Enrichment Programs

 Extended Day

As a convenience for parents in need of childcare after school hours, the SJA Extended Day Program offers supervised enrichment each school day from the end of the regular school day until 6:00 p.m. (Extended Day is not available on the last day of the school year, or on the last day of school prior to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter vacation.)

The Extended Day program includes planned activities to develop individual growth through arts and crafts projects, indoor and outdoor games, and computer time. Playtime in the gym is offered in the event of inclement weather. Quiet time for reading or completion of homework assignments is available to students daily. A movie and popcorn are featured every Friday. Christian attitudes toward self and others are emphasized in all activities.

A nourishing daily snack and fruit juice is provided, but children must bring their own lunch on early dismissal days. All snacks and lunches must conform to SJA food guidelines. Parents are welcome to visit and observe their children at any time.

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 High School Counseling

Because a successful transition from middle school to high school is so important for students and parents, SJA staff members offer information, guidance, and ongoing assistance on high school selection options, and the application process. In addition, our annual High School Fair gives SJA students and their parents the opportunity to meet with representatives from local-area private Catholic high schools — to learn more about local Catholic high schools, ask questions, explore options, and schedule appointments to tour the schools.

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 Foreign Language

St. John Academy offers instruction in Spanish and Latin. Spanish is taught starting in first grade through eighth grade. High School Level Spanish I is taught in the seventh and eighth grades. Latin is offered to students in seventh and eighth grade.

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 The Elizabeth Program

The Elizabeth Program is an art program created in the memory of SJA student, Elizabeth Warchot. Taught by Art teacher, Mrs. Vivian Grady, the program introduces students to renowned artists from around the world. Students learn art history and appreciation, as well as the artistic styles and life stories of selected individual artists. Parents and parishioners are welcome to present an "art talent" they would like to be considered for presentation to students.

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 Library

St. John Academy’s library offers 14,500 volumes, and a variety of reading programs including “Battle of the Books” for grades five and six, “Bookworm Club” for grades one to four, “Junior Great Books” for grades one to four, “Accelerated Readers” for kindergarten through grade three, and monthly research questions. An easy-to-use catalog search engine is installed on computers. Screened Internet access is also available on all the computers.

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 Technology

SJA uses a project-oriented approach to teaching technology – one that captivates students, and involves them more deeply. Students are actively engaged in learning the practical applications of software through verbal and visual cues, and hands-on activities. Research, writing, and math skills are emphasized throughout various projects as the use of technology is integrated into the classroom curriculum when possible. Research, writing and math skills are emphasized throughout the various projects.

Elementary students learn keyboarding skills, how to develop a PowerPoint presentation, how to safely research on the Internet, and how to put together a publication. Middle school students build on these skills and further learn how to use and create spreadsheets, design marketing materials for promotional ventures, write HTML, and design simple Web pages. Use of digital photography, desktop publishing, and other practical skills enables students to produce such products as recipe books, calendars, Christmas cards, and promotional brochures. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access are some of the practical applications the students learn to use.

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 Children’s Choir

We are delighted and proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the SJA Treble Choir, under the direction of music director, Mr. David Lang, and music teacher, Ms. Maria Bissex . Choir members will learn through the Ward method, and will rehearse for performances at the weekly school Mass on Thursday, at 9:00 a.m. Students practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 8:05 a.m.

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 Band

SJA students participate in the Diocesan Band Program under the direction of Dr. Garwood Whaley, and band instructor Ms. Emily Grancio. The band program is open to students in grades four through eight. It is an outstanding music ensemble that has received the highest rating of “Superior” for the past two years at the Diocesan Band Festival.

Sectional band lessons are given throughout the school day to students playing in various instrument groups. The Advanced Band has a full band practice after school on Fridays. Both the Beginner and Advanced Band present two concerts to the school during the year: the Christmas concert and the Spring concert. In addition, the Advanced Band participates in the Diocesan Band Festival, scheduled for late May. Students may rent or purchase their instruments.

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The Aerium

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