Philosophy of learning – a Nativity School education focuses not just on academics, but also on social and character development. In the 6th grade, we instill in students “The Nativity Way” and help them transition from public school habits to our new, possibly different private school expectations.  In addition to the core classes, we emphasize love of learning; study and organizational skills; respect for self, others and property; decision-making; problem-solving; sportsmanship; and time management.  Focus on “The Nativity Way” continues through 7th and 8th grade and throughout the Graduate Support Program.  

The core curriculum – Core classes at Nativity School include: English, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Religion, Guidance, Technology, and Physical Education. 

Testing and outcomes – Nativity School administers the Iowa Test of Basic Skills early each spring. For the 2009-2010 school year, Nativity School students showed average progress of 2.3 grade levels for the year. 

Enhancements and services – all Nativity School students receive tutoring support/individual attention through regular “Directed Study Halls.”   Students with greater needs are partnered with volunteer mentor/tutors.  Key elements of the Academic Program are the Afterschool Enhancement Program – tutoring and enhancement activities provided 4 days a week; Kappa Alpha Psi's Guide Right Saturday Program - exploratory academics, leadership and recreational programming on the last Saturday of each month during the school year; Summer Leadership Camp, a total of four weeks of sleep-away camp; and the Graduate Support Program, which continues to provide support and guidance for our students once they graduate and start attending high school.

Nativity bookends the school year with two camp sessions at Camp Shikellimy Aegis Learning Center, a private camp in Northern Dauphin County. During the middle two weeks in August each year, all returning and prospective students will experience applied academics and placement testing along with sports, games, crafts, environmental education, crafts, fishing, and leadership development activities.

During the middle two weeks of June, the students who just completed 6th and 7th grade – rising 7th and 8th graders - will spend another two weeks at Camp Shikellimy, celebrating another school year, reinforcing their reading and math skills, and participating in traditional summer camp activities.  Participation in camp is a requirement for all students attending Nativity.

CLICK HERE to view pictures of our campers at Summer Leadership Camp!