Academics |
Academics |
Early Childhood Curriculum
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The religion curriculum for grades 1 - 5 features worship opportunities, Bible Study, catechism, memory work, church history, and defending the Christian faith. Service Hours are another component of the religion curriculum. Big Ideas Math has been systematically developed using learning and instructional theory to ensure the quality of instruction. Students gain a deeper understanding of math concepts by narrowing their focus to fewer topics at each grade level. Students master content through inductive reasoning opportunities, engaging activities that provide deeper understanding, concise stepped-out examples, rich thought-provoking exercises, and a continual building on what has been previously taught. Big Ideas Math delivers a unique and revolutionary curriculum providing a balanced instructional approach of discovery and direct instruction. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning, and inquiry as students persevere to answer the Essential Questions that drive instruction. Clearly stepped-out examples complete the lesson and provide students with the precise language and structure necessary to build mathematical understanding and proficiency. Through gym class and recess students participate in physical fitness and recreation activities, group games and team sports. Gym uniforms are required in Grade 5 (available through the school office). In music class students gain experience in rhythm, music theory, music appreciation, and with various musical instruments. Students also participate in school musicals. After school guitar and piano lessons are offered. Walther Christian Academy provides instruction with band instruments. In school art class is offered to grades 1 - 4. These classes feature drawing and painting activities, using mixed media, and art appreciation. Grade 5 may elect to experience art activities through the after-school art club. 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 taught through the science classes. Language Arts classes include reading, phonics, English, spelling, literature, handwriting and creative writing activities. St. John’s also has an extensive library of leveled books that are used to supplement classroom reading activities. High School Prep students are placed in leveled reading groups with differentiated instruction being provided within the individual reading group. Students are prepared to be Christian citizens through the study of geography, history, citizenship, current events and the United States and Illinois Constitutions. Spanish is taught in grades 1 - 4. Beginning in grade 5, 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. St. John’s also has two 3-D printers where students can create and build 3-D models. Students in Grades 5 are assigned a Chromebook to be used for instructional purposes. "The thing I love most about my kids going to St. John's is that they get to go to school in a place they feel safe and genuinely loved. The fact that they want to go to school says it all!"-Jennie, PreK-4, 2nd, 6th grade parent |
High School Prep Curriculum
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"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, 8th grade parent |