St. Joan of Arc Catholic School answers the call of the New Evangelization and strives to form staff and students into the saints God calls us to be. We pray together daily and attend a student-led, school-wide Mass weekly and on Holy Days of Obligation. Catholic students receive sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and are ensured opportunities to receive Reconciliation throughout the seasons of Advent and Lent. We celebrate other Catholic traditions such as Adoration and the Rosary. Our 8th-grade students lead the school in an all-day retreat on Holy Thursday, Living Stations on Good Friday and the crowning of Mary in May.
All students in K to 8th grade are trained in the Archdiocesan program Circle of Grace, which goes beyond simple protection of our children by helping young people understand the sacredness of who they are and how to seek help through their relationships with trusted adults.
5th and 8th-grade students are assessed in theological progress by participating in the Archdiocesan required ACRE assessment as well every January.
Starting in 5th grade, St. Joan of Arc students participate in one health education program a year, the first of which focuses on the beginning of life, the second teen transitions, the third building healthy relationships and ending with an anti-bullying program in their 8th-grade year. These programs are provided by the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center through Marian University.
In addition, opportunities to deepen our living faith exist beyond the theology classes. Teachers incorporate gospel values and Catholic teachings into the curriculum, and service is cultivated at all grades, beginning with our youngest who focus on needs in their backyard and the local community. By the 8th grade, the focus broadens to world need. Serving Christ by serving one another is a tenant of the faith and essential to our parish mission. Together with our students, we support one another to grow in our faith journey by being the face and heart of Jesus to one another.