Academics at St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist offers its students a broad range of essential academic and enriching curriculum.  The entire faculty and staff commit to educating the whole child in an environment that nurtures spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth.  The foundations of the curriculum are based on Diocese of Oakland Guidelines, State Frameworks, and National Standards.  Using these structures as a foundation, the general curriculum reflects the school philosophy and is constantly progressing to meet student capacities for learning.  Academics are enhanced by the integration of courses taught by highly qualified specialists in Physical education, Science, Spanish, Honors Mathematics, Technology, and Music.

As a school fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Education Association, St. John the Baptist evaluates key curricular areas annually and maintains high levels of professional development for its teaching staff.

Faith Formation

St. John the Baptist Catholic School is dedicated to providing a setting for its students and faculty to learn and to live a Christ-centered way of life rooted in Catholic traditions and practices.  Its primary purpose is to integrate the Gospel message with the total education program in order to from mature Christians.  Parents are acknowledged as primary educators and teachers as facilitators in the process of education.  We consider the following as key elements in forming a Christian way of life:

• To teach the students in daily religion classes about the life of Christ and their role as church member;
• To involve students in the work of social justice and the promotion of world peace;
• To emphasize basic curricular subjects which ensures quality education thus enabling students to develop as persons who are independent and socially responsible;
• To recognize the uniqueness of each individual student through personal understanding and supportive educational programs and thus developing in each student an awareness of his/her role as a citizen and a productive member of society;
• To enable the students to actively appreciate and value the many ethnic groups that enrich our school and society.

Technology:

Enhancing student achievement and learning are key to the goal of the technology program.  Students are given technology instruction on a bi-weekly basis in our iMac Computer Lab that is equipped with current curriculum software and has enough computers for all children.  Teachers apply instructional practices to help students become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners.  Technolgy serves as the thread found throughout the general curriculum.

Music:

Valuing arts education as a vital part of being a whole person, we offer students experiences in which they are exposed to live performances, application, history, general appreciation, and creation of music.  Music and music theory are important parts of the St. John the Baptist curriculum and students participate in masses, school-wide concerts and community events.  Students in grades 4-8 also have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument by participating in the M.U.S.E. Band Program.  Students are placed in either beginning or intermediate band based on their experience.