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 activities to develop individual growth through indoor and outdoor games. 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. 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.

 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 sixth, 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 15,000 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, which engages the students. The use of technology is integrated into the classroom curriculum when possible. Students are actively engaged in learning the practical applications of software through verbal and visual cues, and hands-on activities. Some of these activities include an illustrated recipe book by the first grade, a family book by the second grade, and the use of Excel to plan a dinner budget by the fifth grade. Elementary students use Word, PowerPoint and Excel as well as PictureIt to produce their projects.

These skills are further honed in middle school as students learn more complex spreadsheets in addition to advanced applications in Word. Students learn digital photography, desktop publishing, research skills, and HTML. Projects in the middle school include choosing a career and finding out what the education requirements, cost, and prospective earnings are for their chosen career. This enables them to create a responsibile monthly budget, buy a house and a car. Math skills are honed by eighth graders as they learn more complex spreadsheets while discovering the real cost of owning a car. Both seventh and eighth grade develop complex website through the use of HTML and animation software.

Many religious projects are produced with the school's Catholic identity interwoven. Third graders design saint cards for their saint day and the eighth grade class write and format a 60-page book on their favorite saints prior to Confirmation.

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 Children’s Choir

We are delighted and proud to offer students in grades 3-8 the opportunity to participate in the SJA Treble Choir (boys) and Treble Choir (girls), under the direction of Mr. David Lang, SJB Master of Music and Miss Maria Bissex, SJA Instructor of Music. Rehearsals are held in the music room from 7:30 - 8:10 a.m. (M, W - girls; T, Th - boys) to prepare for weekly school Masses on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. and occasional weekend Masses on Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

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 Band

SJA students participate in Band through the Garwood Whaley Music Program under the direction of 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 three 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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Piano, Violin and Cello Lessons

Students may enroll in Piano, Violin or Cello lessons with Music Kids, available on-site at SJA.  Each student receives a weekly lesson, monthly group instruction, instrument rental (violin), and recital opportunities.  Music Kids instructors use a Suzuki-inspired approach where lessons are an integrated part of a student's academic, family, and social life.  Registration for ages 3 and up is currently open for fall, spring, and summer lessons.  Lessons are primarily held after school.  For program information, answers to questions and online registration, please visit www.MusicKidsProgram.com.

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The Aerium

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