high school prep Academics

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. 

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, using the Discovery Science curriculum. High School Prep students also have the opportunity to participate in animal dissections. 

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. 

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.

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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.