Class of 2030

Congratulations and welcome to the St. Joseph's Academy family! We are so excited for you to be an Angel.

SPIRIT SHOP

The SJA Spirit Shop has everything you need, including uniform-approved apparel and gift certificates. Shop the Spirit Shop in person, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Please enter through the Main Office to sign in. Online purchases can be picked up during school hours or sent home with a student.

SJA Spirit Shop

Class of 2030 Events

Key Dates for the 2026-27 School Year

Questions? Please contact the Admissions Department at admissions@sja1840.org.

Calendar RSS Feeds Subscribe to Calendar Alerts

February

Feb 20 2026

Class of 2030 Award Letters for Class of 2030 Sent

Feb 21 2026

Class of 2030 Class of 2030 Enrollment Contracts Due

March

Mar 5 2026

Class of 2030 Tapestry Welcome Night

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Sr. Mary dePaul Room

Mar 6 2026

Class of 2030 Class of 2030 - CSE Portfolio Due (optional)

Mar 7 2026

Class of 2030 Class of 2030: Math Placement Test

9:00 AM

Please enter at the Main Office

Mar 7 2026

Class of 2030 Class of 2030: World Language Placement Test

10:15 AM

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

When enrollment opens February 1st for the 2026-27 school year, parents will be sent an email from SJA’s enrollment database with instructions for accessing the SJA Parent Portal. This email will include a direct link to the SJA Parent Portal and a unique authentication code that corresponds to your parent profile in our database. The SJA Parent Portal is where new families originally accessed an application checklist, and where returning families annually complete an enrollment checklist. To access the SJA Parent Portal, please click the link in the system email to log in to your account, then click the “Continue Enrollment Process” button. New families will need to use the unique authentication code included in this system email to gain access. After you have initially logged in using the system email, you may access the SJA Parent Portal at any time using the link below.

Class of 2030 Enrollment Information

Enrollment forms must be completed by Saturday, February 21st. These include:

Enrollment & Tuition Letter
Enrollment Contract
Deposit
FACTS Tuition Payment System set up

Tuition payment plans are set up as part of the enrollment process starting within the SJA Parent Portal. Once the online forms have been completed and the deposit has been paid, a button will be available in the SJA Parent Portal that says FACTS. FACTS is our online tuition management software.

SJA Parent Portal

Helpful Links

Summer 2026

Class of 2030 Leadership Camp
This camp for incoming freshmen has two sessions: Session I (June 8-11) and Session II (June 15-18).

Register

Summer Athletic Camps

More Information & Register

Sr. Josepha Scholars & More Scholars
Summer dates are Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 26th.

Summer Assignments
Students at St. Joseph's Academy enrich their summer through required reading. The specific titles are dependent upon the courses in which each student is enrolled for the upcoming school year. Please check back in early summer for specifics on course schedules, summer reading assignments, supply lists, and more.

Angels Take Flight
All incoming freshman are required to attend Angels Take Flight, August 10-13th. Please mark your calendars - more information will be provided at a later date.

Stay Informed

We welcome and encourage parents to be involved with their daughters' education at St. Joe. Staying connected with school news, information, traditions and opportunities for volunteerism, will enhance your experience in her high school years.

SJA 1840 App
Download the St. Joseph's Academy's app (SJA 1840) on either the App Store or Google Play to ensure you are always aware of the most important news, announcements, calendar events, and you have access to on-the-go information! Parents using the SJA 1840 mobile app are able to customize the calendar in the app to reflect Class of 2030 upcoming events.

SJA Mobile App

Calendar
To add the Class of 2030 feed to your calendar from the website:

In the list of events above, click the grey square with white lines
Click the Calendar Feeds link that corresponds to your device
Paste it into your preferred calendar

Email
SJA will send several email communications throughout spring and summer - keep a watch out for these in your inbox!

Uniform Information

Athletics

Questions?

Questions? Please email admissions@sja1840.org or call Tina Worland, Admissions Coordinator, at (314) 394-4250.

Specific contact information:

Athletics:
Please visit the Tryout Information page for more information.
Taylor Dace '11, Athletic Director, tdace@sja1840.org

Enrollment Contracts
Kara Kelpe, kkelpe@sja1840.org

Instrumental Ensemble:
Marvin Medcalf, mmedcalf@sja1840.org

Placement Testing
Kara Kelpe, kkelpe@sja1840.org

Scholar Programs
MORE Scholar: Allison Koob, akoob@sja1840.org
Sr. Josepha Scholar: Christine Holladay, cholladay@sja1840.org

SJA Parent Portal
Kara Kelpe, kkelpe@sja1840.org

Student Support Services
Mary Ruzicka, Learning Consultant (A-K), mruzicka@sja1840.org
Cathy Zitko, Learning Consultant (L-Z), czitko@sja1840.org

Tuition & Financial Aid:
Sandy Kemp, Financial Aid & Tuition Specialist, skemp@sja1840.org.

