Academics

St. John Vianney School is committed to providing a challenging curriculum with individualized learning programs based on need and ability. We know that our students benefit from the rigorous academic classes taught by our certified and experienced teachers because the results are noticeable. Our students score above grade level on national standardized tests, excel in academic competitions, are poised public speakers, emerge as leaders in group situations, take honors courses in high school and are frequent valedictorians and honor roll members. The only thing higher than our expectations for our students is our commitment to providing a supportive, structured environment that encourages their success.

EARLY LITERACY

Learning important reading and writing skills early builds a foundation that leads to greater success in most other school subjects. To help our students in this vital area, St. John Vianney School offers a four-block literacy instruction system incoporating the following reading components each day:

• Phonetic awareness
• Sustained silent reading at an appropriate book level (if a first-grade student is reading at a fifth-grade level, she will have advanced book options)
• Writing
• Guided reading (adult with child) teaching reading strategies

STEM

We know how important math, science and technoloy are to the success of our future graduates. That's why we take extra steps to ensure comprehension and application in these areas. Students in all grades have math every day and students in middle school receive expert instruction in algebra. A math specialist is on staff to ensure that the math curriculum is appropriate and effective. Teachers are available after school in Homework Club to meet with students who need additional help with lessons.

Science classes utilize current textbooks and technology and have a special focus on hands-on experiments and exercises. As part of Life Science, students in eighth grade dissect 15 different specimens, including fetal pigs. Middle-school students also study in our science classroom complete with microscopes, bunsen burners, sinks, and other lab equipment.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to enriching classroom activities, students have many opportunities to participate in programs that make them better readers, writers, public speakers, and Christian disciples. Academic enrichment programs include Accelerated Reader, Battle of the Books, Geography Bee, Spelling Bee, speech contests, writing competitions, yearbook, homework club, and more

Each year, St. John Vianney School, in collaboration with PTO, brings special programs to our campus. Some program examples include Wheelchair basketball, Robotics Assembly, The NED Show, Skateboard Science, Retired Senior Volunteer Program’s Folk Fair, Magic of Physics, Show Choir, Norwegian Dancers, Police and Fire Department visits to classrooms, dentist visits and more. We also try to provide students with many learning opportunities outside the school. Examples include:

• Cultural programs at UW-Whitewater
• Catholic Retreats to Camp Gray
• 8^th grade trip to Washington D.C.
• Beloit Fire Department Survive Alive House
• History/government trips to Frances Willard House, the Capitol in Madison, Macktown Living History, Milton House, Tallman House
• Trips to area zoos, farms, and orchards