Comprehensive Education

Curriculum

Saint Joachim Catholic School utilizes a balanced approach of the California Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and diocesan curriculum guidelines and religion priority standards. Saint Joachim School prepares students for high school and beyond, allowing them to attend some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country. 

Faith in Action

At Saint Joachim Catholic School, we cherish and celebrate our Catholic faith in many ways, deeply embedding it into the fabric of our school community. We honor and celebrate all Catholic holidays and traditions, fostering a rich spiritual environment. Students actively participate in school Mass as lectors, altar servers, cantors, and choir members, enhancing our liturgical celebrations and building a strong sense of community.

Teaching the Catholic faith is integrated into all grade levels and curricular areas, ensuring a comprehensive religious education. In Grade 2, students receive their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, marking significant milestones in their faith journey.

We emphasize service, encouraging students to engage in projects that benefit both local and global communities. Students in Grades 6-8 complete individual service hours, cultivating a sense of responsibility and compassion.

“Faith in action is love, and love in action is service.” -Saint Teresa

LEARNING SUPPORT

SJCS offers a tailored learning environment that values the unique abilities, learning styles, and interests of all students. We provide differentiated instruction to nurture strengths and offer Learning Support for specialized interventions, ensuring every student reaches their full potential. There are two dedicated learning support teachers for elementary and junior high, providing focused assistance to students who need additional help.

COUNSELING

SJCS offers on-site counseling services in partnership with Catholic Charities of Orange County, providing students with access to compassionate and professional support. Our dedicated counselor is here to help students navigate personal challenges, academic stress, and emotional well-being in a safe and confidential environment. Through individual and group sessions, we aim to foster resilience, enhance coping skills, and promote overall mental health. Together, we create a nurturing space where every student can thrive.

The Arts

Spanish
Spanish is integrated into our curriculum from Grades K-8, providing students with a foundation in this vibrant and global language.

Library
Run by our dedicated K-8 Reading Specialist, the library offers engaging activities where students develop research skills, cultivate a love for reading, and learn to navigate both print and digital resources. This program fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning in a faith-based environment.

Music
Music class includes singing and exploring world, classical, and liturgical music. World Music exposes students to diverse styles, instruments, dance, and attire worldwide. They learn about classical composers, their key works, and various music eras. Singing, integral to our faith, involves learning Mass music weekly. All students engage in a school-wide Christmas program, and those interested in choral techniques can join the Saint Joachim School Choir (Grade 3-8).

P.E.

Saint Joachim Catholic School provides a comprehensive Physical Education program. All students work to improve their strength and endurance, increase self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve their overall health. This is accomplished during their PE time, as well as recesses, fitness-focused activities, and after school sports programs.

TECHNOLOGY

At SJCS, technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the school day across all curriculum areas. The Beyond Technology Education (BTE) program, compliant with ISTE and state standards, serves K-8 students and focuses on technology readiness and digital literacy. The curriculum goes beyond technology literacy, incorporating character development alongside skills in keyboarding, coding, business technology, and STEM education. This comprehensive initiative equips students with essential skills for the future of work, fostering critical thinking, AI support, ethical digital citizenship, and innovative problem-solving abilities.

Makerspace

Our Makerspace program for K-5, powered by Beyond Technology Education (BTE), provides a dynamic environment where students can explore, create, and innovate. This hands-on program encourages creativity and critical thinking, allowing students to engage in projects involving engineering, coding, robotics, and arts and crafts. Through Makerspace, students develop problem-solving skills and a love for learning, preparing them for a future of technological advancement and innovation.

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Saint Joachim School