Snaphot: St Joan of Arc Catholic School

Feature_StJoanKids

 

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, research-backed education that nurtures both the academic and personal growth of every student. Our curriculum is grounded in the Science of Reading, ensuring that students receive a structured approach to phonics and spelling through Foundations in the early grades. As they advance, students focus on fluency, comprehension, and engaging in meaningful discussions around grade-level books that deepen their understanding of language and structure. This year, we’ve introduced Thinking Maps, a brain-based teaching method that builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills—tools essential for success both in school and beyond.

To ensure all students receive the support they need, we have the WIN (What I Need) Program, which offers targeted intervention in reading and math. Through regular assessments, we identify students who may need extra help and provide tailored interventions to strengthen their skills. Our team of reading specialists works closely with students, tracking their progress and adjusting support as needed. St. Joan of Arc’s strong academic program is complemented by a variety of extracurricular opportunities, helping students explore their interests outside of the classroom.

Sports options include basketball, volleyball, cross-country, track, and cheerleading. We also offer band, choir, drama club, Chess Club, and the STEM Enrichment Program, as well as the Battle of the Books and Kangaroo Math competitions. For students who love art, Young Rembrandts classes provide a creative outlet. Additionally, our Before and After School Care program offers extended hours to accommodate working families. Founded in 1926, St. Joan of Arc School has a long tradition of academic excellence. Our current building opened in 1957, and we are proud to have earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award three times—most recently in 2023. This award recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding academic performance, with St. Joan of Arc ranking in the top 15% of schools nationwide. With 380 students enrolled and an average class size of 18, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where each child can thrive.

At St. Joan of Arc, our goal is to engage, challenge, and support students at every stage of their development, preparing them to become confident, capable leaders in their communities.

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. We are hosting an Open House on Sunday January 26th. Please visit SJALisle.org for more information.

Author

In the Cozy Chair Room, drumming is a favorite activity for CADC Members.

Forty & Flourishing

Aili Flannery’s award-winning sculpture, “Process,” was made of copper, string, copper wire, glass beads, glass, rust-stained fabric, lace, turmeric sun-printed paper, and thread. It represents “the timeline of having depression to the process of healing,” Flannery explained, and the theme is rooted in her own experiences. “‘Start’ shows up again at the end [of the piece], because I was ready to start healing and to continue living.”

Artistic Accolades

Shared-SEASPAR

Celebrating SEASPAR

Professor Birju Shah at the India Business Conference at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. 

At the Forefront of AI, Rooted in Elmhurst

LIFT co-directors Bill and Jenny Riddle

United in Song, Connected in Community

The Elmhurst Garden Club has helped beautify the community for 100 years.

One Hundred Years of Planting Progress

Photo courtesy of 2d Restaurant – House of Teriyaki

6 Chicago Restaurants Worth Experiencing

Members of MERIT’s
Metro SWAT team prepare for
a training exercise, prepare for high-risk
incidents throughout DuPage County.

Joining Forces

The Hinsdale Central tennis team took second in the state and has won 14 straight top-3 trophies.  
<br><i>Photo courtesy of Hinsdale Central High School</i>

Netting Another Prize

Representative Chuy Garcia welcomed the family to his office.

A Turn for the Better

From left to right, Theresa Nevling, Lisa Everette, Village President Greg Hart, Maureen Hegarty, Beth Waldo and Kristina Goel pose with the proclamation for ALCW’s 30 years of service.

A League of Their Own

Lauren Kottke and Jane Shannon, Not pictured Sachin Rao

Village Welcomes Summer Interns