interactive and to encourage spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth. Faculty, students, and families work as a team to achieve mastery of national, state, and local curriculum standards. Learning expectations at Nazareth School support the development of an active and enthusiastic learner who is highly motivated with the confidence to succeed.
Nazareth School proudly supports a well-rounded traditional Catholic education with an emphasis in college prep curriculum. The faculty and instructional aides focus on the foundational curriculum including religion, reading, writing, math, and science. Nazareth has an exciting science curriculum which meets the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a STEM lab, a comprehensive art program and Spanish curriculum. In addition, our Learning Resource Program provides a supportive learning environment where an individualized approach is taken to help students grow in all academic areas. Nazareth School supports the whole child by providing wellness services with our accredited councilor. We base our curriculum standards on national and state standards in unison with the diocesan course content guidelines.
The school curriculum:
- gives witness to the message of Christ as revealed in His person, sacraments, scripture, community, doctrine, and the traditional heritage of the Catholic Church;
- develops within students the life-learning tools of communication, problem solving, and decision making;
- encourages each student to develop his/her potential through responsibility and accountability to self, parents, faculty, and peers;
- provides an informational framework that will prepare the students to live in the twenty-first century;
- affirms ethnic pride, appreciates cultural values, and allows diversity when applying the principles of peace and justice; and
- integrates parent and community talent into the school program.
Guided by the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth, we take a hand on, project-based and investigative approach to our learning.
The kindergarten classroom is a positive and nurturing learning environment where each students’ strengths, needs, and interests are met. A multimodal approach to learning which includes kinesthetic, auditory, and visual modalities is valued and implemented.
Our days are filled with learning about our Catholic faith, discussing important social-emotional lessons, and engaging in rigorous academic work that helps to build strong academic foundations.
Each week we visit the library, playground, and Preschool/Kindergarten Garden. We happily sing, dance, create artwork, and engage in celebratory events as we joyfully take part in our year of learning.
Meet the Teacher
Miss Kelchner is an enthusiastic and passionate educator committed to fostering a love of learning in her students. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and went on to obtain her multiple subjects teaching credential and Master of Arts in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University.
With a warm and engaging approach, Miss Kelchner strives to create a supportive classroom environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow academically and personally. She is excited to guide her students through their early learning journey, helping them build a solid foundation for both education and faith.
Welcome to first grade, this is a year full of growth for your child.
Students become more aware of others around them and learn how to work together in small groups. They become attentive listeners, develop the skills to follow multistep directions, and learn how to wait their turn. We also work on public speaking in morning meetings and on share days.
In religion, students learn how to live as children of God, how we live as a family, and a community by incorporating the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth of respect, hospitality, love, justice, compassion, and patience.
First grade is the exciting year where students become exceptional readers by using letter sounds to decode simple and more complicated words. Students become independent readers by working in small groups to encourage reading at all levels.
In writing, students continue practicing proper letter formation and learn how to compose complete sentences to include all capitalization and punctuation. Throughout the year, students learn how to organize their thoughts and work through the writing process.
In math, students learn how to write and count up to 120. We practice counting by 1, 2, 5, and 10 starting at a different number other than 0. We work on addition and subtraction facts by using daily two-minute drills. Students learn concepts such as “less than”, “greater than”, and “equal to”. At the end of the year, we work on simple patterns, shapes, time, coins, weight, length, and simple fractions.
In the world of science, students get a better understanding of the Earth’s oceans and sea life. Students understand nature lifecycle’s including living things and what they need to grow. In social studies, students learn about the past, how things change, individual responsibilities of citizenship, their communities, and the traditions of the United States.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Buss is a phenomenal educator who loves guiding young learners through their educational journey. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching and California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of Southern California.
With a special appreciation for the remarkable growth that happens in first grade, Mrs. Buss finds joy in helping students develop their reading and writing skills. She believes in fostering creativity in the classroom, making learning an engaging and meaningful experience for every child. Her goal is to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in her students.
The second-grade year is one filled with many fun and exciting activities and events.
This is an important year in which second graders learn and grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. As a class, the children prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. They also continue to learn about the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth and incorporating these values into their daily lives.
