St. Joseph Catholic School is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
For more information about accreditation, please visit theĀ Advance-ED website.
Every child is instructed in the faith and morals of the Catholic Church each day. The length of the religion period varies from twenty minutes for the younger children to fifty minutes for the fifth through eighth graders. Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and Communion highlights the program. Students attend Mass every Wednesday and on Holy Days throughout the year. The school day is punctuated by prayer. The students have been generous in the past in supporting the Missions and other charitable organizations. Service to their fellow man is emphasized as part of the religious program of the school. St. Joseph provides training for Altar Servers. The school takes much of its religious character from the Dominican fathers who served the school faithfully for many years. Father Paul A. McDuffie serves as pastor and is most supportive and involved in the school's religion program.
St. Joseph School staff rewards and teaches self-discipline, self-respect, and respect for the rights of others. It does so with parental support and cooperation. Self-discipline is nurtured in a caring environment that allows for individual differences. The school teaches students love for their neighbors both near and far. The school faculty and staff attempt to assure that students have positive experiences each day they attend school.
Effort is made to break the routine for students from time to time. Holiday parties, a Mardi Gras Parade, field trip days, Grandparents' Day, etc. have become an integral part of the school year. These activities develop a school spirit that is both healthy and enjoyable. The gymnasium provides an excellent venue for many of these activities. School is not only a place for hard work, but also a place for fun and friendship.
St. Joseph participates in the Northshore Independent Athletic League. Boys play flag football, basketball , soccer , track , cross country and baseball; girls participate in volleyball, basketball, soccer, track , cross country and softball. Over the years the sport teams representing the school have been very successful. Cheerleaders contribute to the spirit of the school. Graduating cheerleaders regularly make the high school cheerleading and dance squads. Our graduating dance team girls often make high school dance or cheer teams.
The Dance Team has been added for the 2018-2019 school year.
The Student Council is composed of the fifth through eighth graders who sponsor programs throughout the year. Membership in the National Junior Beta Club is offered to upper grade students who meet grade point criteria.
The school provides After School care from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a nominal fee. The cafeteria serves breakfast and hot school lunches daily.
St. Joseph School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin.