Specialty Subjects

In addition to the core curriculum, students at St. Joseph’s School enjoy a variety of specialty subjects designed to complement and enrich their overall academic experience. 
 

All students at St. Joseph’s School receive weekly instruction in Spanish. The Spanish curriculum is implemented using age appropriate activities in a creative, interesting and engaging classroom environment.

Students in grades K – 2, visit the Spanish classroom once per week and focus on the basic language skills of speaking, listening, comprehension, reading and writing. 
 
Students in grades 3-5 receive Spanish instruction twice per week, further deepening their knowledge.  Through hands-on activities, songs, games and TPR (Total Physical Response) stories, students acquire both linguistic skills and a greater cultural awareness. 

Education in the visual arts is important to the development of creative expression.  Through the study of visual arts, students develop creativity and build self-confidence.  At St. Joseph’s School, our visual arts curriculum provides students with aesthetic experiences and builds an understanding of and an appreciation for a variety of cultures. 

Elementary students meet weekly with our art teacher.  Students are instructed in drawing, painting, and clay work as well as a variety of other methods and media.  They are encouraged to create their own works of beauty and individuality. 

Music education is an essential component of a child’s education.  Through music, students develop creativity, imagination and expression. The music curriculum at St. Joe’s introduces students to a broad cultural awareness and deeper appreciation of the arts while developing life-long skills. 

Students in Grades K-5 participate in weekly music classes.  Our focus is on developing young singing voices, learning music skills, appreciating music, and sharing musical gifts.  Elementary students work on learning rhythm, reading notes and a mastery of repertoire of age-appropriate songs. 

Our physical education and health program is designed to develop the necessary skills and experiences that benefit students physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.  By fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle choices students establish a positive self-concept.

Elementary students in grades K-4 enjoy physical education classes three times each week.  All other students visit our gymnasium for PE twice weekly. Through fun, fitness and fair play, our students develop eye-hand coordination, basic strength, balance and agility.  They learn the skills and rules related to a variety of sports.  The elements of improving personal skill level, supporting teammates, respecting opponents and the quality of sportsmanship are stressed.