St. Joseph Catholic School partners with parents and families to grow and nurture the spiritual, emotional, and academic development of all students. The Catholic faith is integrated throughout all disciplines and studies. Students receive 30 minutes of religion instruction daily, four days a week. In addition, all children attend Mass at the parish church on a weekly basis. Students also attend adoration once a month. Other prayer and worship opportunities, as well as service to the community and world complement religion class and Mass attendance. Although most of our families are Catholic, St. Joseph Catholic School welcomes families of other faiths that desire a faith-based, strong academic and well-rounded educational experience.
One of the many unique aspects of St. Joseph Catholic School is the class size. The average class size of kindergarten through eighth grade is 16. Teachers have a better opportunity to have more one on one time with the students. Having these smaller class sizes allows students to be more comfortable to ask questions and participate in class discussions. The students get a sense of community among their peers. The parents feel comfortable contacting the teacher knowing their child is receiving individual attention. The teachers identify possible signs of learning difficulties as well as strengths the child might have. The identification helps the child receive the best learning style to maximize academic success.
St. Joseph Catholic School offers a safe learning environment for all students. This includes the reinforcement of safety rules for adults and children. The school has cameras inside and outside the building, a lock-down procedure in place, safety rules for anyone dropping-off and picking-up students and a process for visitors to sign-in and out when entering or leaving the building.
This safe learning environment also includes classrooms that are clean, orderly and inviting, which encourages students to do their best. Organized classrooms allow for easy movement and collaboration in small groups and helps students feel comfortable and safe in the area in which they spend most of their time. Our full-time counselor gets to know students and families, helping a healthy enviornment.
The students at St. Joseph Catholic School wear uniforms on a daily basis. They consist of khaki/blue/brown/black or green pants or skirts, a collared shirt and close-toed shoes, which are usually sneakers. In addition, students are able to wear a school sweatshirt or sweater. Research-based evidence shows that wearing uniforms help enforce positive behavior, helps make mornings easier for parents, creates a sense of school pride, monitors appropriateness and is cost-effective (usually cheaper!). Of course our students love an out of uniform day–which is on the last Friday of every month or special occasions–but the dress code that students wear represents our school and the pride we have in it.
St. Joseph Catholic School boasts high achievement on standardized tests, as well as consistent success in extracurricular areas such as music, art and athletics. ISASP scores (formerly Iowa Assessments) show St. Joseph students testing among the top 15 percent of schools in the state of Iowa.
Parents of St. Joseph alumni consistently hear how well-prepared St. Joseph students are for high school courses.
St. Joseph Catholic School students are INVOLVED! Students are invited to join our many teams and activities to build their collaboration and time management skills. Beginning in third grade, students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. St. Joseph Catholic School offers four instrumental ensembles, two choirs, 10 athletic teams, a musical production and a variety of math, engineering and science opportunities. Opportunities expand as students reach middle school age. Involvement in extracurricular activities complements classroom learning and gives many opportunities for practical application of learned content. Our school "buddy" system pairs older studnets as mentors to younger students, which encourages confidence both ways.
St. Joseph Catholic School parents practice what they preach when it comes to stewardship of their time. Parents who volunteer are more likely to have students who volunteer. Whether it be serving donuts, planning a teacher luncheon or raising money with our Shamrock fundraiser, St. Joseph parents volunteer!
St. Joseph Catholic School provides a 21st century education focused on the needs of our current students, beginning in preschool. Technology is richly embedded in instruction, providing students with much needed experience and opportunity to communicate with each other, their community, and the world. All students utilize laptops, iPads (1:1 K-8), online applications and Promethean boards in their educational experience.
Middle school students at St. Joseph Catholic School are issued an iPad for communication, access to information and project creation. The iPad is utilized at school and home throughout the school year. Ethical use of technology is emphasized and taught at all ages, preschool through eighth grade.
Students at St. Joseph Catholic School celebrate and embrace their faith by participating in liturgical celebrations and prayer, through various spiritual formations, in classroom discussion and sharing, and with parties and traditions. Every day throughout the year, based on the time of the Church year—Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas, Lent or Easter—faith is integrated into the lives of students at St. Joseph Catholic School. A campus minister and the spiritual life committee promotes faith integration and promotion of our Catholic mission at school and at home.
For roughly $15 a day, your child could be educated in this faith-filled environment. What do you spend $15 on? A lunch at a restaurant, coffee, maybe Cheetos? Financial assistance, including STO (tuition assistance) dollars, are available for those who qualify. Please contact us if you have questions on how an education at St. Joseph can be an affordable choice for your family.