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Academic Excellence
James L Collins Catholic School is accredited through the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department, which is approved by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools and the Texas Education Agency. We are part of a long tradition of excellence in Catholic education. Two-thirds of our graduates rank in the Top 10% in area high schools. Additionally, we have data available in regards to how our students compare to other schools from the Iowa Assessments.
Curriculum
Our standards based curriculum meets or exceeds the requirements set forth by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department and the Texas Education Agency. In kindergarten through third grade, Saxon Phonics, a research-based phonics program lays a strong foundation for our beginning readers. The elementary students are also introduced to the principles of mathematics via a multisensory research based curriculum called Math in Focus. The Math in Focus curriculum contains specific instructional content and instructional design principles that enable students to develop the skills and strategies to understand essential concepts.
Our middle school students are challenged by a rigorous core curriculum that prepares them for success in high school. Our language arts classes are taught in a double block in order to increase competence in both reading comprehension and writing. The math curriculum is 7 th grade pre- algebra, and 8th grade algebra, and our social studies and science classes incorporate research and writing into their semester goals. In addition, students in every grade attend weekly classes in fine arts, technology, and foreign language.
Application
JLCCS students are given many interactive opportunities to apply and improve upon their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Some learn to play chess and participate in the Chess Club. Students might also choose to join one of our competitive academic teams like Spelling Bee, Speech and Debate Club, Geography Bee.
Expression
JLCCS also provides students with many different options in the area of the fine arts. The art program brings the styles and techniques of the masters into the classroom and showcases student work in an annual art show open to the community. The JLCCS music program includes a choir that sings for school Masses, and other musical and theatrical opportunities throughout the year. Students compete in creative writing, storytelling and drawing competitions.