Academics

Volusia County Catholic Schools are committed to providing students with a challenging and rewarding curriculum that will prepare them for life in our 21st century, global society.

Our rigorous and balanced academic program is based on Diocesan-approved standards and learning objectives that exceed both state and national performance norms. All resources and curriculum materials used in our Volusia Catholic Schools are aligned with the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools.

Our curriculum reflects a balance of core academic requirements, enriched in religion, foreign language, fine arts, computer science, and physical education religion, and instilled with character development. Our students not only receive a high-caliber education that will prepare them for the rigors of high school, but also one that infuses faith formation and social development

The curriculum stresses cross-curricular linking of topics, Catholic social teachings, and the application of hands-on learning using advanced technology. Teachers use a variety of instructional techniques to create a student-centered learning environment. Different methods used include individualization, small group instruction, large group instruction, computerized instruction, and cooperative learning.

For a more in-depth look into Diocesan curriculum standards, visit these links:

PreK – 8 Religion Standards 2017
National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools
2016 ISTE Standards for Students
2017 ISTE Standards for Educators.
Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four Year Olds

Florida Early Learning and Development Standards Birth to Kindergarten

Top Test Scores

Students in grades 3-8 are evaluated annually using TerraNova Testing. The tests are given to assess student understanding of core subjects and to evaluate academic progress throughout the years. Volusia County Catholic School students consistently score high on state and national standards for the test. (Test taking is introduced to second-grade students through an abbreviated version of the standardizes tests.)

At the high school level, students are required to take the ACT and have the option of also taking the SAT. The ACT consists of curriculum-based tests of educational development in English, mathematics, reading and science designed to measure the skills needed for success in first year college coursework. Father Lopez students, on average, perform above the national norm on the ACT, which is an important factor in gaining them admittance to top Florida and nationwide universities and colleges.