Classrooms and Facilities

Preschool Classroom

Classrooms

Pilgrim Lutheran School utilizes a variety of teaching methodologies including small and large group instruction as well as peer tutoring, allowing students to learn from each other. The school prides itself on low teacher to child ratios and the addition of teacher aides in all classrooms. Pilgrim has incorporated mixed grade classrooms with separate grade level reading and math classes. This approach has proved successful as evidenced by the success of students as well as above average test scores.

 

Preschool - 3 year olds

Preschool - 4 year olds

Kindergarten

First and Second Grade Classroom

Second and Third Grade Classroom

Fourth and Fifth Grade Classroom

Fifth and Sixth Grade Classroom

Seventh and Eight Grade Classroom

Maximum Students

12

15

20

27

27

27

27

27

A Unique Grade Structure

Pilgrim’s grade structure is truly unique. It has evolved over time to meet changing needs. In the 1970’s and 80’s the structure was K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 with maximum sizes of 20 for kindergarten and 27 for the grade combinations. The ever increasing flow of applications in the late 80’s prompted a change that allowed Pilgrim to add 27 children without increasing maximum class sizes. Grades 2 and 5 were split creating the following classroom combinations*: K, 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 5-6, 7-8. A four year old morning preschool (maximum capacity 15) and a three year old afternoon preschool (maximum capacity 12) were added as well.

Additional adjustments have been made. Families with children enrolled in preschool and kindergarten now have the option of a three or five day afternoon program. Primary grade children have single grade classes for reading and math with an 18 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Grades 4, 5, and 6 have single grade classes for math with the same student-teacher ratio. 7th and 8th grade students scoring at the 90th percentile or higher in math have the option of participating in high school algebra and geometry classes at St. Benedict High School.

THIS UNIQUE GRADE STRUCTURE WORKS! Though it is not always recognized, children in single grade classrooms are not all functioning at that grade level. Teachers automatically recognize this in combined grade classrooms and view students as functioning where they are, not where their grade level says they should be. This may be one of the reasons why the average Pilgrim 8th grade achievement test score is consistently nearly three grade levels ahead of national norms.

* Balance is the key ingredient in the split. Children representing a variety of levels of social, physical, and intellectual development are placed into each half of grades two and five.

Facilities

In addition to the classrooms, school facilities include:

  • Library
  • Mobile Computer Lab
  • Stage and Auditorium
  • Lunchroom
  • Play Deck for Preschool and Kindergarten including a sandbox and jungle gym
  • Outdoor Basketball Court

Through the creative use of space, students are able to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.