ACADEMICS
Embracing Faith and Inquiry
Welcome to St. Luke School, where we blend the rich traditions of Catholic education with the globally recognized framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB). At our school, we believe that through inquiry and reflection, we can cultivate globally minded citizens who embody the love of Jesus in all they do.
St. Luke is the First Catholic IB School on the West Coast for Primary & Middle Years Programs
St. Luke School is more than just a place of learning; it's a community deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and committed to innovative teaching practices. We strive to educate the whole child, nurturing their minds, hearts, and hands for service. By honoring the unique gifts of each student, we foster thoughtful, independent learners who are not afraid to ask questions and solve problems, all while embracing a life filled with faith and purpose.
Our partnership with the International Baccalaureate (IB) underscores our commitment to developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young individuals who contribute to a better and more peaceful world. Through intercultural understanding and respect, our students are equipped to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners. They understand that embracing diversity means recognizing that others, with their differences, can also be right.
Join us at St. Luke School, where we empower students to create positive change and make a difference in the world, guided by the teachings of Jesus and the principles of the International Baccalaureate.
At St. Luke our curriculum is designed so that our students will grow and develop in all areas of life. People sometimes assume that IB is a curriculum, but that is not the case. We intentionally design and deliver curriculum through:
- Concepts (Primary Years, Middle Years)
- Approaches to Learning (ATL) (see below)
- Transdisciplinary themes and Central Ideas (in the PYP)
- Statement of Inquiry (in the MYP)
This approach allows us to bring forward essential learning and experiences for all of our students. We believe our students’ learning experiences must reflect the world in which they live. We determine the learning standards that our students work toward. For example, in religion classes, students work toward the standards set by the Archdiocese of Seattle. In science, we use the Next Generation Science Standards. IB does have some program requirements that impact curriculum. For example, acquiring a second language is a value for IB, so students all have the opportunity to learn Spanish, from Preschool through Grade 8. The IB also requires that MYP students experience both visual and performing arts. This happens in our MYP exploratory program.
We are Inquiring Minds, Hearts for Jesus, and Hands for Service
As a St. Luke community, we strive to be knowledgeable, caring, risk-takers, communicators, balanced, thinkers, principled, inquirers, open-minded, and reflective. Through inquiry and reflection, we educate globally-minded citizens who live the love of Jesus.
Inquiring Minds
- Creative thinking skills and problem solving
- Meaning-making out of knowledge and transfer to familiar and unfamiliar situations
- Social competence
- Effective communication
- Research strategies
- Self-management
- Awareness and exploration of local, national, and international events
Hearts for Jesus
- Demonstrate knowledge of Catholic Faith and traditions
- Know and practice a variety of prayer forms to develop a personal relationship with God
- Participate in the liturgical celebrations of the Church
- Exhibit moral and ethical values based on the Catholic Faith
Hands for Service
- Take responsibility and show respect for our Earth, self and others
- Engage in service with the parish and broader community
- Make a positive impact on the world through our actions
- Advocate for social justice based on the principles of Catholic Social Teachings