What is the St. Jude's Advantage?

Grades 1, 2 and 3 -

The parents of these young children know that a strong foundation in the basic academic skills is absolutely essential for their child's future success in school. They realize that a positive attitude towards learning, good work habits, and a strong self esteem must be developed at this early age. These parents want their child taught in a structured, teacher directed classroom. They also want fewer children in a class so that their child receives more teacher attention and instruction.

The St. Jude's Advantage is a class of not more than 6 to 8 children who are taught in a teacher directed, structured academic program. Phonics is taught daily and applied to oral reading and correct spelling. Penmanship is taught daily and applied to note making, journals, and homework. Memory is developed and applied to number facts, listening skills, and following instructions. Daily routines and organization skills are an integral part of the learning process at St. Jude's.

Grades 4, 5, and 6 -

 These are the crucial grades when a child begins to use their reading, spelling, and arithmetic skills to acquire knowledge and transmit information. The ability to express yourself in the written form is the most important skill developed at this stage of learning. If this skill is not developed well, future academic success may be jeopardized. In grades 1 to 3, students learn to read. In grades 4 to 6, students read to learn.

The St. Jude's Advantage is a class of not more than 6 to 8 students whose basic skills of reading and spelling are emphasized and refined. Written expressive skills of sentence structure, paragraphing, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, cohesion, and coherence are developed. Note making, research and study skills are of special importance in these grades at St. Jude's.

Grades 7 and 8 -

In these grades, students improve the final academic skills of organization, study, memory and written expression. They also develop a strong work ethic with regards to homework, assignments and projects. All of these skills and attitudes have been introduced in earlier grades, but it is here they are used on a daily basis. This stage of a student's learning is a transition from the acquisition of skills and knowledge to the integration of acquired skills and knowledge with intellectual investigation, inquiry and creativity.

The St. Jude's Advantage is a class of not more than 6 to 8 students who are retaught weak skills from earlier grades; who are taught how to do homework, how to research and study, how to make notes, and how to write a good examination. The ability to form an opinion and express it and the ability to identify issues with understanding and to present realistic solutions are introduced in these grade levels at St. Jude's.