St. Victor School students sitting together outdoors in sports uniforms, smiling and enjoying their time, with a park and palm trees in the background.

FOURTH GRADE

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Growing Independence and Academic Confidence in 4th Grade

In 4th grade at St. Victor School, students begin engaging with more complex projects and research while strengthening the academic habits that support upper elementary learning. Our curriculum continues to build vertically across grade levels, helping students deepen their understanding of core subjects while developing stronger analytical thinking.

A major focus of the year is California history, where students explore the geography, economy, and historical development of the state. A highlight of the year is the field trip to visit local California Missions, bringing classroom learning to life through firsthand exploration.

Students also complete longer-term projects that may include research, writing, presentations, and creative work. Through these experiences, students practice the classroom values of being respectful, being responsible, and being their best, strengthening their role as Caring & Responsible Citizens within the school community.

Growing Independence and Academic Confidence

Meet Your 4th Grade Teacher

Sister Maria Vincent

My name is Sr. Maria Vincent Vu. I am a member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province located in Houston, Texas. I have been a religious sister for fifteen years. During my time in school, I was fortunate to be guided and inspired by great teachers. As a religious sister and teacher, I now have the opportunity to give back what I have received. I'm truly excited to continue serving God and His people at St. Victor in this new school year.

4th Grade Highlights

Father Mark, pastor of St. Victor School, administering communion to a young girl dressed in white during a church service. Other children in white attire are kneeling in the pews, with stained glass windows in the background.

Religion

The Family Life program emphasizes Catholic education in relationships, family life, and sexuality, helping students follow Jesus by living a life of love, service, and obedience to God. Church doctrine, prayers, scripture, and community service support this journey, while weekly Mass and small projects are also part of the program.

An older St. Victor School student reading a book to a younger student outside at a blue metal picnic table, with more students sitting on a bench in the background near a grassy area.

Language Arts

Students will master key skills such as word analysis, fluency, vocabulary development, comprehension, and literary response. They will read from a basal reader and two novels per year, and complete book reports. Writing instruction will include narratives, responses to literature, information reports, and summaries. Grammar and language skills will also be taught.

Two young St. Victor School students working on a classroom activity involving counting play money, with dollar bills spread out on the desk and a worksheet in front of them.

Math

Fourth-grade students concentrate on gaining proficiency in multi-digit multiplication and division, including quotients with multi-digit dividends. They also learn about fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers. Additionally, students learn to analyze and classify geometric figures based on their properties.

St. Victor School students collaborating on a STEAM project, building a structure with cardboard and blue tape as part of their hands-on learning experience in a classroom setting.

Science

The curriculum covers physical, life, and earth sciences. Physical science delves into the practical applications of electricity and magnetism. Life science explores the interdependence of living organisms and their environment. Earth examines the properties of rocks and minerals and the forces that shape the Earth's surface. class emphasizes scientific inquiry and offers a chance to participate in the school's Science Fair.

St. Victor School students sitting at their desks in a classroom, focused on their lessons with textbooks and notebooks open in front of them.

Social Studies

We study the history, geography, and economy of California. Students explore the relationship between state, local, and federal governments. Vocabulary and main concepts are emphasized. Projects and reports are opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of subject knowledge.

St. Victor School students participating in a music class, playing ukuleles. A girl in the foreground, wearing a red beret and plaid uniform, focuses on her instrument while other students play in the background.

STEAM

Students continue to expand their understanding of the elements of art and apply them as they use basic tools and art-making processes on a weekly basis. Students receive weekly instruction in music enrichment.

Students learn to use word processing applications and design elements. Use of the school-distributed iPad's are woven throughout the curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What should students learn in 4th grade?

In 4th grade at St. Victor School, students strengthen their skills in reading comprehension, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and religion. The 4th Grade Curriculum section above explains how our Catholic elementary program in San Jose helps students develop stronger analytical thinking, research skills, and confidence as learners.

What skills should a 4th grader develop?

Fourth grade students focus on building important academic and personal skills such as critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and communication. These skills help students manage assignments, participate in discussions, and complete longer-term projects with increasing independence.

What kinds of projects do students complete in 4th grade?

Fourth grade students begin working on projects that include multiple components such as research, essays, presentations, and creative artwork. These projects help students strengthen writing skills, analytical thinking, and confidence when presenting their ideas.

Do students learn about the California Missions in 4th grade?

Yes. As part of their social studies learning, 4th grade students study the history of the California Missions. A highlight of the year is a field trip to visit local missions, where students connect classroom learning with real-world exploration.

What expectations do teachers have for 4th grade students?

Fourth grade teachers encourage students to grow academically and personally by practicing habits that support a positive learning environment. Students are expected to be respectful, be responsible, and be their best as members of the classroom community.

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Academic Excellence Through Whole Child Learning

Academic excellence at St. Victor School means building strong foundations for a lifetime of learning. Through rigorous academics, whole child learning, and thoughtful instruction, students develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to thrive in school and beyond.

Students from St. Victor School sit in pews during a weekly school Mass as a priest speaks at the front of the church, illustrating how faith and Gospel values are integrated into daily life at this San Jose Catholic school.

Where Can I Find Private Schools with a Focus on Gospel Values in California?

Families searching for private schools with a focus on Gospel values in California often want more than strong academics. At St. Victor School in San Jose, Catholic education forms the whole child through faith, service, and thoughtful moral formation. From weekly Mass and service projects to middle school ethics discussions, students learn to think deeply, act with compassion, and lead with conviction.

Older students at St. Victor School view preschool Basquiat-inspired dinosaur artwork during a Black History Month “museum walk” assembly in San Jose, reflecting on creativity and cultural learning across grade levels.

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At St. Victor School in San Jose, Black History Month is more than a celebration — it is a reflection of our Gospel values. From preschool Basquiat-inspired art to eighth grade research on Black Catholic saints, students explored legacy, faith, and leadership during a schoolwide assembly. Discover how our Catholic school forms students who honor the past and plant seeds for the future.

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Student decorates a Christmas tree with red poinsettias as part of St. Victor School’s participation in Christmas in the Park, celebrating the Season of Joy, creativity, and gratitude during Advent.

Season of Joy: Celebrating Light, Creativity, and Gratitude

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St. Victor junior high students volunteer at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, living their Student Learning Expectations as caring and responsible citizens through faith in action.

Growing with Purpose: Student Learning Expectations in Action

Discover how St. Victor School helps students grow with purpose through our Student Learning Expectations — becoming Children of Faith, Lifelong Learners, and Caring & Responsible Citizens. At our San Jose Catholic school, learning is hands-on, values-driven, and rooted in faith, curiosity, and compassion.