Family Rooms

A Place to Learn.

A Place to Belong.

At Lial, our classrooms are Family Rooms—communities where children are known, supported, and inspired to grow.

3yr Olds

Preschool

Lial's Preschool program provides a joyful introduction to school in a nurturing, faith-filled environment. Through purposeful play, hands-on exploration, creative expression, and outdoor discovery, our youngest learners develop curiosity, confidence, and essential social skills. Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, build friendships, practice independence, and experience the wonder of God's creation. Guided by caring teachers who recognize each child's unique developmental needs, students begin building the language, motor, and social-emotional skills that prepare them for future learning. Above all, Preschool helps children develop a sense of belonging and discover that school is a place where they are known, loved, and excited to learn.

PreK-K

Readiness

Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, Lial's Readiness program encourages children to become active, independent participants in their learning. Within carefully prepared, multi-age classrooms, students engage with hands-on materials and purposeful activities that develop foundational skills in language, mathematics, practical life, and social development. Teachers observe each child's progress and provide individualized guidance, allowing students to advance as they demonstrate readiness and understanding rather than moving at a uniform pace. Children learn to make choices, solve problems, concentrate on meaningful work, and collaborate with classmates of different ages. This intentional approach nurtures self-confidence, responsibility, and a natural love of learning while establishing the academic and personal foundations for continued growth.

Levels 1-3

Primary

In Lial's Primary unit, students strengthen essential academic skills while becoming increasingly confident and responsible learners. Our multi-age, continuous progress approach allows children to move through learning goals as they demonstrate understanding, with teachers providing individualized instruction, additional support, or greater challenge according to each student's needs. Through direct instruction, hands-on experiences, and collaborative activities, students develop strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and religion. As they grow, children learn to manage their work, think critically, ask meaningful questions, and take pride in their accomplishments. Within a supportive Catholic community, Primary students discover the value of perseverance, kindness, and contributing to the success of others.

Levels 4-5

Intermediate

Lial's Intermediate unit challenges students to deepen their academic understanding while taking greater ownership of their learning. Building on the foundations established in Primary, students engage in increasingly complex reading, writing, mathematics, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving. Individualized instruction and continuous progress allow teachers to respond to each student's demonstrated understanding, providing opportunities for both reinforcement and academic advancement. Students are encouraged to think independently, apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, collaborate with peers, and develop effective organizational and study habits. Through growing responsibilities, service opportunities, and faith formation, Intermediate students develop the maturity, confidence, and leadership skills that prepare them for the transition to Middle School.

Levels 6-8

Middle School

Lial's Middle School provides a challenging, supportive environment where students develop the academic skills, personal responsibility, and character necessary for success in high school and beyond. Building on years of individualized learning, students engage in a more structured academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and independent study. Rigorous coursework, enrichment opportunities, and extracurricular experiences encourage students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and discover new strengths. Teachers continue to know and support students as individuals while challenging them to manage increasing expectations, advocate for themselves, and take responsibility for their learning. Grounded in the Catholic faith and the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Lial graduates are prepared to become confident learners, compassionate leaders, and thoughtful contributors to their communities.

Core & Co-Curricular Middle School Courses

What are Electives?

Elective co-curricular courses include: (Art) Drawing, Painting, 3D Art, Mixed Media, (Phys. Ed.) Fall Sports, Winter Sports, Spring Sports, Healthy Living, (Music) Choir, Instruments, Musical,  (Natural Sciences) L-STREAM and 21st Century Learner. Electives are created to meet the need of every learner and provide the time necessary for in-depth studies of specific content matter. Electives allow each child to explore his or her unique God-given gifts and interests and are aligned to our school mission. Electives follow Lial’s non-graded philosophy, are assessed on an E/P/N scale, and meet Diocesan standards.

Specialties

Lial Catholic School has six specialists working with our students in the areas of art, library, music, physical education, Spanish, and technology.

Technology

Technology is taught as a subject at every level starting with Kindergarten in our Tech Lab. Starting in Primary, tech is also thoughtfully integrated in all Unit classrooms with age-appropriate levels of limited screen time on iPads (Primary and Intermediate) or Chromebooks (Middle School).

Spanish

Hola! Readiness through Middle School students all have Spanish classes each week.