Saint Joseph C-STEMAcademics
PreSchool
Rooted in faith, discovery, and wonder — where little learners grow into big dreamers!
Hands-On Learning | Virtue Development | Community Belonging
At St. Joseph Catholic STEM School, our Preschool program is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Rooted in Catholic values and integrated with early STEM education, our youngest learners experience a rich, engaging environment where faith, creativity, and discovery come together.
Why STEM in Preschool?
Introducing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts at a young age helps children:
- Develop problem-solving skills through hands-on activities
- Foster curiosity and innovation in a playful, supportive setting
- Build confidence through trial and error, learning that mistakes are opportunities
- Prepare for real-world thinking and future academic success
Catholic Virtue Development in Preschool
Our faith-centered curriculum emphasizes that early habits shape lifelong character. Preschoolers learn to:
- Practice kindness, patience, courage, and gratitude
- Integrate faith and moral formation alongside academic learning
- Explore joy in everyday acts of love and service through our “His Little Way” curriculum
Kindergarten
In Kindergarten at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School , students begin a meaningful journey of faith-based learning and academic growth. Rooted in Catholic values, children explore the life of Christ, the Holy Trinity, the teachings of the Church, and the inspiring examples of the Saints—discovering how faith guides their everyday lives.
Our program integrates hands-on STEM learning with core academics to build a strong foundation for future success. Students investigate weather, motion, plants, and animals, while developing essential math skills such as number sense, pattern recognition, and early data analysis.
A structured phonics-based reading program supports early literacy, helping students grow in reading, comprehension, and grammar through engaging book studies and guided instruction.
Kindergarteners are encouraged to create, collaborate, and actively participate, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Through a balance of faith formation, STEM education, and 21st-century learning strategies, students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them while growing into compassionate, capable learners.
1st Grade
First grade at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School provides a well-rounded, faith-based learning experience that nurtures students academically, socially, and spiritually. Catholic values are woven throughout the day through prayer, community worship, service opportunities, and lessons centered on Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and social justice. Students are guided by daily expectations to be kind, safe, and responsible members of the school community.
Students engage in hands-on STEM learning through science investigations and inquiry-based activities. They explore plants, animals, and the world around them while studying earth, physical, and life science, often using the school garden as an outdoor classroom to deepen real-world understanding.
In math, students develop strong number sense and problem-solving skills through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and differentiated instruction designed to support all learners.
Language arts instruction focuses on building foundational literacy skills, including reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and communication. A structured phonics-based approach, combined with comprehension strategies and consistent reading practice at school and at home, helps students grow into confident readers and writers.
2nd Grade
Second grade is an exciting and meaningful year filled with academic growth, faith formation, and memorable experiences. A special highlight of the year is preparing for and receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion, important milestones in each child’s spiritual journey within our Catholic school community.
In science, students engage in hands-on STEM learning through four dynamic units, including the study of material properties, erosion and the earth’s surface, plant adaptations, and animal biodiversity. These experiences encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. Students also collaborate on innovative projects involving robotics, 3D printing, and graphic design, along with additional creative opportunities integrated throughout the classroom.
Math instruction is interactive and hands-on, helping students develop strong number sense and essential problem-solving skills through real-world applications and collaborative learning. In social studies, students explore local communities while building an understanding of cultures and the wider world.
Language arts focuses on building reading fluency through a structured, phonics-based approach, combined with engaging lessons in comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
Through a balance of faith-based learning, STEM education, and strong academics, second grade students grow into confident, curious, and compassionate learners prepared for continued success.
3rd Grade
Third grade is an engaging year of academic growth, faith formation, and hands-on learning. Students continue to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ while learning how to live out their faith through the teachings of the Catholic Church. They explore how the Church is formed and guided through the Sacraments, with the support of the Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit.
In science, students participate in hands-on STEM learning as they study weather and climate, forces and motion, life cycles, fossils and changing environments, and heredity, survival, and selection. These topics encourage curiosity, inquiry, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Math instruction focuses on building strong multiplication and division skills, providing a solid foundation for future problem-solving and advanced mathematical concepts.
In social studies, students explore communities both near and far. A highlight of the year is a project-based learning experience in which students research a local business, interview an owner or manager, write a report, and create a 3D model, integrating real-world application with critical thinking and communication skills.
Language arts instruction uses a systematic phonics-based approach to strengthen reading fluency and comprehension, while grammar and writing lessons help students develop clear and effective communication skills.
Throughout the year, students engage in collaborative, hands-on activities that promote critical thinking and meaningful connections across all subject areas, preparing them for continued success in a Catholic STEM learning environment.
4th Grade
Fourth grade nurtures growing minds in a faith-filled, academically engaging environment. Students continue to develop a strong foundation in Catholic faith and values while building confidence as independent learners.
