Academics

Three Guiding Questions to Academics
(Asked by both teacher and student)

Where am I now?

Where am I going?

Where to next?

The overall goal of an academic program is to establish a mastery of skills that can be applied to critical thought across multiple subject areas. Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School utilizes Learning Goals that are aligned with the Educational Project of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, guidelines of California’s Core Standards in reading and mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards, Early Learning Foundations in our Preschool-Prekindergarten and the Diocesan Standards for Religion. With these resources, the school has developed learning progressions for all learners in Preschool through Eighth-grade. Curriculum alignments and planning, both short-term and long-term, have established what learners will know and be able to demonstrate at each grade level. Standards-Based Grading (SBG) practices are implemented in all grade levels with clearly-defined and well-researched indicators of mastery related to essential standards. 

The faculty is committed to designing a learning culture aligned to the priority standards of their respective curricular area, grade level and subject area. Collaborative Unit Planning incorporates a focus on standards-based learning by indicating priority and supplementary skills together with identifying how mastery is assessed. Learners are presented with “Essential Questions” that drive instruction and learning throughout each unit. Learning Goals that demonstrate endurance, leverage and readiness lead to rich, productive learning experiences and provide knowledge and skills that will be valuable in multiple disciplines and content areas.

Example Essential Question:
How is data important to the hypothesis process?

Example

Local private and public high schools consistently inform our administration team about how impressed they are with Saint Jeanne graduates regarding their ability to learn and adapt. From spiritual and character development to academic and leadership abilities, SJDL graduates are highly sought after for their work ethic and desire to be of service to their future high school community.