St. Joseph Catholic School’s curriculum is based on the State Common Core Standards. Building on this core academic content, the instructional program also works to develop the essential skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration. Some of our curriculum highlights include: • Strong Faith Formation Program which intertwines daily instruction, prayer, and reflection to deepen students’ Catholic identity. The program also includes: - Weekly Mass led by a class each week.
- Confession offered during the school day every Wednesday for grades 3-8
- Participation in a Service Program for grades 7-8 (including work in a local soup kitchen)
- Adoration devotions
- Classroom visits by the priest.
- Opportunities to become altar servers for all 5th-8th grade students
- Parish Youth Group
• Math Program: SJS currently utilizes the I-Ready math program for grades K-8th. This program will focus on:
- A precise framework of concepts and skills
- Concepts and skills taught in depth to allow for mastery
- Use of a concrete-to visual-to abstract development of concepts using model drawings to connect visual representation to problem-solving
- Emphasis on problem-solving considered central to all mathematics study - Pre-Algebra/Algebra program at the middle school level. K- 8 Writing/Composition and Reading Programs Kindergarten through 5th grades utilize the work of Lucy Calkins and the "Teachers Reading and Writing Project” of Teachers College Columbia University. Grades 6th, 7th, and 8th, utilize Literature books and integrate novels in their learning and writing. Geography is taught in the 6th grade. US History/World History is taught in the Junior High
• Technology is embedded throughout the curriculum to maximize learning opportunities in all content areas. This is supported through:
- Technology Integration Specialist, a teacher who works with teachers in planning and designing lessons and with students in classrooms to support technology integration into the instructional program.
- Smart™ Boards (interactive whiteboards) and document cameras in every classroom.
- COWs (Computers On Wheels laptop mobile labs) in each classroom as well as the library
- Wireless school campus
- Every teacher has a laptop to facilitate instructional planning and parent communication.
- RenWeb™ student data software system allows parents to access lesson plans, homework, grades, behavior reports, announcements, lunch menus, and other grade specific information from any location via the web.
• Science - Kindergrarten through 5th grades utilize Mystery Science. Mystery Science offers open-and-go-lessons that inspires kids to love Science. The hook, visuals, and activity are prepared and teacher friendly. In the 6th grade, students are taught Earth Science. The Junior High learns Physical Science and Life Science.
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) standardized testing is administered three times a year. This computer adaptive standardized test dynamically adjusts to each student’s performance level providing a better indicator of students' true achievement and academic needs. Using this test data, teachers can identify the skills and concepts individual students have learned; diagnose instructional needs of individual students; and monitor academic growth over time.
• Arts offerings include weekly lessons in music, Band and World Languages will be incorporated into the curriculum through other subject areas. Band is offered through District 108 and begins at the 5th grade level. • Modified block scheduling for middle school students (6th-8th) provides a structure that increases student learning and helps develop key work habits, such as goal setting, planning, prioritizing, and managing time. Block scheduling also provides more time for:
- guided application of skills through hands-on activities, labs, and technology.
- in-depth study of more complex concepts and processes.
- students to ask questions and receive one-on-one help.
• Pre-K Program is a pre-school program for three, four, and five year-olds. The program is based on the Illinois Early Learning Standards and offers opportunities for academic, social, spiritual and physical development. We offer a 3 year old program two days a week., Our 4/5 year old program, if available for a half day or full day program 5 days a week. | 