In language arts, students explore literature through collaborative Book Clubs, strengthen comprehension skills, and develop writing across multiple genres. Grammar is reinforced through focused mini-lessons that support clear and effective communication.
Math instruction brings concepts to life through hands-on activities and real-world applications, helping students build problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of key concepts. In science, students engage in inquiry-based STEM learning through investigations, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving that spark curiosity about the world around them.
Technology is thoughtfully integrated to support learning, collaboration, and digital literacy across subject areas.
Rooted in faith, students grow in their understanding of the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the lives of the Saints. Through prayer, service, and stewardship, they are encouraged to live out their faith with compassion, responsibility, and joy.
Through a balanced approach to faith-based education, STEM learning, and strong academics, fourth grade students continue to grow as confident, curious, and compassionate learners.
5th Grade
Fifth grade at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School (Preschool–8th grade) challenges students to grow in both faith and academic excellence while developing the skills needed for lifelong learning. Students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith through the study of the sacraments, the lives of the saints, prayer, and service, with a focus on kindness, compassion, and active participation in the community.
In science, students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning as they explore ecosystems, forces and motion, electricity, land and water systems, plant growth, and the microscopic world. Learning is reinforced through experiments, observation, design challenges, and independent research, including participation in the science fair.
Math instruction strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking as students build proficiency in fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and early algebraic concepts. Technology is integrated to support understanding and real-world application.
Language arts focuses on developing strong reading, writing, speaking, and analytical skills. Students engage with both fiction and nonfiction texts, participate in meaningful discussions, and write narrative, informational, and opinion pieces supported by evidence.
In social studies, students explore early American history and its connection to the present while building skills in research, geography, and civic awareness.
Throughout the year, students are encouraged to become thoughtful, responsible learners who use their knowledge, faith, and talents to serve others and prepare for continued academic success.
Middle School
The middle school program at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School provides a well-rounded, faith-based education that integrates Catholic faith formation with strong core academics. Students grow in both knowledge and character as they are prepared for success in high school and beyond.
In religion classes, students deepen their understanding of Scripture, the life and teachings of Jesus, the Sacraments, Church history, and Catholic moral teaching. They are encouraged to grow in their personal relationship with God while developing a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility in the world.
Across all academic subjects, students build strong skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies through engaging, inquiry-based instruction. Lessons emphasize collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world connections, helping students apply what they learn in meaningful ways.
Students participate in hands-on STEM learning, including problem-solving activities, data analysis, and close reading of complex texts. These experiences strengthen communication, analytical thinking, and independent learning skills.
Through this comprehensive approach, students develop confidence, curiosity, and responsibility, preparing them to become lifelong learners and active members of their communities grounded in faith and academic excellence.
Art
The art program at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School provides a dynamic, faith-centered visual arts education aligned with Minnesota State Visual Arts Standards. Students explore a wide range of artistic techniques and materials while learning about both historical and contemporary artists, building an appreciation for creativity across time and cultures.
Students create both individual and collaborative works of art, developing and refining their artistic ideas through hands-on experiences. They strengthen their skills by experimenting with different mediums, analyzing artwork, and learning how to communicate meaning through visual expression.
Art education at St. Joseph also emphasizes critical thinking and reflection. Students respond to artwork by analyzing and interpreting intent and meaning, while evaluating artistic choices. They make connections between art, history, culture, and personal experiences, deepening their understanding of the world around them.
St. Joseph Catholic STEM School has a strong tradition of celebrating the arts. Creativity is integrated across subject areas, and student work is showcased each year at the Arts and Academics Festival, highlighting the importance of artistic expression within a well-rounded Catholic education.
Students also participate in Artsonia, an online student art gallery that allows families to view and share their child’s artwork with loved ones. Each student has a private gallery that can be shared at the family’s discretion. When new artwork is uploaded, families receive notifications and can view, comment on, and celebrate their child’s creativity. Students are encouraged to reflect on their work by sharing their inspiration, challenges, and artistic choices, helping to build communication and writing skills.
Through Artsonia, families also have the option to purchase custom keepsakes featuring their child’s artwork, such as prints, gifts, and everyday items. These optional purchases not only celebrate student creativity but also support the school, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the art program.
By combining faith-based education, creative exploration, and meaningful connections, the St. Joseph Catholic STEM School art program inspires students to grow as confident, thoughtful, and expressive learners.
To gain access to your child’s artwork, simply fill out a permission slip at the office. Once you have granted permission, you will receive an email from Artsonia, with further directions that will take you directly to your child’s art. If you have already filled out the permission slip, just go to www.artsonia.com and log in. Please contact the school office with any questions you may have.
Music
The music program provides students with a well-rounded, engaging experience in which they explore the art of music through singing, reading, playing, listening, moving, and performing. Music is integrated across the curriculum and used as a meaningful tool to promote creativity, self-expression, confidence, and a deeper relationship with God within our Catholic faith-based learning environment.
