Approach

An Approach to Education

St. Joseph School recognizes the intrinsic worth of each student. Through the proclamation of God's word, we guide our children in becoming dynamic members of our faith community. Sharing the rich traditions of our Catholic heritage, we strive to enable each student to learn, to grow in, and to internalize all aspects of her/his being.

The foundation of our children's spiritual growth is worship as evidenced through the celebration of the Eucharist, the sacraments, and prayer. We encourage the development of spiritual values by providing a program of religious education through formal and informal religious instruction.

We believe that the primary community of faith is the parents. Growth in faith continues as the student expands horizons to school and parish. St. Joseph School, in conjunction with St. Joseph Parish and with the Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Grace, is part of a larger community of faith.

Together, this community of parents, teachers, sisters, priests, volunteers and students sets the example of prayer, belief and social action to which all Christians are called. St. Joseph School students are directed toward opportunities for Christian service as we endeavor to foster an awareness of social justice for our sisters and brothers in our world community. The school also coordinates service activities with those activities of the parish.

We acknowledge that the intellectual development of each child stems from her/his God-given abilities. Our supportive environment provides opportunities for the development of positive self-image and academic achievement. Our academic curriculum is skill-based and sequential. It provides for advanced academic achievement, while accommodating individual differences within the parameters of our educative capabilities. Basic skills, introduced in the primary level, are further developed in the intermediate and middle school levels to build a foundation for higher order thinking skills.

We, as a faculty, believe strongly in our commitment to the love of learning, and to the moral/ethical principles of the Catholic Faith. We accept ownership of the entire school. We take seriously our professional responsibilities to be organized and prepared for our classes.

As facilitators of learning we select materials by consensus. We allow for individual differences as they pertain to each teacher's situation.
We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children. Therefore, communication and cooperation between parents and teachers are vital to the development and progress of the student.

Curriculum

St. Joseph School follows the Archdiocesan Course of Studies as well as the regulations of the Maryland State Department of Education for non-public schools. The curriculum is adapted to meet our needs by the faculty, subject coordinators and principal, and includes:

Religion, including Sacramental Preparation
Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Phonics, Grammar, Spelling and Handwriting)
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Computer (weekly Grades 2-8)
Spanish (weekly Grades 4-5, twice/week Grades 6-8)
Art (weekly for Grades 1-8)
Music (weekly for Grades K-8)
Physical Education (weekly for Grades K-8)
Library (weekly for Grades K-5, as needed for Grades 6-8)
Guidance (monthly presentations for K, available two days/week for Grades K-8)

Reading Services/Enrichment

At the recommendation of the principal and classroom teacher, our reading specialist works with selected children in small groups or individually to improve reading skills, self-image and attitude. Close communication is maintained between the specialist and each child’s teacher regarding his/her progress in reading.

Students for the reading enrichment group in Grades five through eight are selected based on established criteria. The creative writing process, in-depth analysis and discussion of novels are the focus of the enrichment program.

Technology at St. Joseph School

St. Joseph School houses a state-of-the-art computer lab for students, as well as technology integration throughout academic programs with the use of:

SmartBoards
Mobi Pads
Elmo Projectors
Responders
Laptops
Student Workstations