SJJ Academy Curriculum

English / Math / Science / Social Studies / Foreign Language / Theology / Academy Non-Core Classes / Counseling

Academy English

Grammar:
Systematic instruction on parts of speech

Writing:
Sentence
Paragraph
5-paragraph paper

Vocabulary:
Vocabulary Workshop

Reading:
Emphasize short stories
Learn Elements of a novel
Biographies
Non-Fiction/Essays
Poetry
Mythology

A variety of novels will be read as a group and individually.

Presentations

Study Skills:
Outlining
Note Taking
Mind Mapping
Organizational Skills

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Academy Math

Students will be given a math placement test in the late spring to determine their correct math placement.

Integrated Math will be offered to everyone with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students may be enrolled in the appropriate high school class as indicated by the placement test.

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Academy Science

Grade 7

Students learn to describe interactions of matter and energy

Develop scientific inquiry skills

Apply math skills to evaluate and analyze variables and data

Draw conclusions

Recognize the effect of technology

Will study ecosystems, organisms and photosynthesis

Grade 8

Explore Space

Draw conclusions about changes of the Earth’s surface

Study motion of objects in the Universe

Study matter

Study environmental changes and the extinction of species

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Academy Social Studies

Grade 7:

World Studies from 1000B.C. to 1750: Ancient Civilizations through the First Global Age.

Students learn that its geographic setting, culture of the people, economic conditions, government conditions and citizen action shape each historic event.

Grade Eight:

U.S. Studies from 1607 to 1877: Colonization Through Reconstruction.

While studying historical events in United States’ history, students will consider its geographic settings, economic implications, developments in government and the role of the citizen.

Jackdaws Source Materials Catalogue

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Academy Foreign Language

Seventh Grade:

Exploratory Language Approach
Each quarter, students are introduced to a new language.
Languages available are French, German, Latin and Spanish
Emphasis on basic listening and speaking

Vocabulary:
Greetings, numbers, alphabet, family, foods, clothing, sports
Question words

Grammar:
Subject Pronouns
Basic regular verbs
Making Questions
Negatives

Culture:
Geography
Family Life
Schools
Foods
Recreation

Eighth Grade:

Students would choose one foreign language to study for a complete year and be included in the high school class.

*Exception would be for the first year when the 8th grade will follow the same exploratbory course as the 7th grade.

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Academy Theology

*Students will return to their home parish for confirmation classes.

Grade 7:

Liturgy and Worship
An age appropriate introduction to Liturgy and the Sacramental life of the church

Grade 8:

Church History
Students become familiar with the basic divisions, major events, and key personalities in the history of the church.

There will be age appropriate retreats and Christian service opportunities.

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Academy Non-Core Classes

All Academy students will have the opportunity to have specialized instruction in the following:

Band (elective)
Art
Physical Education
Computer Classes

Academy Sports

Students will participate in CYO sports with opportunities for intramurals and club sports.

Cross Country, Track and Basketball teams will participate in the CYO league.

Students may play with their own parish teams.

Football is only available through the parish teams. A public school student may participate at the parish closest to his home.

Academy Clubs, Activities and Organizations
(The number of activities offered depends on the level of interest)

Chess Field Trips Newspaper
Bowling Dances Video Yearbook
Intramurals Jr. Honor Society (Beta) Fun Nights
TV-4 Destination Imagination Spelling Bee
Juggling Power of the Pen Geography Bee
Student Council Math Counts Science Fair

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Counseling

There will be a Big Brother program to aid in the new school transition process.

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