Tradition of Excellence

A Catholic community, St. Joseph School offers Preschool through 8th Grade students a challenging academic education while building their love of God and commitment to improving the world. We encourage each child to become the person God calls him or her to be in a faith-filled, nurturing environment. Our community spirit is unequaled.

Excellent Academics

• Our graduates excel in high school, earning awards and scholarships:
• SJS alums regularly earn honors, including being named valedictorians at local high schools, National Merit Award winners and recipients of community awards.
• Each year, SJS alums earn approximately $500,000 in college scholarships.
• Kindergarten Plus gives students an all-day Kindergarten option for extended learning opportunities and activities.
• Our average class size is 22 students, offering a personalized approach to learning.
• Spanish is part of our 7th and 8th grade curriculum.
• In 2011, St. Joseph School students earned seven “Gold Awards” and one “Silver Award” at the Illinois State Science Fair.
• Fine arts and computer science give students a well-rounded education in music, art and technology.

Faith Formation

• Catholic values are emphasized in all spiritual, educational and extracurricular activities.
• All-school Masses, celebrated on Tuesdays and Holy Days at 8:15 am, give 8th grade students the opportunity to take an active role as lectors, sacristans and ushers, while students from all grades participate in other parts of Mass.
• Sacramental preparation is incorporated into the school day.
• Students participate in prayer services, rosary, Stations of the Cross, May Crowning and Reconciliation.
• Service projects help students live their faith and are built into the curricula.

Extracurricular Activities

• Extended Care offers students an extended day of 7 am - 6 pm – a convenient option for working parents.
• Our award-winning, no-cut sports program is offered to students in grades 5 - 8, including volleyball, football, cross country, basketball and track.
• Representative students from grades 5 - 8 can be part of Student Council, which sponsors student and community outreach activities.
• The award-winning “Mathletes” Math Club is lead by Mrs. Phelan in Middle School.
• Liturgical Choir includes students in grades 5 - 8; its role is leading the congregation in song at all-school Mass.
• Hand Bell Choir is open to students in grades 5 - 8; it performs at some all-school Masses and at Christmas.
• Students can train to be altar servers in 5th grade; they serve weekend, school Masses, weddings and funerals.
• Band is offered to students beginning in 4th grade; it is incorporated into the school day.
• Boy/Girl Scouts are open to all St. Joseph students beginning as early as Kindergarten or 1st grade.
• And more! Grade 4 Spirit Club cheers on school athletic teams at events throughout the year; Keyboarding, Book Club and Writing Club are available in some grades based on parent volunteers.

Parental Support

• School Advisory Board is group that meets monthly with the principal, president and pastor regarding the policy and progress of the school; nine board members hold positions for three years.
• Parent Forum coordinates volunteers for school programs and special events.
• The Athletic and Booster organization coordinates athletic programs.