Enrichment

The goal of ABVM’s art program is to teach every child how to express himself through art.  As a result, students learn to see and experience the world in a different way.  Our program helps students understand the relationships between culture and history of art.  Students use a variety of techniques and media throughout the year and participate in art shows and displays, including our annual Art Fair competition held in the spring.

Our school library is a dynamic space for DK-8 students, offering a diverse collection of books, resources, and tools to support learning and foster a love of reading.

Students engage in activities like book checkouts, research, story time, and literacy events that spark curiosity and build critical thinking skills. The library inspires lifelong learning.

Each year, our 4th-grade students look forward to participating in the Diocese of Grand Rapids Battle of the Books competition. The competition features a specially curated collection of fiction, non-fiction, and religious books selected by diocesan teachers to cater to a variety of student interests and reading levels.

Our DK-8 music curriculum introduces students to the foundational elements of music, including rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, form, expressive qualities, and notation. Lessons are designed to align with national music standards, engaging students in activities such as singing, playing instruments, improvising, composing, reading and notating music, evaluating performances, and exploring the connections between music, history, and culture.

Each year, students showcase their talents and learning through special music programs and events, celebrating their progress and creativity.

Students in developmental kindergarten through grade eight participate in physical education, utilizing the gym, sports field, and school facilities. They are assessed on growth through developmentally appropriate skills.

Health topics include nutrition, hygiene, exercise, stress management, and goal setting.

The guidance program fosters a supportive, student-centered environment through individual connections, guidance activities, and collaboration. It emphasizes self-awareness, communication, safety, health, conflict resolution, and Christian responsibility

Spanish language instruction begins in developmental kindergarten (DK) and continues through eighth grade, providing students with an early foundation in the language. This early exposure helps students build proficiency while fostering an appreciation for the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Through this program, students experience the well-documented cognitive advantages of early language learning and develop a broader perspective on the world around them.