Course Registration

General Information

Academic Information Packet

March 7: Mathematics & World Language Placement Testing
The mathematics placement test is mandatory for all incoming freshmen. Please check back for registration information.

March 21: Course Placement Recommendations Sent
Once families have completed the Enrollment Contract steps in February, and their daughter has completed the required placement testing in early March, families will receive an email with course placement recommendations from Dave Farrar, Registrar, on Saturday, March 21st in preparation for Class of 2030 Welcome Night, where incoming freshmen will register for courses.

Curriculum Guide
The Curriculum Guide lists the courses that are currently offered at St. Joseph's Academy, including a detailed description of the courses, credits, prerequisite requirements, and course expectations.

2026-27 Curriculum Guide

March 24: Class of 2030 Welcome Night
Incoming freshmen will register for 2026-27 courses at Welcome Night on Tuesday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. Join SJA administrators, counselors, academic department chairs, and coaches as they review the expectations and schedules for spring and summer, as well as important information about athletics, summer camps, and enrichment opportunities. The Registrar will also walk everyone through completing their course selection form. Incoming freshmen and at least one parent are required to attend.

Early Summer
Academic schedules are typically sent in early summer. Summer assignments and supply lists will be available at that time.

Computer Science & Engineering

All students are required to take one full credit in Computer Science & Engineering during their four years at St. Joseph’s Academy. This is usually met by taking the required .5 credit Computer Science Applications course plus one additional semester-long CSE course. We have noticed an increasing number of students are coming in with advanced skills in computer science. If your daughter is interested and has previously participated in computer programming (coding) courses, she may be eligible to advance to a sophomore-level CSE course.

Students wishing to do this should do the following:

complete the CSE skill survey
provide a link to a portfolio of her completed projects

The survey and portfolio submission must be completed by March 6, 2026.

More Information

Questions about Computer Science & Engineering? Please contact Carrie Hill, Department Chair, at chill@sja1840.org.

Fine Arts

All freshmen at SJA are required to take a Fine Arts course. Students have the choice of four courses (each .5 credits). To help best place students in appropriate classes, we ask that they complete the Fine Arts survey. This survey is intended to get an idea of a student's background and interest in Fine Arts. It is not necessary to have experience in any of the Fine Arts areas. We know you will enjoy learning in the class you take!

Freshman Fine Arts Survey More Information Instrumental Ensemble Information

Fine Arts Course Options

FA Drawing & Painting I
Semester Course
Students will explore a variety of drawing and painting media, developing observational and technical skills. This course will focus on students learning about line, form, value, composition, color theory, and color mixing. Students will be required to purchase their own art supplies.

FA Instrumental Ensemble
Year-long Course
This course meets before school from 7:15-8:00 a.m. twice per week on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Students will develop individual musicianship through ensemble experience and through exposure to a widely varied repertoire. The group will have one performance each semester. Mandatory attendance and participation at both concerts are required to receive credit for the course. The Instrumental Ensemble accepts students with previous experience in middle school band, or orchestra experience on violin and cello. Piano students are limited and only by audition.

Prerequisite: Proficiency on your instrument and instructor/ departmental approval; student must provide her own instrument.

More Information on Instrumental Ensemble

FA Freshman Chorus
This course is taken along with PE Physical Education or PE Dance I, and meets both semesters.
The Freshman Chorus is a performing ensemble that studies the techniques of singing through various styles of music. Basic music theory and sight singing are also studied. This ensemble performs at both the Christmas and Spring Concerts. Mandatory attendance and participation at both concerts are required to receive credit for the course. Students do not need prior singing experience to be a part of Freshman Chorus.

FA Acting I
Semester Course
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of training for the beginning actor. Basic acting skills are explored through improvisation and scene work which focus on increasing concentration, relaxation, collaboration, listening, line memorization, and stage voice use. Students will learn proper theatre etiquette and the process involved in critiquing a theatrical performance. Areas of study include character development, stage blocking, and play analysis. Additionally, this course will provide the foundation that will prepare students who are interested in taking advanced courses in theatre.

* Dance I for freshmen is for PE credit only. This is an introductory overview course that is designed to explore dance as an art form. Students will study dance conditioning, ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Emphasis will be on beginner dance technique, movement exploration through guided improvisation, and dance history.

