The Saint John’s Academy program is designed to challenge students and provide a seamless transition to high school, benefiting them academically, socially, and emotionally.

By offering advanced placement opportunities, SJBMS ensures that mature academically gifted students are not only challenged, but also supported in their journey toward becoming well-rounded, confident, and prepared high school students.

Academic Benefits

  • Enhanced Learning: By taking more challenging courses, students can deepen their knowledge and enhance critical thinking skills at an accelerated pace.
  • Preparedness: Early exposure to high school curriculum prepares students for the academic rigors of high school, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle more complex subjects and assignments.
  • Advanced Placement: Completing high school-level courses in middle school allows students to potentially place into higher-level classes upon entering high school.  This allows students the opportunity to take more Advanced Placement courses and/or Concurrent courses during high school.

SJA program at SKAGGS catholic center

Middle school student at SKAGGS catholic center

Social and Emotional Benefits

  • Confidence Building: Successfully tackling advanced coursework boosts students’ confidence and self-esteem, making them more self-assured as they transition to high school.
  • Peer Relationships: Engaging in advanced classes with like-minded peers fosters a supportive community, helping students form strong friendships and a sense of belonging.
  • Smooth Transition: Experiencing high school-level expectations and environments in middle school eases the transition to high school, reducing anxiety and helping students adapt more quickly to new social and academic settings.
  • Personal Growth: The program encourages independence, responsibility, and time management skills, which are crucial for personal development and success in high school and beyond.