High School Prep

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

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 another component of the religion curriculum, as we want to instill in our students the value of serving our communities. 

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Students cleaning up the neighborhood as a service hour opportunity

Big Ideas Math is a complete math program developed with the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Content and Standards for Mathematical Practice as its foundation.

High School Prep math classes are leveled according to students’ abilities. There are as many as six different math levels with geometry being the highest level taught. It is the only program to offer multiple pathways through middle school mathematics. The Regular Pathway prepares students for Algebra 1 or Integrated 1 in 9th grade.  
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(The above information is taken from the Big Ideas Math Program Overview)

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Students playing a percentage review game with Mrs. Runge

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 and are available through the school office.

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

In music class, students gain experience in rhythm, music theory, and music appreciation with their voices as well as with various musical instruments. Students also participate in school musicals every other year. 

​After school guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice lessons are offered to 6th-8th grade students. Walther Christian Academy provides after school band instruction.

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High School Prep students during a dress rehearsal for "Into the Woods."

Grades 6-8 may elect to participate in art activities through the after school art club led by Mrs. Green, the John's art teacher.

As with all subjects, science is taught from a Christian perspective.  Science classes vary by grade level and include general science, biology, and earth science. Health and safety skills are also taught during science classes.

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Students creating and testing roller coasters as a part of their physics unit.

Language Arts classes include reading, phonics, English, spelling, literature, handwriting, and creative writing activities.

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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A student's written report about a notable person in history.

St. John's uses the MyWorld Interactive social studies curriculum in 6th-8th grade. 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 posing in front of President Lincoln's house in Springfield, IL.

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

Typing skills, word processing, and computer-generated activities are included in technology classes. Our teachers utilize Google Classroom for homework assignments, and 70% of students' work in 6th-8th grade is completed on their assigned Chromebook.

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 where students can create and build 3-D models. Students get creative when making short films for class projects with our green screen. 

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Students working on a project with the green screen.

What does a typical week for a High School Prep student look like?

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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

What High Schools Do St. John's Students Attend?

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When students graduate from St. John's, they are well equipped emotionally, socially, spiritually, and academically for the demands of high school. 95% of our students attend their first choice high school. 

Graduate High School Destinations from 2017 to 2021:

Selective High Schools:
- Lane Tech College Prep
- Northside College Prep

Preferred CPS Schools:
- Von Stueben
- William Howard Taft IB
- Amundsen IB
- Rickover Naval Academy
- Chicago High School for the Arts

Private High Schools:
- DePaul College Prep
- Loyola Academy 
- Regina Dominican
- Notre Dame College Prep

Charter & Magnet Schools:
- Chicago International Charter School
-  Disney II

Preparing for High School

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We begin the high school discussion with families at the 8th grade parent meeting at the beginning of the school year. Then, we discuss options one-on-one at Parent Teacher Conferences at the end of October and the beginning of November. Our 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Runge, is always available throughout the year to meet with families further as needed.  ​