We encourage a collaborative environment where students feel safe, loved, and empowered. In second-grade, Nazareth School plans engaging lessons that allow all students to reach their full potential. The classroom routine is consistent, allowing second graders to feel successful in their daily activities. Our goal is to ensure students become lifelong learners, caring individuals, and self-motivated.
During the year, our class learns cursive writing, adding and subtracting hundreds with regrouping, and the responsibilities of being a member of different communities and groups. As is our custom in second-grade, we visit Nazareth House on a monthly basis to share our time and talents with the senior residents.
We encourage the joy for reading in all of our subjects. For instance, stories in our reading books demonstrate how characters share and care about other people in our culture. These are lessons we can take to heart and hopefully put to use in our daily lives.
Our second grade is a wonderful place where the children learn to grow both spiritually and academically, but most of all, we make learning fun and have a great time in the process.
Meet the Teacher
Mr. Hillila holds a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in primary education. A resolute educator since 2004, he is passionate about creating a supportive and enriching classroom environment where students can grow both academically and spiritually.
He takes great joy in guiding his students through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, helping them deepen their faith and understanding of our Catholic faith. With a commitment to lifelong learning and faith formation, Mr. Hillila strives to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a strong moral foundation in every child he teaches.
Third grade is an exciting time for student development–socially, academically, and spiritually.
Students’ religion classes give them a deeper appreciation for Scripture, liturgy, community, and prayer. Many of our award-winning literature selections focus on the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth. Catholic identity is highlighted in social studies and science. We are called to live respectfully in community with others and to be good stewards of the earth.
Our math program focuses on building fluency and application of prior skills and developing an understanding of multiplication and division skills, and strategies. Our grammar instruction teaches students to communicate their written ideas clearly and correctly. Third-graders have many opportunities to apply writing skills across our entire curriculum.
As a class, we love to work on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through project-based learning techniques.
Third grade at Nazareth School is filled with many wonderful learning experiences!
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Milam is an experienced and dedicated educator with a passion for making learning engaging and meaningful for every student. With a background in both General and Special Education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Throughout her career, she has taught in multiple states and holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in English and Early Childhood Education.
A lifelong learner herself, Mrs. Milam continuously seeks innovative ways to inspire her students and create a dynamic learning environment. She believes that every child has the potential to succeed and is committed to fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Welcome to fourth grade at Nazareth School! Students embark on an exciting journey filled with new information and creativity.
In religion, we continue to incorporate the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth and how they relate to the liturgical calendar and the Ten Commandments. It is important for fourth graders to discuss and understand how the Ten Commandments apply to them on a personal level. Students also learn to pray a decade of the Rosary daily with special intentions.
Students utilize their prior knowledge of writing as well as their new grammar lessons to produce well-written work in all subject areas. In math, students will master multi-digit multiplication, long division, and fractions that will prepare their math foundation for later years.
In science, students learn through a hands-on approach. Observation of seed germination and journal writing will document every step of their science experience. When the seedlings are ready, they will transplant them into our beautiful Nazareth School garden. This is just one of the many exciting lessons fourth-graders endeavor throughout the year.
In social studies, we learn about our rich California history and its journey to statehood. We travel through time studying about the early Californians, the Gold Rush, and the state's development. Fourth graders also learn about the 58 California counties through an engaging song, which they thoroughly enjoy.
Fourth grade at Nazareth School is a wonderful place to learn and grow!
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Walthall is an empathetic educator who believes in fostering a love of learning in every student. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from California State University, Sacramento.
With a teaching career that began in 1998, Mrs. Walthall has spent over two decades guiding third and fourth-grade students. A lifelong learner herself, she is always seeking new ways to enhance her teaching and inspire students. Beyond the classroom, she is a proud mother of two wonderful sons who motivate her every day.
By integrating the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth of respect, hospitality, love, justice, compassion, and patience into the entire curriculum, fifth-grade students deepen their relationship with God through knowledge (head) and faith (heart). We call this the Nazareth Way.
Fifth grade is a transition year as we prepare for the challenges of middle school. We widen our view of the world by learning about our American heritage and the beloved fifty states. The students steadily and progressively move towards becoming independent learners and critical thinkers in all academic subject areas.
