St. Joseph Catholic School utilizes the curriculum designed by the Diocese of St. Augustine in all subject areas. This curriculum takes both national and state standards into account while adding objectives that infuse the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith into everything we teach our students. In addition to the core subjects of Reading, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, we offer the following additional programs:
Basic Catholic Christian doctrine and ideals are taught in a regular religion class at each grade level.
Mass and special liturgical celebrations where students are active participants enhance these teachings. Confessions, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, and the living Rosary are scheduled at regular intervals.
Students in Grade 2 prepare for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Students in Grade 8 prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The art program is a strong part of our curriculum at St. Joseph. Students attend art classes on a weekly basis. The program is designed to enable students to gain a basic understanding in the art forms through technique, terminology, and written and hands-on work. This area of learning also encourages the uniqueness and originality of each student in his/her expression through various art media.
A guidance counselor is employed by the school for the welfare of our students. This counselor is available to meet with students or parents regarding social, emotional, or academic needs a student may have. Our counselor is available everyday of the week.
Occasionally a student may demonstrate, through classroom performance and standardized testing, the maturity to undertake the study of Algebra 1 Honors in eighth grade. Students who wish to enroll in this honors course should meet the following criteria adopted by diocesan principals and approved by the superintendent:
Criteria
- 85% or above academic average each quarter in seventh grade mathematics.
- 90 + national percentile mathematics composite score on sixth and seventh grade standardized test (ITBS).
- Recommendation of seventh grade mathematics teacher using the approved diocesan form.
All students enrolled in 8th grade Algebra 1 Honors must maintain at least an average of 85% each quarter or they will be removed from the course.
Please be advised that completion of our 8th grade Algebra 1 course does not automatically guarantee a student’s placement in geometry as a freshman in high school.
*The same criteria exist for students who wish to undertake the study of Pre-Algebra in seventh grade or Track C math in 6th grade.
The Technology Program at St. Joseph is geared towards teaching the students about computers and related technologies, as well as how to use them as a tool for learning. Keyboarding and computer applications, such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets, are included in the curriculum. Students also learn library skills and research techniques. Students in grades K-8 attend regularly scheduled Media Research classes each week.
The music program is designed to teach the appreciation and enjoyment of music, as well as the understanding of music’s role in the Catholic Church and our community. It includes the study of melody, harmony, rhythm and beat, tone color, dynamics and tempo.
Classes are scheduled on a regular basis. Additionally, students in Grades 4-8 may choose to join an after school choir and/or audition for a musical in the spring. The choir sings at Masses throughout the school year as well as at special events. Participation in the choir and musical assumes rehearsal and performance attendance by all members.
At St. Joseph physical education is an important part of your child’s curriculum.
In Grades K-4, our emphasis is on movement education. This program is designed to develop and enhance your child’s motor skills at his or her own pace by using a series of skill stations that are individually stimulating and challenging. Non-competitive and semi-competitive games are also a part of this program, allowing your child the opportunity to put these developing skills to use.
In Grades 5-8, although movement education is still an intricate part of the program, a more traditional approach towards the familiar competitive games such as football (touch), basketball, volleyball, soccer, and softball is introduced. The emphasis is not so much on winning as on developing a love for the game.
One full-time and one part-time Remedial Reading and Math teachers are employed to provide remediation and enrichment to individuals and small groups of students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The program is designed to meet individual student needs with the recommendation of the homeroom teacher. Student tutoring, enrichment exercises and computer activities are incorporated in the program.
Students in 7th and 8th grade are required to perform service acts as part of their religious education. Seventh graders are required to achieve 10 hours, and 8th graders are required to achieve at least 20 hours. Service hours forms are located on the school’s website. These activities may benefit the parish, community, or school. Additionally, students in 6th grade who anticipate possible acceptance into the National Junior Honor Society in the fall of their 7th grade year must have completed 10 service hours as well.
A full-time Spanish teacher is employed to provide an introduction to the cultures and language of Spanish-speaking countries. In addition to learning vocabulary, students sing songs, dance, and learn about the foods and traditions of the countries. The Catholic identity is shared by reciting daily prayers, discussing Catholic holidays, and learning about Spanish saints. Students in 8th grade also participate in a diocesan-wide Mass in Spanish each spring.
Students in grades K-5 receive instruction once per week, and students in grades 6-8 receive instruction twice per week.
