educational Goals

The St. John's School's program of studies covers all major subjects including:

• Reading
• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Foreign Language
• Technology
  
• Art
• Music
• Religion
• Physical Education

The curriculum follows the California Standards and we assess our students’ progress three times a year to ensure that they are meeting and exceeding those standards. Additionally, we assess our students annually using the Educational records Bureau CTP4. This test allows us to compare our students nationally and against other independent school students. Our goal, which we are meeting, is that the mean of our class be at or above the 70th percentile nationally.

Materials and Instruction

St. John’s selects its textbooks from a variety of different publishers and the faculty regularly reviews the materials to ensure that they are effective. Our instruction is varied in its approach in order to engage multiple intelligences and make accommodations for the various learning styles. Teachers develop understanding by such activities as; whole class discussion, centers, small group projects, partner activities, independent work on writing, artwork, skits, work sheets, projects, power-point presentations, etc. Homework is used at all grade levels to develop responsibility, practice skills, read for new information and reinforce understanding.

Expected School-wide Learning Results

In 2009 the school’s faculty developed Expected School-wide Learning Results. These were subsequently approved by the Board of Trustees. They express our goals for our students and flow directly from the school’s mission statement which defines a context and a three-fold focus for a St. John’s education.

Providing a superior education that nurtures each child’s mind, body, and
spirit in a Christian environment.

The Context
When we use the adjective “superior” to describe the education offered by St. John’s, we are stating our intention to strive to excel in everything we do and to hold ourselves accountable by regularly checking our student’s progress. We do not mean to imply negative comparisons with the education offered by others.

When we speak about a “Christian environment”, we are saying about our school that it, has a Christian foundation, will gather for worship that reflects historical Christian practice, will include instruction in religion, will encourage spiritual sensitivities, values, moral principles and behaviors that are consistent with the Judaeo-Christian tradition. We do not mean that all our teachers or families believe the same set of doctrines or follow the same religious traditions at home. We value the religious diversity of our school family.

When we speak about “each child”, we are saying that we will strive to appreciate the strengths and needs of all our students and will value them for their uniqueness.

The Three-fold Focus

Mind

• Our graduates will be life-long learners who exhibit curiosity and discernment
• Our graduates will think and communicate with clarity, accuracy and correct usage
• Our graduates will have learned to collaborate with others to accomplish goals and solve problems
• Our graduates will have developed the foundational academic skills for college preparation
• Our graduates will understand that self- direction, discipline and tenacity are essential to success
• Our graduates will know how to develop a reasoned point of view and communicate it logically and persuasively

Body

• Our graduates will understand that exercise, a healthy diet, and hygiene are essential to emotional and physical health
• Our graduates will exhibit self-confidence in competition and team play
• Our graduates will value of sportsmanship and respect for your opponent
• Our graduates will know the rules, skills and pleasures associated with a variety of life-long sports

Spirit

• Our graduates will practice the Gospel values of loving God and loving others
• Our graduates will have open hearts to those who hurt or are less fortunate
• Our graduates will have been encouraged to seek thoughtfully for truth and have respect for the insights of others
• Our graduates will have been broadly and regularly exposed to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures as a source of support and guidance for daily life
• Our graduates will have experienced a routine of worship and fellowship
• Our graduates will contribute positively and productively to their communities
• Our graduates will promote peace, work for justice and protect God’s creation