Academics
Curriculum Overview
At Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, academic excellence is rooted in faith, high expectations, and a commitment to meeting each child where they are. Our curriculum challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop a lifelong love of learning while remaining grounded in Gospel values. We provide a strong academic foundation that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
The curriculum program at MTCA is aligned with both local and national learning standards, established by both the State of Illinois and the Diocese of Joliet, and is designed to ensure continuity, depth, and academic growth at every grade level.
Students receive instruction in the following subject areas:
Curriculum Overview
At Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, academic excellence is rooted in faith, high expectations, and a commitment to meeting each child where they are. Our curriculum challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop a lifelong love of learning while remaining grounded in Gospel values. We provide a strong academic foundation that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
The curriculum program at MTCA is aligned with both local and national learning standards, established by both the State of Illinois and the Diocese of Joliet, and is designed to ensure continuity, depth, and academic growth at every grade level.
Students receive instruction in the following subject areas:
Educating the Whole Child
At Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, academics go beyond textbooks and tests. We educate the whole child – intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically – so students graduate confident, capable, and grounded in faith.
Every child learns differently and our teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to engage diverse learners and promote academic confidence. Small class sizes allow teachers to know their students well and provide meaningful academic support and challenge.
Key elements of the MTCA instructional model include:
Departmentalized Classrooms
Beginning in Grade 1, for core academic subjects, this model allows teachers to specialize in subject areas, ensuring deeper instruction and consistency across grade levels.
Enrichment Programs
In addition, Mother Teresa Catholic Academy offers enrichment opportunities in Art and Band, supporting creativity and self-expression as part of a well-rounded education.
Advanced Learning
Qualified students with a strong aptitude for math and science may be accepted into MTCA’s accelerated program and attend Algebra and Biology courses at Marian Catholic High School, earning high school credit.
Religion & Faith Formation
Faith is integrated throughout the academic experience. Religion is taught daily as part of the core curriculum and students attend weekly Mass as a school community.
Sacramental Preparation
Grade 2 students prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist while junior high students prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Service Learning & Stewardship
Stewardship is a cornerstone of faith formation at Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. Students are taught from an early age to share their time, talent, and treasure in service to others.
Service opportunities include:
During Advent and Lent, students participate in school-wide service initiatives such as food drives, gift collections for Misericordia, and global outreach projects including Operation Rice Bowl, Project Heifer, Home of Hope in India, and South Suburban PADS.
Through service, students learn compassion, responsibility, and the joy of putting faith into action.
Service Learning & Stewardship
Stewardship is a cornerstone of faith formation at Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. Students are taught from an early age to share their time, talent, and treasure in service to others.
Service opportunities include:
During Advent and Lent, students participate in school-wide service initiatives such as food drives, gift collections for Misericordia, and global outreach projects including Operation Rice Bowl, Project Heifer, Home of Hope in India, and South Suburban PADS.
Through service, students learn compassion, responsibility, and the joy of putting faith into action.
