Our Visual Arts program nurtures creativity, imagination, and self-expression through the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) philosophy. In this approach, students are recognized as real artists, making choices about their own work in an open studio format.

Rather than simply following step-by-step projects, students learn to think and work like artists. They explore a variety of materials and techniques while developing the Habits of Mind essential to artistic growth—such as envisioning, persisting, experimenting, reflecting, and expressing ideas in creative ways.

Our studio environment encourages independence, responsibility, and creative problem-solving. Each child has the opportunity to plan, create, and refine their own projects, while the teacher serves as a guide and mentor, offering support, demonstrations, and inspiration.

Through this process, students gain not only technical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, but also the confidence to take risks, make artistic choices, and communicate their unique perspectives.

Our Physical Education and Health curriculum is designed to help students build lifelong habits of wellness, teamwork, and personal responsibility.

Through Physical Education, students develop fundamental movement skills, coordination, and fitness while learning the value of sportsmanship, cooperation, and perseverance. Activities are age-appropriate and engaging, giving children opportunities to explore games, team sports, and individual challenges that promote both physical fitness and confidence.

Our Health Education program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make positive choices for their overall well-being. Lessons focus on nutrition, personal safety, emotional health, growth and development, and making responsible decisions. Students learn how healthy habits support not only their academic success but also their relationships and long-term wellness.

Together, Physical and Health Education nurture the whole child—empowering students to care for their bodies, manage their emotions, respect others, and embrace healthy lifestyles now and in the future.

Grades PK-1:  Introduce concepts of music, rhythms, singing, movement, and creative expression through a variety of instruments and mediums

Grades 2-4:  Utilize one-to-one Chromebooks to develop musical skills, and also learn to play music on flutophones, hand bells, drums and percussion; as well as cultural and holiday singing, educational games and activities, dance/choreography, composers, instruments of the orchestra, and introduction to treble clef note reading

Grades 5-8:  Utilize one-to-one Chromebooks to enhance musical skills such as treble/bass clef note reading and rhythm skills; as well as drumming, singing, hand bells, piano keyboard, song writing, creative projects, dance/choreography, musical genres, music history, and composer appreciation

Grades 1-4 participate in our annual Christmas Pageant – an event you don’t want to miss!

PK – 5th grade: At IHM, we believe that learning a second language broadens horizons and builds a foundation for future success. Beginning in Preschool and continuing through Elementary School, our students are introduced to Spanish in fun, engaging, and age-appropriate ways.

Young learners start with the basics of the language—colors, letters, numbers, and common vocabulary—through songs, games, stories, and interactive activities. Prayer and simple conversational phrases are also woven into lessons, helping students see language as a tool for both communication and faith expression.

As students progress through the elementary grades, they expand their vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. By integrating music, movement, and cultural traditions, our program makes language learning lively and meaningful.

Our goal is to spark curiosity, foster appreciation for different cultures, and give every student a strong foundation in Spanish that they can continue to build upon in middle school and beyond.

Middle School: In Middle School, our Spanish program builds on the foundation established in the early grades and moves toward more practical and conversational use of the language. Students review the basics—such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation—while practicing how to apply Spanish in everyday conversations.

To keep lessons engaging and interactive, videos, songs, and cultural activities are integrated into the classroom experience. Students not only learn to communicate in Spanish but also gain an appreciation for the diverse cultures where Spanish is spoken.

Classes meet twice each week, giving students consistent exposure to the language while still allowing time to connect what they learn in class with their broader studies. By the end of Middle School, students develop confidence in basic conversation and are well prepared to continue their language learning in high school.

Our Library program nurtures a love of reading and lifelong learning from the earliest grades through middle school.

Students in Preschool through Grade 5 visit the library each week for a dedicated class. During this time, they enjoy listening to stories, learning songs and poetry, and exploring different types of books. Each child also has the opportunity to select and check out a book to bring home, fostering independence, responsibility, and the joy of reading.

In Middle School, students visit the library as part of their English Language Arts (ELA) classes. These visits provide time for research, novel studies, or choosing independent reading materials, supporting both academic growth and personal interests.

Whether through story time, hands-on exploration, or quiet reading, our library program helps students develop critical thinking skills, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for literature.