Academics
Robust Academics: Preparing Scholars for Lifelong Success
At St. Joseph Catholic School academic excellence is not a goal—it’s a culture. With a dedicated faculty, a well-structured curriculum, and a clear commitment to high standards, our students consistently perform at the highest levels.
Top Quartile in Reading
Our students score in the top 25% across the Archdiocese of Detroit in reading, a reflection of our strong literacy foundation, phonics-based instruction, and emphasis on comprehension and critical thinking across all grades.
Ready for What’s Next
Graduates from St. Joseph Catholic School regularly earn merit-based scholarships to top Catholic high schools in the area. Many are named to honors programs, receive leadership awards, and serve as valedictorians and class officers at their respective schools.
Our Curriculum
Religion: Daily instruction in Catholic faith and values, sacramental preparation, and opportunities for prayer and service help students grow in their relationship with God and others.
Reading & Language Arts: Emphasis on phonics, grammar, writing, and comprehension builds strong literacy skills and clear communication.
Mathematics: Step-by-step instruction with regular practice ensures fluency in math facts, problem-solving, and real-world application.
Science: Hands-on learning and age-appropriate inquiry help students explore the natural world with curiosity and respect.
Social Studies: Lessons in civics, history, and geography connect students to their communities, their country, and the broader world.
Latin: Lessons that introduce students to the language of the Church that help them to become better readers, writers, and thinkers.
Music: Students receive a strong foundation in music theory, rhythm, and vocal technique. Through singing, movement, and performance, they grow in confidence, creativity, and appreciation for the role of music in both worship and culture.
Art: Students develop foundational skills in drawing, painting, color theory, tone, texture, and composition. Through hands-on projects and exposure to sacred, historical, and contemporary art, students learn to express creativity, think critically, and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.
Technology: Students learn essential skills in typing, digital literacy, and responsible internet use. From foundational tech tools to creative projects, students learn to use technology thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively—preparing them for success in high school and beyond.
Physical Education: Lessons that promote flexibility, strength, endurance, teamwork, and sportsmanship through age-appropriate activities that build strength, coordination, and confidence—encouraging lifelong habits of health, discipline, and respect.
Key Differentiators
Explicit Evidence-Based Approach to Literacy Fully Aligned with the Science of Reading.
The Power of Explicit Instruction
Every phoneme, every pattern, and every skill is taught explicitly—so students aren’t asked to “discover” how reading works, they’re shown how it does.
Systematic Phonics with Purpose
Our phonics program ensures every lesson builds logically on the last. Students master foundational skills in a structured sequence that eliminates gaps and accelerates growth.
- Decodable texts that match taught phonics patterns
- Daily review for long-term retention
- Seamless integration of phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency
Tried and Proven Effectiveness
- Backed by decades of cognitive research
- Built on the “Big 5”: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension
- Fully aligned with National Reading Panel recommendations