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History and Highlights
St. Philip the Apostle School was founded in 1965 by the School Sisters of St. Francis. Since then, we have grown to 330 students including preschool through eighth grade. There is one class for every grade level, with 28 faculty members, fourteen of which are full time. A very dedicated, caring and cooperative staff works together to foster academic excellence within a Catholic Christian Environment.
In partnership with parents, St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School always strives to teach the message of Jesus, and has nurtured a Christian commitment to service, fostering academic excellence through a quality, well balanced curriculum. Together we aspire to encourage the unique gifts and talents of our students, thereby helping them to reach fullest potential and preparing them to meet the challenges of a changing world. Religious Formation The most important aspect of St. Philip the Apostle School is the emphasis on religious formation in a Catholic Christian environment. Faith values are modeled, and students are guided through daily instruction to understand their Catholic faith and to integrate Christ-like attitudes into their daily life.
Along with religious instruction, liturgical celebrations and daily prayer are meaningful experiences for the children. Weekly liturgies are celebrated and service opportunities are provided. Sacramental preparation is at the heart of the second and eighth grade religion programs, and parish priests are available to offer guidance and support. The entire parish of St. Philip the Apostle is committed to the Catholic formation of it's children. Affiliation and Accreditation St. Philip the Apostle School is a member of the Catholic School System of the Diocese of Joliet and has been granted full recognition by the State of Illinois. State Evaluations are conducted regularly and according to the Policies and Guidelines for Registration and Recognition of Non-Public Elementary and Secondary School. St. Philip the Apostle School is a member of the National Catholic Education Association. Faculty and Staff The strength and success of the school is founded in the dedicated, caring, and professional faculty and staff. Their love and concern for the students and commitment to Christian values is reflected in their work and extended to the community at large. Staff members are certified by the State of Illinois and pursue continuing education through professional workshops, seminars, and institutes. Academic Programs St. Philip the Apostle School aspires to continued academic excellence through an educational program which has a solid foundation in religion and core subject areas. The outstanding academic achievement of St. Philip's students is evident in their standardized test scores which place them well above the national norms.
The curriculum is aligned with the Illinois State Standards. Reading, English, math, science and social studies are taught daily. Music, art, and band are also included in the total program. For purposes of enrichment and research, a modern school library and resource center is available. Students also have blocked times throughout the week for specific use of our computer lab for project based research and technology skills development. Our computer lab is equipped with internet access, offering the students a wide array of research opportunities. A full-time Technology Coordinator helps students work with teacher implemented technology-integrated projects, stemming from each classes curriculum requirements. This valuable resource is made available for all students, Kindergarten through eighth grade. Our physical education teacher provides a curriculum which focuses on good health, nutrition, exercise, fitness awareness, and physical development. Fine Arts and Music Enrichment Part-time music and band instructors provide students with an opportunity to participate in the school band and various musical programs throughout their years at St. Philip the Apostle School. The art experience comes in many different varieties, and each student also has specific times set aside to work with our part-time art teacher with their class. Each week there are new bits of personal art expression created by St. Philip students. Learning Center First and second grade students are helped to build strong foundations in reading, phonics, math and English through the support of a learning resource teacher and a team of volunteer parents. Four times a week, students use the learning center to either work with computers, survey reading programs, or spend time in listening corners with headsets and audio tapes. Hands-on learning materials are available. Recognizing the necessity to build strong basic reading skills, various teaching strategies are used to enhance the reading program and to encourage all students to reach their fullest potential. Extra-Curricular Activities There are many opportunities for extra curricular activities at St. Philip's School. The goal of the athletic program is to provide sports activities where physical education and athletics work hand in hand to encourage skill building, and to foster a sense of team spirit, fair play. and good sportsmanship. Beginning in grade 5, students have the opportunity to participate and compete in volleyball and basketball through various leagues. In addition, students may participate in service outreach programs and in journalism groups such as the school newspaper and yearbook. Students are invited to become altar servers, and to share in the ministry of music as choir members. Activities such as these generate school spirit, provide for greater student involvement, and help to enrich the holistic school curriculum.
Preschool Program A center-based program, we offer a wide variety of hands-on activities so that learning is encouraged within an atmosphere of exploration and discovery.
With parents as partners, we strive to help make the child's first educational experience a positive and joyful one where children grow in their awareness of self, and in their relationship with God and others.
SCHEDULES
Parental Involvement At. St. Philip the Apostle we believe that one of the key components of a child's success in school is parent involvement. Opportunities are available for parents to participate in and become involved through our School Board, Parent Association and various volunteer positions. School Board members participate in decision making in designated areas of responsibility. The Parent Association sponsors such events as student holiday lunches, monthly cultural assemblies, student activities and family social events. Volunteer help is essential to maintain such programs as the Learning Center and the coaching of our athletic teams. St. Philip the Apostle School
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