2010-2011 Saint Joseph Academy Course Selection

ABOUT THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES AT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY

The educational experiences offered to students at Saint Joseph Academy are a reflection
of the principles in our mission statement:

To succeed in university studies:

Saint Joseph Academy’s comprehensive curriculum in the arts and sciences emphasizes
fundamental academic skills – the written and oral expression of ideas, problem solving,
critical thought, and the competent use of current technology. Our students prepare
themselves for university studies and for a lifetime of learning. Recognizing that our
students come to us with a variety of ability levels, we offer classes that will meet them at
their level and help them to grow in their aptitude for scholastic achievement. For those
who seek opportunities for advanced learning, Honors and Advanced Placement Courses
are offered in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Target Languages.
Courses are also offered for students who enter with limited English language skills. The
Champagnat Learning Center offers a variety of support services for students with
diagnosed learning differences.

At Saint Joseph Academy, writing and research are incorporated into all subject areas.
As part of an on-going information literacy initiative, students at every grade level
receive training in the most up-to-date research practices. The curriculum, which has
undergone extensive renovation under the direction of a nationally recognized authority
in the field of curriculum and instruction, is designed to foster the critical thinking,
research, and writing skills students will need for success at the university level. In
addition, faculty in all departments continue to participate in professional development to
ensure that our students receive excellent instruction and have abundant opportunities to
hone their writing skills in all their classes.

To know and love Jesus:

The study of Roman Catholicism, central to our curriculum, has two aims. First, students
acquire a comprehensive understanding of the Roman Catholic tradition. Secondly, and
even more importantly, students gain fuller access to the rich Catholic treasury of
resources for developing a meaningful life of faith. These resources include a balanced
and informed moral system based on a keen sense of social responsibility. While formal
religious education takes place in religion classes, Christian values are reflected
throughout the curriculum.

To actively participate in the worship and mission of the Church:

Through regular worship as a school community, opportunities for prayer and reflection,
the Marist Youth Movement, retreat experiences, and a variety of voluntary service
projects, the seeds of faith, love, and responsibility to the least favored have the
opportunity to take root in the lives of students. Following the model of Saint Marcellin
Champagnat, Saint Joseph Academy continually strives to build a genuinely Christian
community in which students are offered love, acceptance, discipline, and challenge.