The Saint John Bosco Academy lower school curriculum covers five core subjects: Mathematics, Language Arts, Religion, History, and Science. The Mathematics and Language Arts classes are given primary emphasis, as all additional learning flows from these two.
Grades PK4-3 focus on building a solid phonics and traditional mathematics foundation. The children are taught their Catholic prayers and traditions, and study Sacred Scripture through stories from the Bible. History and Science are “hands on” classes where students experience nature walks, experiments, and activities that mark the children’s memories for historical events.
From 4th grade thru 8th grade, we offer a spiral approach to math, which allows our students to master math facts and revisit previously taught concepts regularly. The Language Arts curriculum for these grade levels offers solid grammar, beginning Latin and Greek study, fine literature study, and a purposeful, classical method for teaching writing. The SJBA Religion curriculum is loyal to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and employs discussion and defense of the faith. The Catholic faith is woven into our History curriculum, and our Science courses are taught through hands-on activity and from a creation perspective. Our students leave middle school with a strong foundation for “thinking”, which prepares them for our classical SJBA High School.
Accreditation
St. John Bosco Academy is accredited, with quality, through the Georgia Accreditating Commission.
Arts
Performing Arts: Our lower school students, 1st - 8th grades, can take part in an optional performing arts program offered on Fridays. The performing arts students put on fabulous performances each year including an Advent/Christmas choral concert and a dramatic performing arts show in the spring.
Fine Arts: SJBA lower school students, 1st-8th grades, have the option to participate in fine arts classes each Friday and take part in an annual art show.
Field Trips
SJBA students and families are encouraged to take part in educational and enriching field trips that bring learning to life. Any field trips that are offered are organized by teachers, room mothers, and parents and vary according to levels of interest, curriculum study, and grade level.
The study of the great ancient civilization of Egypt takes the third grade class to the Michael C. Carlos Museum to learn more about archeology. Fifth graders have travelled to Alabama to visit the US Space and Rocket Center for Space Camp, and some classes have gone to the Dahlonega Gold Mines to dig for gold while reading By the Great Horn Spoon. In addition, SJBA hosts recreational trips to venues such as Sky Zone, Hillside Orchards, and local area parks.
Spiritual Enrichment
The Catholic Faith is woven into every fiber of life at SJBA. Each morning the student body prays together as a community of faithful believers, always invoking Mary, the Help of Christians, and St John Bosco, our patron. Students and staff are offered confession once a month along with Mass celebrations on Holy Days of Obligation and other special events. Special feast days like the Blessed Mother’s Birthday, All Saints Day, and the feast of Don Bosco are festive celebrations at SJBA with special meditations and special activities!