Curriculum & Extra Curricular
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St. Joan of Arc builds on the core elementary curriculum of the State of Louisiana, Common Core State Standards, and the Archdiocese of New Orleans and enhances those standards with an array of learning experiences and electives. Interactive whiteboards are used in all core classes. Students participate in a variety of activities ranging from whole group lessons and discussions to small group and independent learning exercises to hands-on activities. Technology is integrated as a tool for introducing lessons, reinforcing skills, and exploratory learning activities. Our school, including our preschool program, is fully accredited by State of Louisiana and has earned exemplary status from AdvancED/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
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Photo Albums
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St. Joan of Arc Catholic School strives to promote a successful learning environment, which meets the needs of all students at their level as well as learning style. The St. Joan of Arc administration and faculty work to ensure that our curriculum is both vertically and horizontally aligned according to the Louisiana Student Standards. The use of continued assessment, data review, and scheduled Professional Learning Communities among administration and faculty serves as a guide in revising areas of the curriculum when needed.
PS2 through second grade utilize a self-contained classroom model with one teacher providing the majority of the instruction each day. Fifth through seventh grade classes are departmentalized which allows for teachers to focus on certain subject areas and provides students the opportunity to experience various teaching methods throughout the day. In an effort to meet the needs of all learners and to actively engage students, St. Joan of Arc is focusing on the practice of differentiated instruction within all classrooms. Research suggests that students who are actively engaged, working on topics of interests to them, and being challenged at their level experience higher levels of success.
Researchers at the National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum define differentiated instruction as: a process to approach teaching and learning for students of differing abilities in the same class. The intent is to maximize each student's growth and individual success by meeting each student where he or she is . . . rather than expecting students to modify themselves for the curriculum. (Hall, 2002)
Differentiated instruction is:- having high expectation for all students
- assigning activities to meet the learning styles, interest, and level of thinking of the student
- allowing the opportunity for student choice when reasonable
- providing assessments to determine the growth or needs of a student
- individual lesson plans for each student
- learning on your own
- used for every assignment nor selection of materials everyday
- assigning students the same groups each time; groups will differ from lesson to lesson according to learning styles, interest, and level of thinking
For special-needs students:- Speech therapist on campus
- Title 1
- Minor Adjustment Plans
- Differentiated instruction
- Positive discipline program
- Accelerated Reader program
- IXL program for math and English/language arts
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Because technology is vital in today’s society, computers and tech-based learning is important at SJA for reinforcing language arts, math, science and other core subjects. Computers are in all of our classrooms, while student homework and grades are securely accessible online. Additionally, our technology across the curriculum includes:
- Mac computer lab
- Additional computer lab
- iPad carts
- iPad Minis in preschool through 2nd grade
- Google ChromeBook cart
- Interactive whiteboards in all grade level classrooms
- Training in popular software programs and Google applications
- 3D Printer for use in student projects
- Circuit kits, coding software, and robotics kits in computer lab
- Online access to school library
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In addition to language arts, math, science, history and other essential subjects, our program includes a lineup of classes that exposes students to a wide array of disciplines. Additionally, students have the opportunity to expand their learning beyond the campus gates with educational field trips and visits from guest performers and speakers.
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Our curriculum invites students to express their passion for certain subjects. Students participate in a variety of academic contests, including:
- Regional writing and poster contests
- Regional art contests
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As part of its mission to educate the whole person, SJA prides itself on the extensive extracurricular activities available to our students. These offerings allow each child to explore his or her God-given talents and abilities in a convenient on-campus setting.THE ARTS
Art Contests
Choir
Young Rembrandts Drawing ClassSPIRITUALITY
Altar Service
Mission Club
Pro-Life AdvocacyACADEMICS
Quiz Bowl
Art and Writing Contests
Science FairsSPORTS
Baseball Basketball Cheerleading
Cross Country Soccer Softball
Swim Team Volleyball
Flag FootballCOMMUNITY SERVICE
Student Council
Service Learning Projects
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Traditions
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The SJA community comes together throughout the year for special celebrations that make our school like no other. These joyous events connect students, their families, and our River Parish neighbors. They include:
Spring Fair
Octoberfest
Christmas Programs
Living Nativity
Catholic Schools Week Events
Grandparent’s Day
Fun & Fitness Day
“Krewe Jeanne d’Arc” Carnival Ball
Lenten Services and Living Stations of the Cross
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