High School Prep Curriculum
(Grades 6-8)
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• ​Program Overview
• Religion & SEL
• Physical Education
• ​​Music & Art
• Math
• Science
• Language Arts
• Social Studies
• Foreign Language
• Technology

St. John's 6th - 8th grade middle school program, High School Prep, successfully prepares students for high school and beyond. Our students' test scores are consistently above the national norm and as a result, 95% of St. John's students place into their #1 choice high school. 

Led by three highly qualified teachers, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Benedict, and Mrs. Runge, High School Prep includes a wide range of subjects including religion, social emotional learning, music, and leveled reading and math classes. Our small class sizes help students receive the individualized attention they need, and also allow them to create strong bonds with their teachers and classmates. 

Our goal is for each student to graduate from St. John's with the tools they need to be lifelong learners who are grounded in faith and have a heart for service.

Religion:

The religion curriculum for grades 6 - 8 features worship opportunities, Bible study, catechism, memory work, church history, and having students share what their faith means to them.

Service hours are an important component of the religion curriculum, and High School Prep students are required to earn a certain amount of service hours each year. Our goal is for students to learn the value of service to the community and caring for others.

Social Emotional Learning:

​We believe that social emotional learning (SEL) is essential to each child's growth and as a part of our whole child approach, we work to help foster the emotional and social health of our students. 

Our SEL curriculum in High School Prep, the Friendzy Program, focuses on self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills and is taught by each grade's homeroom teacher.

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Students participate in a food drive for Immanuel Lutheran Church's food pantry.

Through gym class and recess, students participate in physical fitness, recreational activities, group games, and team sports. Gym uniforms are required in Grades 6 - 8.

Outdoor education is a part of the 6th grade curriculum and takes place at Walcamp. This is a wonderful bonding and team building experience for students as they participate in group games and physical fitness activities.

Sixth grade students learn to kayak while attending Walcamp.

Music:

In music class, students gain experience in rhythm, music theory, and music appreciation with their voices as well as with various musical instruments. Music classes are taught by Mrs. Jurica. Learn about Mrs. Jurica on our Teachers & Staff page. 

Private guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice lessons are offered to 6th-8th grade students. Walther Christian Academy provides after-school band instruction. Students also participate in school musicals every other year. 

Art:

Students in grades 6 - 8 may elect to participate in visual art activities through the after-school art club led by Mrs. Green, the St. John's art teacher. Learn about Mrs. Green on our Teachers & Staff page.

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High School Prep students rehearse for their spring musical, "Into the Woods."

Big Ideas Math, the High School Prep math curriculum, incorporates leveled instruction according to students' abilities. There are as many as six different math levels including pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. 

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Students in Pre-Algebra compare theoretical and experimental probability by rolling dice. 

As with all subjects, science is taught from a Christian perspective in High School Prep. Science classes vary by grade level and include general science, biology, earth science, physics, and health and safety skills. High School Prep students also have the opportunity to participate in animal dissections. 

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Seventh grade students participate in a forensic science experiment.

High School Prep language arts classes include reading, English, spelling, grammar, literature, creative writing activities, and public speaking.

St. John's uses MyView Literacy as its reading curriculum. High School Prep students are placed into leveled reading groups with differentiated instruction.

St. John’s also has an extensive library of leveled books that are used to supplement classroom reading activities. 

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Students write and edit articles for the school newspaper, "The Eagle's Nest."

St. John's uses the MyWorld Interactive social studies curriculum in grades 6-8. Our social studies classes focus on the study of geography, history, citizenship, current events, and the United States and Illinois Constitutions.

7th and 8th grade students also have the opportunity to visit Springfield, IL to learn about our state government and history.

High School Prep students pose in front of President Lincoln's house during their annual trip Springfield, IL.

In grades 6-8, students utilize Duo Lingo to choose the language they would like to study.

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As a part of a French elective course, High School Prep students give presentations on French landmarks.

In High School Prep, our teachers utilize Google Classroom for homework assignments, and 70% of students' work in grades 6-8  is completed on their assigned Chromebook. Teachers emphasize technology safety and responsibility.  

We are currently working on designing a STEM classroom where classes can work on science, technological, engineering, and math projects. St. John’s also has two 3-D printers and a green screen for creating short films. 

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Sixth grade students learn how to use 3-D printers!

High School Prep students have the opportunity to participate in various elective options once a week. Courses have included art, coding, school newspaper, and French instruction.

What does a typical day look like for a High School Prep Student?

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Sample 8th Grade Schedule

"I love how my child is truly cared for by the teachers and staff of St. John's. ​She loves her teachers and how they make learning fun."
- Erica, 6th grade parent

Did you know that 95% of St. John's students attend their
​#1 choice high school?

Preparing For High School

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6th Grade

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The high school preparation process begins at St. John's in 6th grade when students enter our rigorous High School Preparation Program. Students engage with and learn from specialized teachers in math, language arts, science, and social studies, and learn how to manage block schedules and switching classrooms.

7th Grade

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In 7th grade, our High School Prep teachers continue to emphasize the importance of classroom attendance, quarterly report cards, and test scores. Chicago area high schools typically review students' information and scores from 7th grade, so our teachers encourage students to do their best work throughout the year.

8th Grade

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Each family receives a private consultation with Mrs. Runge, who has nearly 20 years of experience navigating the high school process with families. She discusses the various high school options and admissions criteria with each family and remains in frequent communication with families throughout the year.

Our Vision for our Graduates

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When students graduate from St. John's, our hope is that they will possess the skills and traits they need to succeed in high school and beyond. Our vision is that they will be:

Lifelong learners

Empathetic and loving citizens

Living out the Gospel of Jesus

Positively impacting their community
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Performing with distinction at the next academic level

Schools Our Graduates Attend

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"We love St. John's and especially the teachers. They truly care about the students inside and outside of the classroom. They give 110% and it really shows from the moment you step inside the school!" 
​​-Melissa W, parent