By providing a loving, nurturing, and spiritual environment, fifth-graders reach their highest potential.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Rose is an exceptional educator who has been inspiring students since 1990. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University and has been a proud member of the Nazareth community since 2012.
With a passion for teaching and a love for fifth grade, Mrs. Rose creates a supportive and engaging classroom where students are encouraged to grow academically and personally. She considers it a privilege to guide her students during this important stage of their education and finds joy in fostering their curiosity, confidence, and love of learning.
Sixth-grade is an exciting time of change for our students as they embark on their first year of middle school. Students experience a true junior high environment with rotating classes and subject-specific teachers. This is the first progression towards their preparation for high school. Rest assured, they will quickly get comfortable in their new role as a middle school student.
One of the highlights for our students is Sixth Grade Camp. Students spend a week in beautiful Julian connecting to nature and God. It is a wonderful outdoor learning experience for the students that fosters the growth of both their social and leadership skills. In this environment, relationships become stronger, and students grow as a family. During this time and throughout the year, sixth-grade continues to learn about the Nazareth Way through the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth.
By the end of sixth grade, your child is comfortable with their role as a middle school student and is ready to enter seventh grade with great enthusiasm.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Bethanny McGuire
Homeroom Teacher
Religion: Grade 6
Literature: Grade 6
Social Studies: Grades 6,7,8
Mrs. McGuire, a San Diego native, earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, San Marcos, along with dual teaching credentials in Social Studies and English. She has been dedicated to Catholic education for over a decade, bringing a passion for history and a commitment to helping students become confident, articulate writers.
With a dynamic and engaging approach to teaching, Mrs. McGuire strives to make history come alive in the classroom while fostering critical thinking and effective communication skills. She is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment where students can grow academically and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our seventh graders experience many exciting adventures inside and outside of the classroom.
Continuing their high school preparation, students focus on the “Life of Christ” and the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth in religion; world cultures in social studies; biology; pre-algebra; writing and grammar in language arts; many novel studies in literature; Spanish 1A; and physical education; as well as an integration of technology and the arts.
Technology is utilized throughout the curriculum in order to prepare students for the demands of high school. One supplemental learning platform is IXL which provides individualized learning catered to student ability. It is the next generation in assisting and helping students enjoy math, science, language arts, and Spanish and leads to achieving outstanding results. Students also attend Spanish class twice a week in preparation for their high school foreign language curriculum.
In the fall, students rotate between going to the Museum of Tolerance and the John Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. In January, with the guidance of our middle school science teacher, students participate in our Nazareth School science fair, and many go on to compete in the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair and then on to the California State Science and Engineering Fair. In the spring, the students set out to sea to study marine life aboard the Marine Science Floating Lab.
Seventh grade is an exciting year!
Meet the Teacher
Homeroom Teacher
Religion: Grade 7
Grammar & Vocabulary: Grades 6,7,8
Writing: Grades 6,7,8
Ms. Sipe is a proud graduate of the San Diego Catholic Diocese school system and has been dedicated to Catholic education since 1994. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies from the University of Maryland.
With a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to her faith, Ms. Sipe strives to create an engaging and supportive classroom where students develop a love for writing and lifelong learning. She finds immense joy in sharing her faith and knowledge, helping students grow both academically and spiritually.
The eighth-grade year is one filled with excitement and anticipation.
Eighth-grade students prepare academically and socially for high school. They visit Catholic high school campuses and begin reviewing for the HSPT (High School Placement Test) entrance exam.
Some exciting activities for the eighth-grade class include Shadowplay, May crowning, eighth-grade retreat, prayer services, talent show finale, Halloween Haunted House, Disneyland, and various eighth-grade privileges. Many of the students participate in our annual school play as well as various sports. In addition to all the eighth-grade activities, our students are challenged with classes in Church History, Algebra, U.S. History, Life Science, Language Arts, Spanish, Art, and P.E.
Since we follow the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth, we require students to participate in service hours each quarter. Our eighth-grade class service project focuses on beach clean-up days. Acting as role models for the younger students, the eighth-grade students sit with their kindergarten Prayer Buddies during school liturgies, and they help their buddies with various school projects. Eighth-grade enjoys spending time and working with their prayer buddies.
