The Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) Academic Standards define what students in Catholic Schools should know and be able to do at each grade level.
To access the Curriculum Standards by grade level, please click on the links below.
St. John's faculty provides instruction based on the needs of each student in a climate conducive to learning. The school's curriculum seeks to balance factual learning and basic skills with critical thinking. Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are primarily in self-contained classrooms with specialized instruction and departmentalization in grades 6-8.
RELIGION
The religious education of students is incorporated into all aspects of the school's life and work. Religion includes daily prayer, instruction in religious truths and values, participation in weekly Mass, liturgy planning and community service. Catholic students are prepared for First Penance, First Eucharist and Confirmation.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Language Arts is a comprehensive program incorporating reading, writing, speaking and writing mechanics in individual instructional periods and across the entire curriculum. The primary reading program is literature-based with strong phonemics. It groups students according to ability, growth and skill levels. Reading instruction for grades 4-8 is designed to build comprehension and expand vocabulary as students develop an appreciation for a variety of literary forms. Weekly structured study in spelling and vocabulary complements and reinforces language skills.
SCIENCE
Science instruction develops critical thinking, curiosity and familiarity with the scientific method of inquiry. Hands-on activities and field trips enable students to formulate concepts from personal experiences.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is a well-sequenced program of skill development providing for individual student abilities culminating with Geometry. The emphasis is on learning problem-solving strategies with opportunities to apply these skills to real life situations.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies instruction is designed to create an understanding of the earth and its people with instruction in history and geography. The program begins with the study of neighborhoods and communities, expanding to U.S. and world studies. As students learn about our democratic values and traditions, they come to an understanding of their role and responsibility as citizens.
ART
Students receive weekly instruction in the fundamentals of drawing, perspective, color theory, spatial relationships and art history. Interested students can further develop their skills through Art Club.
MUSIC
Weekly music classes are designed to enhance music literacy and appreciation through performing and listening. Students also read, notate and compose music while learning about its history. Students are encouraged to also participate in chorus, band and private music lessons.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education includes activities such as aerobics, games and team sports. The goals are to increase fitness, develop skills, and promote healthy life styles. Respect for one another's talents and a cooperate spirit are encouraged.
COMPUTERS
IBM compatible systems in classrooms and the computer center familiarize students with basic computer skills. Tutorial and creative programs are provided for student use. Instruction is provided to enable students to use the computer as a research tool.
LIBRARY
St. John’s School credits the Home & School Association for accumulating library books that support the curriculum and provide academic enrichment.
The school library contains over 8,000 books as well as computers for supervised student use. Magazines, visual aids, computerized resources, and
the Internet are also available to all classes. All students have a regularly scheduled library period, but may have additional time at the
discretion of the teacher. Our full-time librarian provides activities to promote appreciation of literature and instruction in library research skills.
All students are responsible for damaged or lost library materials.
The textbooks that are selected by faculty committee are carefully chosen to meet the criteria outlined in the curriculum guides established by the Archdiocese of Washington. In selecting textbooks, the principal and faculty consider the following criteria:
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the Archdiocesan guidelines
the school's goals and objectives as defined in the Middle States Accreditation process
- the needs of the individual student
- the financial resources of the school.
Textbooks are updated on a yearly rotation basis. Scope and sequence charts may be obtained from the office upon request.