Physical Education
The St. Perpetua physical education/health program promotes a healthy body and lifestyle. It encourages physical fitness, confidence, appreciation for team play and self-expression built upon a challenging and fun curriculum, and a variety of organized outdoor activities. The curriculum is designed to focus on movement concepts, skill themes and wellness concepts, with the goal of developing physical competence, which leads to confidence and participation in physical activity for a lifetime.
To help students develop and maintain healthy bodies and minds, the school encourages students to participate in extracurricular sports like CYO basketball, volleyball and track. Specialized on-site sports clinics (e.g., soccer) are also offered after school. “Field Day” is a year-end event that kicks off summer with an Olympic-like competition across various grades
Music & The Arts
Music
“If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children’s education.” Yo-Yo Ma
The study of music is much more than learning how to sing or play an instrument. It is a way for our students to connect with their peers and the world around them - sharing their individual gifts while working together to create something as a community. The St. Perpetua music program is an integral part of every grade level. The early grades learn basic music theory through singing, movement, instrument demonstrations, musical storytelling, and composition. The older students learn to play the recorder and the ukulele, sing in choirs, and study music history. In addition to this comprehensive, school-wide program, the whole St. Perpetua community comes together for musical celebrations at Christmas and in the spring. Music is a joyful, integral part of the St. Perpetua School curriculum and community.
Art
Art is essential to learning, both as an academic skill and as a form of self expression. St. Perpetua School’s art program focuses on the creative process and the development of fundamental skills in a variety of media. Weekly art lessons are comprised of basic elements of art and design (line, color, texture, shape, etc.), new techniques to improve drawing, shading, perspective and use of color, and an appreciation of historical works of art.
Performing Arts
Support for the growth of individual talents is also made possible through our performing arts program. St. Perpetua students have several opportunities to attend musical performance throughout the year, actively participating in regular prayer services, often involving oral speaking and choral performances.
Other annual performances may include: a Christmas pageant, spring musical, talent show and Special Person’s Day, where classes prepare dance routines to perform for family and friends they have invited to join them for lunch and the event.
Garden of Learning
The Garden of Learning offers students a unique opportunity to engage with nature, develop hands-on skills, and gain a deeper understanding of sustainability, food production, and environmental stewardship. By integrating chickens into the garden, students not only learn about the life cycle and care of these fascinating animals, but also discover how they contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem. From collecting eggs to observing chicken behavior, every aspect of the garden becomes a living classroom, where lessons in biology, responsibility, and teamwork come to life. The garden fosters a connection to the land, encouraging students to explore the importance of local food systems and the benefits of growing their own produce. With activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and environmental consciousness, the School Garden of Learning provides an enriching, hands-on educational experience that helps nurture the next generation of sustainable thinkers and problem-solvers.
Student Enrichment & EDucation (SEEDs)
St. Perpetua School proudly features a comprehensive self-funded enrichment program to broaden educational experiences for all students. A unique parent-led initiative, SEEDs raises funds throughout the year to provide fulfilling enrichment activities to support and enhance the curriculum.
Students attend many stimulating and informative academic and cultural field trips within the Bay Area and beyond. Examples of experiences both on campus and off-site include:
San Francisco Symphony
Chabot Space & Science Center
Academy of Sciences
Colonial Days
Cal Shakes
Civil War Days
Lawrence Hall of Science
Local dance and theatrical productions (Lesher Center performances, Shakespeare, etc.)
Students, individually, or in groups, can share their knowledge and challenge themselves by participating in school competitions, like the annual Scripps Spelling Bee and National Geographic Geography Bee, where the winners of each contest go on to compete in regional, and in some cases, state competitions. Students also have opportunities to enter writing, poetry and art contests throughout the school year.
