Jr./Sr. High School
School Profile
Curriculum Overview
SJCA offers a rigorous content rich curriculum built around the belief that there is a common body of knowledge all members of society should master in the core subjects and in the fine arts. Literature and history instruction are rooted in primary sources and in Great Books. Their sequence is designed in order that the same literary and historical eras are taught within the same school year, continuing through subsequent years chronologically. Freshman study those of antiquity and Seniors’ studies end with modernity. Mathematical and scientific knowledge are pursued for their own sakes as well as for practical applications. Latin studies are an integral part of the upper school curriculum. Instruction in the fine arts includes theory, history, and performance. Classical virtues, as well as principles in self-government and civility, are identified and clearly taught in a seamless manner through course con- tent. The Socratic method is implemented heavily throughout upper school classrooms and as appropriate in elementary classrooms. Throughout their tenure, students are trained in study skills, planning, and organization, close reading of texts, and note-taking. In every classroom a distinct emphasis is placed on minds-on learning and on fostering a spirit of inquiry in students.
Learning Abroad
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House System
The House System is a traditional feature of many European schools in which the school is divided into subunits called "houses." Upon entering the school, each student is assigned to a house, thus providing a focus for group loyalty and camaraderie.
Modeled after Golden View Classical Academy, our House System will split the Upper School (grades 6-12) into four Houses. Each House will contain an equal number of young men and women from all Upper School grades.
In future years, as part of their graduation process, all students exiting 5th grade will go through a special ceremony where their House will be revealed.
The purpose of the Houses is to provide a wide array of opportunities for student involvement and participation, as well as for a widely dispersed student government (with leadership and ambassadorship opportunities for those who seek them out). Within their Houses, students will plan and execute school events, foster mentoring relationships between various grades, and develop unique traditions.
Houses will compete for points throughout the year. Students will earn points for academic achievements, and character awards. At the end of the year, the House with the most points will reign victorious with their emblem and colors proudly displayed in the cafeteria (etc.).
When students graduate, they will have had several years of planning and executive experience. If and when they choose to attend college, they will have the practical knowledge of how to begin clubs and associations, which is one of the core features of strong citizenship. The House System, then, is an education in civics because of the habits it encourages and forms.
Following a Classical theme, each House will be named after an ancient Greek City-State:
• Athens—Just like Athens itself, this House’s emblem will be the Owl of Athens and our Athenians will represent and uphold the virtues of wisdom and democracy. Mrs. Flannagan is the Athenian House Sponsor.
• Sparta—Our Spartans will have the spirits of warriors—always ready and prepared to defend the weak and correct the wrongs of injustice. This House’s emblem will be the famous Spartan helmet. Mr. Dinsbeer is the Spartan House Sponsor.
• Corinth—Similar to the column which shares their name, our Corinthians will be solid and bold as they provide the necessary support and stability for our school’s mission to Learn the True; Do the Good; and Love the Beautiful. These individuals will be the Pillars of our community and their emblem will be a Corinthian Column. Ms. Cosme is the Corinthian House Sponsor.
• Delphi—Delphi is often regarded as the birthplace of Ancient Greek diplomacy. As such, Delphic ideals centered on the virtue of discernment, the value of strong alliances, the advantage of fair play, and the importance of perseverance. As the ambassadors of our school, our Delphians will embody these same ideals and their emblem will be the olive branch. Mrs. Burgess is the Delphi house sponsor.
Modeled after Golden View Classical Academy, our House System will split the Upper School (grades 6-12) into four Houses. Each House will contain an equal number of young men and women from all Upper School grades.
In future years, as part of their graduation process, all students exiting 5th grade will go through a special ceremony where their House will be revealed.
The purpose of the Houses is to provide a wide array of opportunities for student involvement and participation, as well as for a widely dispersed student government (with leadership and ambassadorship opportunities for those who seek them out). Within their Houses, students will plan and execute school events, foster mentoring relationships between various grades, and develop unique traditions.
Houses will compete for points throughout the year. Students will earn points for academic achievements, and character awards. At the end of the year, the House with the most points will reign victorious with their emblem and colors proudly displayed in the cafeteria (etc.).
When students graduate, they will have had several years of planning and executive experience. If and when they choose to attend college, they will have the practical knowledge of how to begin clubs and associations, which is one of the core features of strong citizenship. The House System, then, is an education in civics because of the habits it encourages and forms.
Following a Classical theme, each House will be named after an ancient Greek City-State:
• Athens—Just like Athens itself, this House’s emblem will be the Owl of Athens and our Athenians will represent and uphold the virtues of wisdom and democracy. Mrs. Flannagan is the Athenian House Sponsor.
• Sparta—Our Spartans will have the spirits of warriors—always ready and prepared to defend the weak and correct the wrongs of injustice. This House’s emblem will be the famous Spartan helmet. Mr. Dinsbeer is the Spartan House Sponsor.
• Corinth—Similar to the column which shares their name, our Corinthians will be solid and bold as they provide the necessary support and stability for our school’s mission to Learn the True; Do the Good; and Love the Beautiful. These individuals will be the Pillars of our community and their emblem will be a Corinthian Column. Ms. Cosme is the Corinthian House Sponsor.
• Delphi—Delphi is often regarded as the birthplace of Ancient Greek diplomacy. As such, Delphic ideals centered on the virtue of discernment, the value of strong alliances, the advantage of fair play, and the importance of perseverance. As the ambassadors of our school, our Delphians will embody these same ideals and their emblem will be the olive branch. Mrs. Burgess is the Delphi house sponsor.
Intramural Sports
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