Beyond the Classroom

  • Saint Joseph Catholic School partners with Totino-Grace Fine Arts Academy to provide comprehensive Band & Orchestra instruction during the school day for students in grades 4-8. Band & Orchestra students attend an individual lesson (either solo or with like-instruments), as well as a group band lesson once a week. Our Band & Orchestra students perform in up to two concerts per school year: one in December and one in May. Please contact Mrs. Bethany Doffing for more information at: bethany.doffing@totinograce.org.

  • Field trips enhance students' learning and support academics. Each grade level at Saint Joseph Catholic School takes at least one field trip throughout the course of the year.

  • Every year, our students have the opportunity to let their creativity shine at our annual Art Show. Each year brings a new theme, inspiring our students to explore their imaginations, try new techniques, and see the world through an artistic lens. The Art Show is a wonderful celebration of the creativity, hard work, and unique perspectives of our students. This event is hosted in the Great Room.

  • Saint Joseph Catholic School is proud to participate in the Art Adventure program. This program utilizes trained parent volunteers to engage students with selected artworks from MIA’s collection. The program encourages creativity, critical thinking and global awareness through in-depth explorations of art across various cultures and time periods. Art Adventure is an opportunity for students to experience art up close and personal through reproductions, technology and touch-and-feel props.

  • Saint Joseph Catholic School 5th graders participate in the DARE program. These students meet with a DARE officer from the West St. Paul Police Department for ten weeks. During that time, the students learn about the negative effects of substance abuse, build self-confidence and develop skills to counteract peer pressure. We are proud to have participated in the DARE Program for over twenty years.

  • Every year, our students put their spelling skills to the test in our school Spelling Bee! The winner qualifies to advance to the Twin Cities Spelling Bee.

  • Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in the school’s musical production each spring. Students, working as both cast and crew, experience teamwork, a sense of fulfillment and success all while expressing themselves through the fine arts. 

    Past musicals have included: Alice in Wonderland, Jr., Mary Poppins, Jr., Cinderella Jr., The Music Man Jr., Fiddler on the Roof Jr., Teens in Tinsel Town, Jackie and the Giant, Anne Jr., Godspell, Life School Musical, Joseph, Seussical, Jr., Snow White and the Fourteen Dwarfs, The Wizard of Oz, and The Sound of Music

  • Our Christmas and spring concerts give students the opportunity to share their musical talents, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing together. Through singing and working as an ensemble, students grow in skill, teamwork, and appreciation for the gift of music. All students participate in a Christmas Concert (or program). PreK through 8 participate in a Spring Concert.

  • At Saint Joseph Catholic School, our annual Science Fair encourages students to ask big questions, think critically, and explore the world around them. Students develop their own projects, apply the scientific method, and share their discoveries, results, and conclusions with others.

    From biology and environmental science to chemistry, medicine, physics, and beyond, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of scientific interests while building skills in research, problem-solving, and communication.

    Through hands-on learning and creative exploration, our students discover that science is not just about finding answers, it’s about asking questions, testing ideas, and embracing the joy of discovery!

  • Our Buddy Program helps build meaningful relationships across grade levels, pairing kindergarten students with 5th graders and 1st graders with 4th graders. Through shared activities, encouragement, and time spent together, students build friendships, develop leadership skills, and strengthen our school community.

    Older students have the opportunity to serve as role models, while younger students gain confidence and feel supported by their school family. Rooted in our Catholic faith, the Buddy Program encourages students to practice kindness, grow in virtue, and discover the joy of caring for one another. It's a beautiful reminder that we're all part of one Saint Joseph family!

  • Core to our Middle School Formation, students are sorted into one of four houses, taking part in weekly meetings and activities together to form a sub-culture in their house that supports our school culture.  Our four houses include Carita, the house of charity, Alegria, the house of joy, Ujasiri, the house of courage, and Ionracas, the house of integrity.  Together, these four houses shape our middle school culture, in which our students are called to be courageously charitable and joyful persons of integrity.