Our program is aligned with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) National Standards and the Minnesota State Standards for Music, ensuring a comprehensive and high-quality music education for all students.
Program Experiences and Skills
Across grade levels, students develop skills in:
- Rhythmic, melodic, vocal, and instrumental literacy
- Singing and vocal performance
- Playing classroom instruments
- Listening and responding to a variety of musical styles
- Moving and dancing to music, including group folk dances
- Creating, performing, and responding to music in meaningful ways
Program Outcomes (K–8)
Students build the ability to:
- Perform music individually and in groups
- Read and understand basic musical notation and rhythm
- Participate in group movement and dance activities
- Create, perform, and respond to music in diverse forms and styles
Instructional Resources
Students engage with a variety of musical resources and repertoire, including:
- Folk song anthologies and folk dance collections
- GIA publications such as The Book of… series (Circle Games, Vocal Exploration, and more)
- Hal Leonard music anthologies, including Hot Peas and Barley-O and others
- Music Is Elementary resources such as Purposeful Pathways
- Additional folk song and movement materials curated for classroom use
Standards-Based Curriculum
The St. Joseph Catholic STEM School music curriculum is based on the Minnesota State Arts Standards (2008) and distilled arts standards to ensure students receive a structured, sequential, and developmentally appropriate music education.
Through music, students are encouraged to grow in confidence, creativity, collaboration, and joy while developing lifelong appreciation for the arts in a faith-centered environment.
Physical Education
The Physical Education program at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School is designed to emphasize personal and social responsibility while instilling Christian values, strong character, and good sportsmanship. Students participate in a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, and sequential Physical Education curriculum that builds skills, confidence, and lifelong habits of health and wellness.
Throughout the program, students are introduced to a wide variety of sports and physical activities. They develop an understanding of physical activity concepts that support informed decision-making about personal health. Students also build body, spatial, and temporal awareness while strengthening self-confidence, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
Kindergarten-2nd
In Kindergarten through 2nd grade, students are introduced to a variety of age-appropriate activities that help develop fundamental motor skills such as jogging, skipping, running, and hopping. Teacher-guided instruction supports learning basic movement patterns, including “start and stop” control, while also introducing the importance of teamwork, fairness, and cooperation.
At this early stage, students practice essential social skills such as using kind words, sharing equipment, taking turns, and showing respect for classmates. These habits help build a positive foundation for both physical activity and classroom community life.
Students in K–2 participate in a wide range of engaging activities and units, including variations of chase and tag games, soccer, football, softball, volleyball, and basketball. Additional activities such as tumbling, jump rope, dance and rhythm, and archery provide opportunities to develop coordination, balance, agility, and confidence in movement.
3rd-4th Grade
In 3rd and 4th grade, students continue to build on foundational movement skills while learning to apply basic strategies in game settings. They demonstrate responsible participation, including appropriate contact and effort during tag-type games, and are expected to engage actively and safely for the full class period.
At this level, students combine locomotor skills such as hopping, skipping, and jumping into sequences and movement patterns. They begin to use instructor feedback to improve specific skills, such as dribbling, passing, or shooting in basketball and other sports. Students are also introduced to basic anatomy concepts, including identifying major bones and muscles, and participate in the “Action Prayer” warm-up routine at the beginning of each class to connect faith and movement.
5th-Middle School
In 5th grade, the focus is on developing accuracy and speed in object manipulation skills. Students refine techniques such as throwing, catching, striking, kicking, trapping, and dribbling. Working in small groups, they also learn to respect and accept individual differences, including maturity levels, physical abilities, cultural backgrounds, and gender differences, fostering inclusivity and teamwork.
In 6th grade, instruction emphasizes cooperative learning and working toward shared goals. Students focus on developing movement skill combinations and expanding their knowledge of how different movement skills work together in physical activity settings.
In 7th grade, students focus on meeting challenges, making decisions, and applying movement skills in individual and dual activities. They also learn to assess and maintain physical fitness to improve both health and performance. Instruction includes fitness concepts, principles, and strategies, as well as psychological and sociological skills such as self-responsibility, positive social interaction, and group dynamics in physical activity settings.
In 8th grade, students focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and applying advanced movement skills and fitness knowledge. They learn how to maintain and improve personal fitness for lifelong health and performance while becoming informed consumers of health and fitness information. Students also explore how physical activity supports enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social connection.
Across 5th through 8th grade, students participate in seasonal units including:
- Fall: team games (dodgeball, kickball), team handball, soccer, football
- Winter: team games (dodgeball, kickball), volleyball, badminton, basketball, dance and rhythm, archery
- Spring: team games (dodgeball, kickball), soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee
Through these experiences, students grow in physical fitness, skill development, teamwork, and character within a faith-centered learning environment.