Jr./Sr. High School
Curriculum Overview
SJCA offers a rigorous content rich curriculum built around the belief that there is a common body of knowledge all members of society should master in the core subjects and in the fine arts. Literature and history instruction are rooted in primary sources and in Great Books. Their sequence is designed in order that the same literary and historical eras are taught within the same school year, continuing through subsequent years chronologically. Freshman study those of antiquity and Seniors’ studies end with modernity. Mathematical and scientific knowledge are pursued for their own sakes as well as for practical applications. Latin studies are an integral part of the upper school curriculum. Instruction in the fine arts includes theory, history, and performance. Classical virtues, as well as principles in self-government and civility, are identified and clearly taught in a seamless manner through course con- tent. The Socratic method is implemented heavily throughout upper school classrooms and as appropriate in elementary classrooms. Throughout their tenure, students are trained in study skills, planning, and organization, close reading of texts, and note-taking. In every classroom a distinct emphasis is placed on minds-on learning and on fostering a spirit of inquiry in students.
Learning Abroad
Please check back for most current information.
House System
The House System is a traditional feature of many European schools in which the school is divided into subunits called "houses." Upon entering the school, each student is assigned to a house, thus providing a focus for group loyalty and camaraderie. Modeled after Golden View Classical Academy, our House System will split the Upper School (grades 6-12) into four Houses. Each House will contain an equal number of young men and women from all Upper School grades. In future years, as part of their graduation process, all students exiting 5th grade will go through a special ceremony where their House will be revealed. The purpose of the Houses is to provide a wide array of opportunities for student involvement and participation, as well as for a widely dispersed student government (with leadership and ambassadorship opportunities for those who seek them out). Within their Houses, students will plan and execute school events, foster mentoring relationships between various grades, and develop unique traditions.
Houses will compete for points throughout the year. Students will earn points for academic achievements, and character awards. At the end of the year, the House with the most points will reign victorious with their emblem and colors proudly displayed in the cafeteria (etc.).
When students graduate, they will have had several years of planning and executive experience. If and when they choose to attend college, they will have the practical knowledge of how to begin clubs and associations, which is one of the core features of strong citizenship. The House System, then, is an education in civics because of the habits it encourages and forms. Following a Classical theme, each House will be named after an ancient Greek City-State:
• Athens—Just like Athens itself, this House’s emblem will be the Owl of Athens and our Athenians will represent and uphold the virtues of wisdom and democracy.
• Sparta—Our Spartans will have the spirits of warriors—always ready and prepared to defend the weak and correct the wrongs of injustice. This House’s emblem will be the famous Spartan helmet.
• Corinth—Similar to the column which shares their name, our Corinthians will be solid and bold as they provide the necessary support and stability for our school’s mission to Learn the True; Do the Good; and Love the Beautiful. These individuals will be the Pillars of our community and their emblem will be a Corinthian Column.
• Delphi—Delphi is often regarded as the birthplace of Ancient Greek diplomacy. As such, Delphic ideals centered on the virtue of discernment, the value of strong alliances, the advantage of fair play, and the importance of perseverance. As the ambassadors of our school, our Delphians will embody these same ideals and their emblem will be the olive branch.
Intramural Sports
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National Honor Society
National Honor Society is a nationwide organization for high school scholars. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
NHS Chapter Adviser - Mrs. Ana Maria Cosme
NHS FAQ
National Junior
Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society is a nationwide organization for junior high school scholars. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
NJHS Chapter Adviser - Mrs. Carmen Burgess
SAT & ACT Testing Dates
Graduation Requirements
SCJA offers two types of diplomas:
1) The SJCA Diploma has the same total credits as the Florida standard diploma but has some specific subject requirements. SJCA requires the completion of the following requirements to earn a SJCA diploma:
24 credits
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Must pass the Grade 10 ELA assessment or ACT/SAT concordant score
Must pass Algebra 1 EOC
A 10-15 page Senior Thesis for graduation
2-4 years of Latin
2) The SCJA Scholar Diploma meets the minimum requirements set by the state for the Florida Scholar Diploma; however, to earn a SJCA Scholar Diploma, there are additional requirements.
High School Yearly To Do List
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Work hard in all of your classes, challenge yourself in the classroom, and get to know your teachers.
Develop good study and time management habits and work hard to keep up your grades.
Start asking questions! Ask teachers, friends and parents about colleges and careers.
