School Spotlight: St. Joseph Academy

St. Joseph Academy was founded as a Catholic school in Polk County in 1938 under the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York. In 1987, the nuns handed the reigns to the lay administrators, who took over the duties of caring for students. St. Joseph Academy accepts students from pre-K through 8th grade. These students are taught more than academics, though. With a solid foundation based on the Catholic faith, St. Joseph’s teaches values, athletics, community involvement, and accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference in a beautiful facility staffed with qualified teachers and administrators. Many graduates from St. Joseph Academy transfer to Santa Fe Catholic High School fully prepared for the college preparatory courses taught there.St. Joseph’s teachers use hands-on and computer-based learning for many of their projects and assignments. Pre-K students are able to use technology in St. Joseph’s computer lab, discovering through online learning games. The technology instructor aligns computer lessons with the curriculum from teachers’ lesson plans, giving students interactive learning opportunities.Students are given assignments individually and as groups, since students learn as much from each other as they do from teacher-led exercises. Along with asking questions to each other, students also learn to share, take turns, teach others, listen, and value the opinions of their classmates.The staff at St. Joseph Academy realizes everyone has a different learning style. While some students learn by listening, others learn by seeing or doing. Every student is tested to determine his or her learning style so lessons can be created to help them learn more effectively. For instance, math lessons often include manipulatives, or physical items students are able to move around as they add, subtract, multiply, and divide. This method helps students who learn by their sense of touch.The basic curriculum at St. Joseph Academy focuses on the Bible’s teachings, examining the Gospel through example as well as through lessons. The faith community of St. Joseph’s makes students feel safe and secure, which enhances learning. Our Catholic curriculum is not only for Catholic students; all faiths and walks of life are welcome to our school since the overall goal is to develop individuals who value a peaceful and humane world.Your child will benefit from the solid education provided by St. Joseph Academy. To learn more about St. Joseph’s, contact the Diocese of Orlando and ask about this Catholic school in the Polk County area. You can also call St. Joseph Academy directly at 863-293-331. Read our blogs for information concerning school preparedness, Catholic schools in our diocese, and news about education in general.