Please review the Curriculum Guide for additional course details and expectations.

Mathematics

Freshmen take Algebra I, Algebra IB, Algebra 1 Accelerated, or Honors Geometry. Occasionally, a freshman who has taken both Algebra 1 and Geometry in middle school takes Honors Algebra II.

All freshmen will take a placement test in March to determine which of the following courses is most appropriate for them: Algebra I, Algebra 1B, Algebra I Accelerated, or Honors Geometry*

Mathematics Placement Testing:
March 7th at 9:00 a.m.

Make-up Mathematics Placement Testing:
March 9th at 3:15 p.m.

*Any student who tests into Honors Geometry will be required to complete a summer math packet.

Mathematics Department - Frequently Asked Questions

Mathematics Course Options

MT Algebra I B
This course reinforces the student’s experience with rational numbers while introducing the concepts of constant and variable. The student learns to evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions, to solve linear and quadratic equations, to translate word problems into algebraic equations, and to graph linear functions. Other topics include an introduction to functions, inequalities, natural-number exponents, factorization of polynomials, an introduction to radicals, and systems of equations/inequalities. Other topics are added as time allows. The student learns the “why” as well as the “how” of basic algebraic operations.

MT Algebra I
Students in this course will evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions, solve linear and quadratic equations, translate word problems into algebraic equations, and graph linear functions. Other topics include functions, inequalities, natural-number exponents, factorization of polynomials, radicals, and systems of equations/inequalities. Other topics are added as time allows. The student learns the “why” as well as the “how” of basic algebraic operations

MT Algebra I Accelerated
This course is for the student who has some experience with Algebra I topics but does not show a mastery of the subject. Building on that experience, the instructor will design the course to challenge the students by complementing and extending their knowledge of Algebra I

MT Honors Geometry
This course will move at a very brisk pace and require a mastery of the topics covered in Algebra I. The emphasis on logic and deductive systems develops the structure of geometry, while application problems demonstrate the practical nature of the subject. The topics covered include segments, lines and angles, parallel lines, triangles, similarity, quadrilaterals and polygons, circles, introductory trigonometry, area, volume, and reasoning and proof (two-column).

Please review the Curriculum Guide for additional course details and expectations.

Science

Freshmen take Biology B, Biology, or Honors Biology. Students are selected for Honors Biology based on their composite overall score from grade school standardized tests. Students ranked in the 93rd percentile or above are eligible for placement in Honors Biology.

Science Department - Frequently Asked Questions

Science Course Options

SC Biology B
This year-long, lab-based course exposes students to a broad overview of the science of biology. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the relevancy of biology in the everyday. The focus of coverage is based on student interest but will typically include cell structure and function, cellular transport, photosynthesis, cell respiration, cellular reproduction, heredity, ecology and evolution theory. Instructional methods include direct instruction, guided labs, hands-on activities and differentiated assessments which facilitate conceptual understanding and develop study, organizational and problem-solving skills

SC Biology
This year-long, lab-based course introduces students to the fundamental concepts in the field of biology. Topics include biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular transport, energetics, cellular reproduction, heredity, molecular biology, ecology and the theory of evolution. Instructional methods include direct and student-centered instruction, guided and inquiry-based laboratory work, exposure to scientific research, hands-on activities and discussions.

SC Honors Biology
This course is designed as an intensive first year biology course in preparation for college and is intended for students who may be thinking of pursuing a career in science. It includes a more comprehensive study of the fundamental biological principles beyond those covered in the Biology B and Biology courses. Instructional methods include more frequent student-centered instruction and inquiry-based laboratory experiments. Self-directed projects and research will be included.

Please review the Curriculum Guide for additional course details and expectations.

Theology

Theology Department - Frequently Asked Questions

Freshman Year Theology Course: Sacred Scripture, Our Story
Year-long Course
This course provides students with an introduction to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures in which they explore the nature of the Bible, learn how to read and interpret it, identify the key stories and themes, and discover the truths about God, humans, and our relationship to God contained within it. Students are invited to see scripture as both a historical document and as a guide for reflection, helping them recognize God’s life within and God’s love for all.

World Language

World Language Placement Testing
SJA offers placement tests for those planning to register for Spanish, French, or Latin. Students who have had previous significant experience in these languages are strongly encouraged to take a placement test. This diagnostic tool will help determine the most appropriate course level when registering for Spanish, French, or Latin. For questions concerning previous experience in Mandarin, please contact Heather Hughes, Department Chair, at hhughes@sja1840.org.