Get involved in extra-curricular activities, groups, clubs, and organizations that you enjoy.
Find service projects your are passionate about and volunteer your time.
Start a running list that tracks all of your high school activities, awards, work experience, summer programs, and volunteer projects. Have your parents contribute to the list and keep it in a folder.
Read good books and continue to work on your writing skills.
Use your summer well and consider visiting some colleges.
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Remember the importance of your grades. Keep working hard in class.
Start thinking about your interests, likes and dislikes, strengths and challenges.
Keep an eye out for college fairs in the area and plan to attend.
Attend presentations and meetings on campus with college admissions visitors.
Take the practice PSAT test on campus.
Create accounts on College Board and Khan Academy after you take the PSAT. Link the two accounts for personalized, free test preparation, and resources.
Become more deeply involved in your extra-curricular activities and start seeking more
opportunities to take on leadership roles and serve those around you. Keep tracking your list of activities and awards.
Continue to develop your relationships with your teachers, counselors and mentors.
Remember, you will be asking them for a recommendation soon!
Ask older students for advice when you need it. What do they wish they would have done when they were in your grade?
Be careful with your social media activity. Colleges do check this!
Make sure you have a professional email address to share with colleges.
Visit colleges during breaks, ask questions, and keep notes about your likes and dislikes.
Use your summer well! Volunteer, travel, teach yourself something new, take a class, visit colleges, participate in a summer enichment program, etc.
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Fall Semester:
Continue to use Khan Academy or other test prep resources to practice for the PSAT/NMSQT exam.
Remember that Junior year is very important academically. Make sure you are working hard in all of your classes.
Start getting to know your counselor and make plans for senior year.
Attend presentations and meetings on campus with college admissions visitors.
Get to know your junior teachers well and maintain your GPA. Start thinking about which teachers you will ask for recommendations.
Use your excused absences and student holidays to visit colleges, take tours, and meet with admissions representatives.
Take a practice ACT to compare with your PSAT results. Comparing the two results will help you determine which of the two tests to focus on in the future.
Know the high school code for testing and applications.
Spring Semester:
Continue consulting with family, friends, teachers, and advisors about their college and career experiences.
Begin developing a list of potential colleges that you feel would be a strong fit for you.
Compare your results and register to take your preferred test (ACT or an SAT exam).
Plan to register to take your first in early to mid-Spring so that you have time for a retake at the end of the Spring semester or over the Summer.
Utilize test prep resources at ACT.org or KhanAcademy.org to study for standardized tests. Build a plan for your study.
Keep track of all academic and extracurricular involvements and accomplishments (clubs, honors employment, volunteering sports, etc.). Start putting it into resume form.
Seek out leadership opportunities and become more deeply involved in your activities and interests.
Start browsing application sites (Common Application) and requirements. Start brainstorming ideas for your essays.
Speak to the teachers from who you will request a letter of recommendation. Give them any information necessary to complete the recommendation over the summer, if they would like to do so.
Finish the school year strong, and plan to make time to work on your college applications over the summer.
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Summer:
Work to finalize and organize your college list. Determine your general level of interest in the colleges on your list (low, medium, high) and research where you fall within their admissions criteria.
Compile all requirements and deadlines for your college of interest, especially early action or priority deadlines. Create a master calendar of all the important test and registration dates, college application deadlines, financial aid forms, and other necessary materials.
Keep a list of usernames and passwords as you may use different ones for school, scholarship, or financial aid sites.
Register to retake the SAT or ACT again over the summer or in early Fall if needed. You can send up to 4 free scores to colleges. You can also super score the SAT.
Create a draft of your college essay and finalize your resume.
Ask each college about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Continue to get to know your colleges: campus visits, college fairs, visits to the high school, emails to your admissions representatives, etc.
September:
If you haven't already done so, request official transcripts and letters of recommendation from the high school.
Schedule college interviews, if recommended by your colleges.
If using the Common Application, sign the FERPA (privacy waiver).
Go over your essays with your advisor for review and make any necessary edits. Log into your ACT or SAT account and have your test scores sent to any remaining colleges.
November:
Submit your final applications.
Check with each college to make sure they received all of your materials.
Complete the FASFA (opens on October 1).
Continue to research, apply for, and inquire about scholarship opportunities.
Spring:
Keep up your school work and work diligently on your senior thesis. Remember that colleges do look at your final senior grades and can withdraw an offer of admission if you fail classes or your performance drops significantly.
