Saint John's School (San Juan)

Infobox Private School
name = Saint John's School
established = 1915
type = Laico ,Private, Coeducational Day School, College Preparatory, Nonsectarian
head_name = Headmaster
head = Barry Farnham
city = San Juan
country = Puerto Rico
motto= 1. veritas est libertas (truth is liberty) 2.We Are Saint John's!

enrollment = 750 students
faculty = 84 great experienced teachers
athletics = basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, cross country, and swimming
colors = Green & Yellow
mascot = Hurricane
[http://www.sjspr.org Official Website]

Saint John's School is a private school located in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is known to be one of the best and most prestigious schools in Puerto Rico, even though it lacks a big campus.

Background

The grades of the school are from Pre-Kinder through 12th Year. Elementary is from grades Pre-Kinder through Fifth Grade. Middle school begins in Grade 6 through Grade 8. High school is from Grade 9 to Grade 12. The school has a new Sports Center and is undergoing various remodeling projects, like the new building for elementary.

Mission

The mission of Saint John’s School, is to ensure that all of our students develop a passion for learning, build strength of character, and contribute compassionately as independent thinking members of society, all within a learning environment committed to academic excellence.

Academics

Elementary School (Pre-kinder through Grade 5)

The traditional subjects, reading and writing, mathematics, social studies, and science are organized by themes and are taught in an environment that stresses active learning, communication, problem solving and citizenship. Daily Spanish classes begin in grade one. All children in grades pre-kinder through five enjoy an innovative computer literacy program, a physical development program based on the concept of "wellness", and an integrated arts program including art, music, and humanities. Its student authors "publish" their own books in the Publishing Center and exhibit them at the school's annual Young Authors' Fair.

Middle School (Grades 6 through 8)

The Middle School provides a challenging, developmentally appropriate academic curriculum, delivered within a program that seeks to address the social and emotional needs of the students. Personal responsibility for one's own learning is stressed in all areas. Every student takes the core academic classes of English, math, social studies, science, and Spanish. Physical Education classes meet daily. In addition, all students take a number of exploratory classes that include art, technology, performing arts, study skills, writing workshop, and Puerto Rico current events/history. Students may also choose to take a year long French course. Algebra I is offered to those eighth graders who meet the prerequisites. A broad range of co- and extra-curricular activities, including field trips, assemblies, and fund-raisers enhance The Middle School Program.

High School (Grades 9 through 12)

Students follow a rigorous college preparatory curriculum designed to prepare them to enter competitive colleges and universities. The program is enriched by a complement of extracurricular activities, sports, field trips and assemblies. Advanced Placement courses are frequently offered in English, French, Spanish Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Geology, Psychology and European History. Electives often include Essay Writing, Drama, French, Physics, Geology, Anatomy and Physiology. The seminar program provides unique opportunities to meet with small groups of selected students to explore a variety of subjects ranging from such topics as webpage workshop for clubs and classes, developing English Vocabulary through the study of Latin and Greek roots, to cooking. Expectations for students in this division are high. Students do intensive research, focus on the development of their higher level thinking skills and become active participants in the learning process. Low student teacher ratios and small classes help teachers to become facilitators as students realize that learning is their responsibility.

Philosophy

In an environment that blends traditional with modern educational practices, Saint John's aims to develop the intellect, spirit and creativity of every student. The school believes in the intrinsic capacity of each student to develop self-control and self-direction, and it fosters the emergence of leadership qualities, analytical ability, respect for tradition and human reason, development of a sound and responsible value system, and an appreciation of life.

Athletics

The Saint John's athletic program runs from the fourth grade to the twelfth grade. In 2006 it became members of the LAMEPI league at the elementary level. Participation begins in the fourth grade and runs up to the sixth grade. At the middle school and high school level we participate in the PRHSAA. Sports include basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, cross country, and swimming. The Athletics program is recently getting better because Saint John's is making more teams and more facilities.

Technology

Saint John's computer platform is Windows. Its infrastructure is designed to accommodate the use of Windows operating system only. The best preparation for its students in their college and corporate world experiences beyond Saint John's.

Governance

17 member Board of Trustees comprised of 9 Parent Trustees and 8 Alumni Trustees.

Location

Saint John's School is located in the dynamic Condado section of San Juan, one block from the beach and in a comfortable urban campus setting although it is comparably small.

External links

* [http://www.sjspr.org Official Website]