Inspiring love of learning
St. John’s School recently welcomed Janet Edgar as principal. Edgar, who has taught second grade at St. John’s for 10 years, was raised in Hot Springs. She has her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the University of Central Arkansas and has served two years in The Gambia, West Africa, in the Peace Corps.
St. John’s Catholic School is a fully accredited educational institution that develops the whole person, promotes Gospel values, inspires a love of learning, and upholds academic excellence in a nurturing community. St. John’s welcomes children of all faiths.
The school is founded on the four pillars of Catholic education: Catholic identity, academic excellence, affordability, and accessibility. While blending authentic teaching of the Church with high educational achievement in outcomes and scores, St. John’s has continued to provide all children access to high-quality academic and moral education.
Computer classes are offered to Pre-K through eighth grade. St. John’s has a state-of-the-art computer lab. In addition, laptops and Chromebooks are provided for fifth- through eighth-grade writing, social studies, and science classes. SMART Boards or Sympodiums and iPads are utilized in every classroom Pre-K through eighth grade.
St. John’s students participate in Parochial League athletics in the third through eighth grade. SJS offers volleyball, basketball, track and field, and cross-country.
Learning, practicing, and exemplifying the connection between God and science is an integral part of the St. John’s School curriculum. At St. John’s, students care for God’s creation by participating in the Stream Team Program in seventh and eighth grades.
Building upon a solid language arts foundation from Pre-K, the fifth- through eighth-grade reading course at St. John’s is curriculum based and encourages students to read often. In their writing, they are expected to research information and use it to support their ideas. Availability of laptops in the classroom allows students to receive immediate feedback and positive reinforcement for their efforts.
St. John’s takes STEM education to a higher level by introducing STREAM, which includes art and religion.
In addition to Spanish for Pre-K through eighth grade, Latin is expanding this year to include third through eighth grades.
Students show mercy by helping those in need. The annual Thanksgiving food drive provides food for needy families during the holidays. In addition, students have special collections, either money or needed items, during Advent and Lent.
Outreach projects during the year are chosen based on community needs. However, elementary students regularly visit local nursing homes to provide entertainment and interaction with residents.
A Cyber Day Policy for inclement weather days has been reviewed and approved by the ANSAA accrediting body and SJS has five allowable cyber days — students will work from home on internet assignments and can communicate with teachers online, messaging, or emailing for assistance.