Keep perspective: remember that your self-worth is not dependent on an acceptance letter.
Review and compare financial aid packages from your colleges. Make final college visits.
Write your teachers thank you notes for their help with your letters of recommendation.
Send your deposit to your college of choice by the deadline.
Inform other colleges of your final decision to decline their offer. Include a note of thanks, especially if you worked closely with anyone at the college throughout the process.
*Adapted from Founders Classical Academy
SJCA FLVS Courses
9th – 12th Grade Students
One of the following PE courses options will be authorized for students in the 9th – 12th grade for completion for the online and PE requirements. Each of these 3 options will satisfy the Florida PE graduation requirement:
Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) (1 credit)
Personal Fitness (.5 credit) and Fitness Lifestyle Design (.5 credit)
Personal Fitness (.5 credit) and Outdoor Education (.5 credit)
SJCA Scholar Parking
Scholar vehicles parked on school grounds are required to display a parking permit.
Scholars can obtain a parking permit by contacting Mrs. Rogish, obtaining and completing an Application for use of Private Automobile form.
Parents must also approve and sign the form.
Scholars must bring the competed application and a copy of their driver's license, insurance and registration to Mrs. Rogish's office.
Scholars will be issued a parking permit if there are available spots on a first come first served basis. If all student parking spots have been assigned, a waiting list will be created for students who were unable to get a permit.
Scholars are not allowed to park on campus without a parking permit. Any scholar who parks on campus without a permit can receive a fine. Continued violations may result in towing of a scholar's vehicle at the owner’s expense. All towing will be done by a commercial towing company. St. Johns Classical Academy is not responsible for damage to towed vehicles.
Scholars must display parking permits from the rear-view mirror, facing outwards, so that they can easily be read.
Scholars may only park in designated reserved “Student Parking”.
Scholars may not return to their vehicle during the school day without the approval of an administrator.
Scholars must adhere to speed limits and safe driving behavior at all times. Our campus speed limit is 10 miles per hour.
Depending on the nature, severity, and/or frequency, any violation(s) of academy rules can result in the permanent revocation of parking privilege.
Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Financial aid includes all types of money, loans, and work-study programs offered to a student to help pay college tuition costs and living expenses.
Before each year of college, apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Your college uses your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid. After submission, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report.
Students should complete the FAFSA form (see link below) after October 1st of their senior year in high school.
You can create your FSA ID (student & parent) any time before or after October 1st.
FSA ID
Click on the Link below for a step-by-step video on how to create your FSA ID:
FSA ID Video
Link to the FAFSA Website
FAFSA Opens October 1st!
The largest source of financial aid in the United States of America; including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Bright Futures
Bright Futures Application:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPHOME/SAPHOME
Bright Futures Requirements:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf
Bright Futures Award Amounts:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFPrivateAwards.pdf
Bright Futures Award Amounts for Private Florida Universities:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFPrivateAwards.pdf
Check your Bright Futures Status after you fill out Application:
https://www.floridashines.org/go-to-college/pay-for-college#
Community Service Hours
St. Johns Classical Academy scholars are encouraged to meet a minimum of 100 volunteer hours prior to graduation.
Volunteer hours key information:
100 hours must be documented for the Bright Futures Academic Scholar’s Award
75 hours must be documented for the Bright Futures Medallion Award
30 hours must be documented for the Bright Futures Gold Seal Award
Instructions for documenting Volunteer/Community Service Hours
The scholar must:
Obtain prior approval from SJCA's Academic Advisor to ensure that the community service site meets the criteria and that the scholar will receive community service hours for volunteering.
Volunteer services to a local non-profit community agency that meets the following guidelines:
All services are of a benevolent nature, unpaid, and not for personal gain
All services are supervised by an approved adult representative of the agency
Service does not interrupt a student’s regularly scheduled school day
Service must be completed by the last term of the student’s senior year
The site is related to service, humanitarian/caring, community needs and does not involve:
direct supervision/ownership/operation by a family member
the presence of illegal substances or unsafe conditions
the use of students for financial gain
Obtain documentation of service hours from the site supervisor, on agency letterhead, of scholar hours, dates of service and service activities.
Scholars must record and submit their hours to Mrs. Rogish. Scholar Volunteer Logs are available in the Mrs. Rogish's office. The service hours will be placed on the scholar’s transcript after an evaluation is completed by SJCA's Academic Advisor.