A group of St. Victor School students sitting on the floor, attentively listening to a classmate who is standing and reading from a large sheet of paper in a classroom setting.

FIRST GRADE

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Building the Foundations of Academic Growth in First Grade

In 1st grade at St. Victor School, students strengthen the foundational skills that support success throughout elementary school. Our vertically aligned academic program challenges students to grow as Life-Long Learners while engaging with reading, writing, mathematics, and scientific discovery.

Students build reading fluency and comprehension through structured phonics instruction and guided reading while developing clear written communication through grammar, sentence construction, and storytelling. Math lessons focus on addition, subtraction, place value, and measurement, helping students apply mathematical thinking to everyday problems.

Faith remains central to the school experience as students attend weekly Mass, reflect on Gospel teachings, and learn how their actions contribute to a caring classroom community. Through these experiences, students begin developing the habits of Caring & Responsible Citizens while continuing to grow academically.

Building the Foundations of Academic Growth

1st Grade Curriculum

Take a look inside our Catholic first grade classrooms through student work and hands-on learning experiences. You’ll see how we strengthen foundations in reading, writing, math, and faith while building confidence, independence, and critical thinking skills. For a deeper dive into our curriculum, download our first grade overview.

Click to Learn More About 1st Grade Curriculum

First Grade Student Work

English & Language Arts

Meet Your 1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Carolyn D'Cruz

I have a Masters in Biochemistry and a Masters in Education. This is my fifth year of teaching at St. Victor. What keeps me passionate about teaching kids is their innate curiosity, sense of wonder, and kindness. No two days are the same, there is always something happening! With teaching, I am always inspired to give them my very best each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What should students know by the end of 1st grade?

By the end of 1st grade, students typically read simple texts, write complete sentences, and solve basic addition and subtraction problems. The 1st Grade Curriculum section above outlines how these skills develop throughout the year.

How do students learn to read in 1st grade?

Students build reading fluency through structured phonics instruction, guided reading, and comprehension activities that help them understand stories and informational texts.

What math skills are taught in 1st grade?

Students learn addition, subtraction, place value, measurement, and interpreting simple data while strengthening problem-solving skills.

Do first graders attend weekly Mass?

Yes. First grade students attend Mass regularly and reflect on the Gospel message as part of their religion lessons. Students are given dedicated time during homeroom to work on application essays, with opportunities for teacher feedback and peer-to-peer editing. These skills not only support the high school application process, but also help students build confidence in writing, self-reflection, and communication—skills they will continue to use when applying for summer jobs, leadership opportunities, and eventually college.

How much homework do first graders receive?

Homework typically reinforces reading and math skills while encouraging daily reading practice at home.

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Students at St. Victor School in San Jose participate in music class, playing hand drums and learning rhythm together as part of the school’s arts and music program.

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