Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy Curriculum Philosophy

At Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy, we believe every child is uniquely created in the image and likeness of God. Our mission is to nurture each student’s God-given gifts through a faith-filled education that inspires academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

As a Catholic STEM Academy, we intentionally integrate faith with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We believe that faith and scientific inquiry work together to reveal the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Through rigorous academics, hands-on learning, engineering design, and real-world problem solving, students develop creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance.

Our vertically aligned curriculum provides a strong academic foundation from Preschool through Eighth Grade while encouraging curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning. We recognize that every student learns differently, and our teachers use engaging, differentiated instruction to challenge, support, and inspire each learner to reach their full potential.

Guided by Catholic values and grounded in academic excellence, Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy prepares students to succeed in high school, college, and future careers while becoming compassionate servant leaders who use their knowledge, faith, and talents to make a positive difference in the world.

Response to Intervention Approach (RTI)

Our Response to Intervention (RTI) framework is a proactive, multi-tiered approach that uses ongoing assessment to identify student strengths and provide timely academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support. By monitoring student progress and responding to individual needs, we ensure that every learner is challenged, encouraged, and given opportunities to succeed.

Our master schedule includes dedicated intervention and enrichment time, allowing teachers to provide targeted support in literacy, mathematics, executive functioning, organization, and study skills. Students who are ready for additional challenges participate in enrichment experiences that extend learning through hands-on STEM activities, problem-solving, and collaborative projects.

Rooted in our Catholic faith, our RTI program reflects our commitment to educating the whole child—academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally—so that every student can discover their God-given potential and become a confident learner, compassionate leader, and faithful disciple of Christ.

Our Curriculum Resources

PRESCHOOL

Early Learning Center, Infant-PK3: HighScope Curriculum

STEM

Grades PK4-3rd: Project Lead the Way

Grades PK4-8th: Teach Engineering

Grades PK4-8th: IEEE Try Engineering

SCIENCE

Grades 4-8th: OpenSciEd Curriculum

MATH 

Grades PK4-8th: Engage NY

Algebra: CPM Educational Program

ENGLISH / LANGUAGE ARTS

Grades K-8th: UFLI & Engage NY

RELIGION

We follow the Archdiocese of Seattle Religion Standards and use the Blessed Are We curriculum.