St. John’s Lutheran School — It’s The Total Package!
By a St. John’s mom, Jen Fuqua
From clothing to food to jobs to significant others, there’s nothing like the total package. Something where everything just fits right and offers all that you’re looking for.
Last week was National Teacher Appreciation Week. Accordingly, my kids (ages 8 and 11) wrote thank you notes to their teachers at their school. Of course, like many moms, I like to look over the cards before they are delivered. My jaw dropped as I read the thank you note that my son made for our principal, Dr. Wells.
“Thank you for being such a great principal. You make St. John’s safe, caring, fun and educational. I am so happy to be at this school. Thanks for being the best principal.“
I have to admit I was a bit in awe. At that moment, I realized we, as a family, had found the Total Package in St. John’s Lutheran School.
When we were looking at schools, my husband and I wanted an affordable, safe, and quality Christ centered education for our two sons- one that fosters self- confidence, respect and individuality with a low teacher to student ratio. St. John’s Lutheran School offers just that– a nurturing, academic environment for PreK- 8th grade.
The 3, 4, and 5 year old PreK program readies children for kindergarten with a positive and active learning environment with certified, experienced teachers. “Partner time” with older elementary students offers an excellent role-modeling opportunity. My son loves to read with his Pre-School partners.
In the elementary school, both of my boys are involved in strong language arts, mathematics, social studies computer and science programs which highlight the academic curriculum. I was pleasantly surprised that Spanish classes are taught starting in the third grade.
Although we are not yet into the middle school, I really liked the fact that Pre-Algebra is offered in the 7th grade. Subsequently, Algebra starts in the 8th grade. My sons will have the opportunity to receive credit and begin Geometry in the 9th grade upon entering high school. Many of St. John’s graduates begin honors classes in high school. I think that speaks volumes about building my boys’ academic foundation.
So, besides the three R’s, what else are my kids learning? A solid, Christ- centered focus underlies every subject and is supported by every faculty and staff member. The award-winning Art program allows them to foster their creative gifts and allows freedom of expression using various media. The Drama and Music programs are phenomenal–professional performances– like Annie and Beauty and the Beast!
These programs have enhanced their speaking skills, self discipline, and teamwork. The Physical Education program stresses the importance of fitness and health. It is the basis for an active Sports Program which includes co-ed soccer, volleyball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, and cheerleading teams. Basketball was our favorite–the gymnasium is great!
An involved PTO, Spirit Night functions, Education Fair, 8th Grade Washington DC and other class field trips, Grandparents’ Breakfast, The Variety Show, Daddy- Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Jamboree, Lutheran Schools Week and Camp Falcon are just many of the activities to keep the entire family involved.
I could go on and on about a lot information that can be found on the schoolwebsite or our Facebook page. But there is something that only one mom can relay to another mom: We all want our kids to be loved, to be well-educated, to be safe, to be active, to be challenged, to thrive and to just be happy. We all want a school that will help our kids achieve all the ideals that we, their parents, want for them. We want dedicated and accessible faculty and staff who reinforce our sense of family.
Not every school is for every child nor for every family. I can only speak from my own experiences. Since we have been at St. John’s, I have seen two sons whose minds are challenged, whose sense of self is growing, and whose love for Christ is maturing— and as a mom, that’s a beautiful thing.
If you are looking for The Total Package in a school for your child, look at St. John’s Lutheran School . Every day is Open House Day. It is so much more than just a great education.
For a first-hand glimpse of The Total Package at St. John’s Lutheran School, watch this photo slideshow below (note: it is not intended to have audio):
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