St. John Vianney School > Academics

An Educational Choice

St. John Vianney Parish School is an integral part of the parish community but is open to families of all faiths. Our mission is to provide parents with a distinct educational choice.

Catholic values and ethics are taught to all students. These Christian values are reflected throughout the curriculum, and the children are taught how to incorporate them into their daily lives. St. John Vianney students are expected to demonstrate this moral training in their interactions with fellow students, in the classroom, on the playground and in extra-curricular activities. All students take part in the liturgical life of the Church.

Parents who are positively disposed to Christian ideals are welcomed and encouraged to apply to St. John Vianney Parish School for their children.

School Calendar

St. John Vianney Parish School follows a "Year-Round" academic calendar. This program arranges the required number of attendance days into four quarters that are separated by intersessions. The intersessions offer opportunities for creative learning or remedial work for an additional fee. The school year usually begins the last week of July and extends through the first week of the following June. Our summer school program is offered to all students in the community from kindergarten through grade eight. Detailed school calendars are available from the school office.

A Solid Academic Environment

Children in the Primary Division (grades PreK-4) are given a concrete foundation in the basic subjects: Religion, Reading, Mathematics, Language Arts, Spalding Phonics, Science and Social Studies. Our primary students are also challenged with study in Art, Music, Physical Education, Japanese and Technology.

The Upper Division students (grades 5-8) follow a similar curriculum. Spelling and Vocabulary replace Spalding Phonics in the upper grades. Hawaiian Studies is taught to grades four and seven.

Each Fall, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills is administered to students in grades one through eight. These test scores consistently reflect the excellence of their academic accomplishments.

Reading Program

The St. John Vianney Reading Program is particularly sensitive to the needs of the student. Each pupil is placed in groups by reading levels determined through comprehensive testing. This program allows students to work to their full potential. A special feature of our Reading Program is the Reading Lab. Teachers specializing in reading education work individually with students to overcome difficulties and master their reading problems. Additionally, advanced classes in both Reading and Literature are also taught.

Mathematics

Mathematics has always been an essential subject in the primary, elementary and middle school academic plan. Students at St. John Vianney proceed in a carefully developed mathematics curriculum. Remedial help is available to those requiring additional instruction. All seventh grade students complete Pre-Algebra and all grade eight students are introduced to Algebra. Upper Division students with exceptional ability may complete Algebra 1.

Technology

All of our students learn to use the computer as a tool. Students in kindergarten through grade four are introduced to computers and keyboarding. Students in grades five through eight master keyboarding, develop word processing skills, learn to formulate spreadsheets and create powerpoint presentations. Upper Division students are taught how to use the Internet and to use it appropriately, ethically and morally.

Japanese Language

Fluency in a second language has become increasingly important in the educated person's intellectual development. Mindful of our location in the hub of the Pacific, St. John Vianney offers Japanese language to all students in grades Kindergarten through eight.

Art

All students in kindergarten through grade eight participate in art classes. Our students are introduced to different art media and are encouraged to express themselves creatively.

Music Program

A distinctive feature of the education offered at St. John Vianney is the Music Program. Although we are a relatively small elementary and middle school, we offer excellent music training. Our music specialists provide classroom instruction as part of the set curriculum. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Band is offered to students in grades four through eight. String instruments are taught in grades two through eight. We are proud of our Select Chorus, composed of students in grades five through eight. Private instrument lessons are available on a limited basis at the school facilities for a nominal additional fee.