World Language Placement Testing: March 7th at 10:15 a.m.
Make-up World Language Placement Testing: March 9th at 4:15 p.m.

Language Preference Selection:
On Tuesday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. during Class of 2030 Welcome Night, students will be asked to indicate their language preferences with the course registration paperwork. We do our best to place students in their first choice, but please note that there is no guarantee that everyone will be able to study their first-choice language as a freshman.

World Language - Frequently Asked Questions French Latin Mandarin Spanish

Optional Courses

EN: Journalism: The Voice
.25 credit
Elective Year-long Course (this course does not count toward the four English credits needed for graduation)
This course meets Monday morning before school.
Students in Journalism: The Voice will work on student media in either print or online publication. This minicourse will meet once a week before school. Students will work in groups and individually to create work for The Voice. Tasks will vary and skills learned can include researching stories, publishing original writing and photography, and creating print or digital layout through Adobe software InDesign, Photoshop, or Premiere Pro. Credit is based on participation on and contribution to St. Joe media: The Voice. In order to receive credit for this pass/fail course, students will be required to produce a certain number of pieces per school year and maintain attendance and deadlines, depending on editorship or staff position.

FA Instrumental Ensemble
.5 credit
Year-long Course
This course meets from 7:15-8:00 a.m. twice per week on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Students will develop individual musicianship through ensemble experience and through exposure to a widely varied repertoire. The group will have one performance each semester. Mandatory attendance and participation at both concerts are required to receive credit for the course. The Instrumental Ensemble accepts students with previous experience in middle school band, or orchestra experience on violin and cello. Piano students are limited and only by audition.

CSE Broadcasting: St. Joe Studios
.5 credit (pass/fail)
Elective Year-long Course
This course meets on Tuesdays before school, Thursdays after school, or Friday at lunch.
Students in Broadcasting: St. Joe Studios will work on St. Joe TV and other broadcasting productions, exploring the world of television production and broadcasting. This hands-on course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of creating and running a high school television channel. Students will delve into the dynamic field of broadcast journalism, video production, and on-air presentation while gaining practical experience in a real-world setting. It is expected that members will work outside of regular school hours, and credit is dependent on meeting contribution and attendance expectations for the year. Students will work in groups and individually to create material for St. Joe TV, including raw video and edited segments. Tasks vary and skills learned include video production, editing, narrative storytelling, script writing, and using professional editing software. In order to receive credit for this pass/fail course, students will earn required units over the course of the school year, which is achieved through attending meetings, filming or editing segments, writing scripts, and other assigned tasks.

CSE Robotics: FIRST Tech Challenge Engineering
.5 credit (pass/fail)
Elective Year-long Course
This course meets after school on Tuesdays from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
All students are welcome as members of the JoeBotics team. Those students wishing to earn credit for this graded course must register for the team when registering for the next year’s classes. This project-based learning course integrates physics, math, coding, teamwork, creative problem solving, and the engineering design process in the building of a functional FIRST Tech Challenge robot, which will compete in a number of qualifying events leading up to the state competition. In order to receive a grade of “Pass,” students are expected to attend this course on Tuesdays after school for two hours, on two or three Saturday mornings per month, and every Saturday morning during the robotics season (September–March). Students are also expected to be present during competitions in which the team participates, and to work at the “Robos at Joe’s” league meet held at SJA. The “Pass” grade will also be based on participation, and demonstration of fundamental design, engineering, and computer programming skills needed in robotics.

* Please review the Curriculum Guide for additional course details and expectations.

Angel Parent Organization

The Angel Parent Organization (APO) offers parents, guardians, and families the opportunity to fulfill the mission of St. Joseph’s Academy through volunteerism and engagement. As an SJA parent or guardian, participation in your Angel’s education and high school experience is essential. With parent-daughter Masses and events, service opportunities, activities with Angel Moms and Angel Dads, there are many ways to volunteer throughout the year and be connected and serve with the mission of St. Joseph’s Academy.

Opportunities can fit all interests and schedules. Questions? Please contact Meredith Metzger, Parent Programs Specialist, at mmetzger@sja1840.org.

Angel Parent Organization

Navigation

SPIRIT SHOP

Class of 2030 Events

February

March

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

Helpful Links

Summer 2026

Stay Informed

Uniform Information

Athletics

Questions?

Course Registration

General Information

Computer Science & Engineering

Fine Arts

Fine Arts Course Options

Mathematics

Mathematics Course Options

Science

Science Course Options

Theology

World Language

Optional Courses

Angel Parent Organization

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