The eighth-grade year at Nazareth School is not only challenging but includes a variety of fun activities. At the end of a very fulfilling and rewarding year, our students graduate prepared for high school and walk away from Nazareth with many fond memories.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Kathryn Valenti
Religion: Grade 8
Literature: Grades 7 & 8
Mrs. Valenti has been dedicated to education since 1989, bringing decades of experience and a passion for learning to her students. She has studied at Loyola Marymount University, Chapman University, and Notre Dame University, continually expanding her knowledge to inspire those she teaches.
As a Middle School Literature teacher and Vice Principal, Mrs. Valenti is committed to fostering a love of reading, critical thinking, and personal growth in her students. She especially enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for Shakespeare, helping students connect with classic literature in meaningful ways. With a deep dedication to academic excellence and character development, she strives to prepare her students for success both in and beyond the classroom.
The math curriculum at Nazareth School reinforces students' reasoning and analytical abilities. Students learn to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers in regard to the world around them.
In middle school, an advanced math program enables students to reach their full potential. General math students are given the gift of smaller class size in order to master their math skills.
Meet The Teacher
Mrs. Kinkead is a dedicated educator with a passion for mathematics and a commitment to student success. She earned her master’s degree in education from the University of San Diego and has been teaching middle school math since 2004.
Specializing in both advanced and general math, Mrs. Kinkead strives to create a dynamic learning environment where students build confidence in their mathematical abilities. As the Data Director, she also plays a key role in using data to support student growth and achievement. She is passionate about helping students develop strong problem-solving skills and a deeper appreciation for math that will serve them well in the future.
Guided by the Core Values of the Sisters of Nazareth and our faith in God, the learning support director provides a supportive learning environment where an individualized approach is taken to help students grow in all academic areas.
Meet The Teacher
Mrs. Amy Meder
Learning Support Director
Mrs. Meder is a dedicated educator with a lifelong connection to Catholic education. A San Diego native, she attended St. Vincent’s for elementary school, OLP for high school, and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She continued her studies at San Diego State University, where she obtained a master’s degree in Reading Education.
With over a decade of experience teaching second through fifth grades in the Diocese of San Diego, Mrs. Meder is passionate about supporting students in their academic growth. As the Learning Support Director for kindergarten through eighth grade, she is committed to helping all students reach their full potential. She finds great joy in witnessing moments of perseverance and understanding, celebrating each student’s progress and success.
The science curriculum at Nazareth School provides our students with a “hands-on” exploration of our world. In middle school, the curriculum for Earth Science, Biology, and Physical Science allows students to develop an understanding of scientific principles through experimentation and concept understanding. Students are encouraged to be creative in exploring their own scientific questions.
The Scientific Method is key to allowing our students to explore topics and phenomena. With concept support within each curriculum area, they are able to research and develop their own procedures for experimentation. The skills they acquire can transfer to the application of critical thinking, organization, discipline, and data processing for analysis.
Our seventh-grade students, with the guidance of the science teacher, have repeatedly been invited to present their projects at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair each year. Their success has been documented by receiving not only first and second place awards but Junior Division Sweepstakes Awards as well. Professional organizations have found a number of our student’s projects worthy of additional awards and have invited them to give presentations to the organization’s membership.
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Marilyn Reed
Science Specialist
Mrs. Reed is a highly experienced science educator with a career spanning over thirty years at Nazareth School. She has taught both high school and middle school science, specializing in biology, and she holds a Master of Science in biology, as well as a Master of Arts in secondary science curriculum.
Dedicated to inspiring curiosity and critical thinking in her students, Mrs. Reed has been recognized for her excellence in science education. In 2011, she was the runner-up for the California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year award in Los Angeles, and in 2019, she received the Excellence in Science Teaching award from the San Diego Science Educators Association. She has also contributed to the advancement of science education through a UCSD grant promoting the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in middle schools.
With a deep commitment to hands-on learning and scientific discovery, Mrs. Reed strives to make science engaging and relevant for her students, preparing them to explore and understand the world around them.
- View our Enrichment Classes page to see the variety of specialized programs we offer.