Early Childhood

Little Lambs (3 Year Olds) and Voluntary PreKindergarten Program

Little Lambs enjoy their day learning through play.  Age appropriate academic and social development is stressed. The curriculum is enhanced with in-house field trips and special classes that include Spanish, art, library, music, and physical education.  Full and half day programs are available. 

Our VPK program follows the curriculum guidelines of the Early Learning Coalition.  Students participate in language arts, math, science and social studies activities.  Our afternoon enrichment program gives the students the opportunity to participate in physical education, art, library, music, Spanish, and technology education.

Most importantly, our Early Childhood programs stress love of God and one another and assist the children in developing Christian values.

Primary

Kindergarten through Grade 2

The primary curriculum consists of:  faith formation, language arts (reading, grammar, composition), social studies, math, and science. Primary students can expect to attend special classes including: music, Spanish, physical education, art, library and technology education. Second graders prepare for receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.

Primary students begin to be involved in the school's Christian Social Justice projects as part of their faith formation.  The primary department projects include collecting food basics for families in Pahokee, making goody bags for Carpenter's Kitchen, and collecting school supplies for children in need.

Intermediate

Grades 3 through 5

The intermediate curriculum expands upon the core curriculum and special classes.  Many of our students qualify for the Duke University Talent Identification Program.   Instrumental music is introduced in the third grade to prepare students for participation in the school band program which begins in the 4th grade. They take a variety of on and off site field trips to fun and educational places like The Environmental Studies Center, Junior Achievement's "Biz Town" and The Little Red Schoolhouse. Intermediate also continues to work on their Christian Social Justice projects and develop a better understanding of Christ and the world around them. 

Middle School

Grades 6 though 8

Our middle school curriculum includes all of the core subject areas with the addition of honors math levels through Honors Algebra I. The students may participate in the jazz, concert, and symphonic band, a highlight of the middle school.  Students are given extensive opportunities for public speaking and involvement in academic contests.  The Christian Social Justice projects become more involved, and service hours become a requirement.

Technology/Media/Library

St. Joseph Catholic School is home to a state of the art computer lab which utilizes Windows 7 and the latest Microsoft Office suite and smart board technology.  Students are taught how to use the programs and generate high quality, curriculum related  products from this use. The school library houses over 10,000 volume and is equipped with internet accessible computers.  Our St. Nicholas Room is used for school wide smart board technology and other technological uses with projectors.  Other technology in use within the classrooms include smart responses, individual classroom projectors, and classroom computers.

Other Specials

Art

St. Joseph Catholic School incorporates a mulitude of art media for the students to experience.  Sculpture, metal works, pastels, water color, oils, and other innovative materials are used to inspire the creativity in our students.  Student work is posted to Artsonia.com for the viewing pleasure of our entire community.

Music

Where to begin!  St. Joseph Catholic School has the premier band program in the tri-county area.  Students begin learning instrumental music in the third grade. From there, they progress into the concert, symphonic, and jazz bands.  Students become members of our symphonic and jazz bands through auditions.  This past year, our symphonic band received 148 out of a possible 150 awarded superior metals and straight superiors with level 3 music from the Florida Band Masters Assessment.  Our jazz band is requested to play at many community events throughout the school year including the Jensen Beach Pineapple Fest, the Caritas Christi Ball, events for the Knights of Columbus, and other prestigious events.

Students from Little Lambs through grade 4 participate in a "standard" music class where they are introduced to musical notice and choral singing.  A faith related Christmas and spring production are held each year.

Students are introduced to the Spanish language as early as the Little Lambs program. Spanish is part of the regular schedule for students in the Little Lambs program through Grade 8. 

Physical Education

All students attend physical education class twice per week.  Students are instructed in team sports and participate in activities that work on gross and fine motor skills.  The curriculum is based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards as well the the standards created by the Diocese of Palm Beach.