St. John Berchmans has four divisions within the school.  Early Childhood is comprised of students in Preschool, our Elementary program consists of students in Kindergarten through grade 3, Middle School serves students in grades 4-5, and the Junior High is made up of students in grades 6-8.

Explore Our Programs

Preschool
SJB offers a variety of PK options.  Starting at age 3, your child can go to school 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week with the half-day schedule (8am-11am) or full-day schedule (8am-3pm).  Most of the core content and all Specials occur in the morning in order to serve those students who only attend half day.  In addition to lunch and naptime, the full day schedule offers enhanced learning opportunities in the afternoon.  We intentionally mix our PK3 and PK4 year olds in order to enrich the learning experience of the 3 year olds and build leadership skills among the 4 year olds.  The teachers constantly differentiate their instruction in order to meet the individual academic and social needs of each student.  PK4 students are encouraged to attend 5 full days in order to best prepare them for Kindergarten but ultimately it is up to each individual family to choose which PK schedule works best.
K–3rd Grade
In our Elementary Program, the regular school day starts at 8am and ends at 3pm.  Children must be 5 years old by September 1st in order to begin Kindergarten.  As students enter our Elementary program and are faced with new academic challenges and goals, close attention is paid to social and emotional growth so that students build strong foundations as learners.
4th–5th Grade
In our Middle School Program, the regular school day starts at 8am and ends at 3pm.  To support their academic growth, students are introduced to departmentalized teaching.  The 4th grade teacher instructs Language Arts and the 5th grade teacher instructs Math for both grades.  Each homeroom teacher provides instruction in the remaining core subjects.
6th–8th Grade
In our Junior High Program, the regular school day starts at 8am and ends at 3pm.  In order to best prepare our students for high school, our Junior High is fully departmentalized and our students participate in a 1:1 iPad program. The 6th grade teacher instructs Language Arts, the 7th grade teacher instructs Math, the 8th grade teacher instructs Science and Social Studies and the Religion teacher instructs all of the grades.  Each grade has their own advisory meeting to focus on social and emotional skills.
Specials
In a variety of ways, our students are provided instruction in Physical Education, Music, Art and Spanish.  These classes are taught by specialized instructors and provide students the ability to explore their individual interests.
Extended Care
SJB offers an extended care program available to all students that starts as early as 7:15am and runs as late as 6pm.  Extended care costs $8/hour for one student, $14.50/hour for two students, and $20.50/hour for three or more students and used on an as needed basis. Extended care offers a safe and welcoming area for students to receive homework support and play with peers.
After School Programs
In addition to extended care, SJB partners with a variety of local community organizations to provide after-school enrichment classes.  These classes usually include yoga, cooking, art, soccer theatre, robotics, basketball, pre-engineering, music lessons and dance.  These programs run per semester and each organization has its own fee.
Eagle Tots Play Group
St. John Berchmans offers a FREE play group for newborn through 3-year-old tots. Play group meets Friday mornings during the school year from 8:00am until 9:30am. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. You do not need to sign up, just drop in anytime at the Parish Hall entrance east of the church steps. It's a great place to meet other school parents, care givers and neighbors. For more information contact the school office at 773-486-1334.
Summer Camp
St. John Berchmans offers an 8-week Summer Camp program for currently enrolled SJB students. SJB Summer Camp gives children 3 years old (and potty trained) through 3rd grade an exciting place to learn, play and grow during the summer.
  • Safe Environment: Here at SJB we have a fun and safe environment where campers can exercise their creativity and imagination. Campers are divided by age groups and our camper to counselor ratio is kept at a 6:1 ratio.
  • Curriculum & Extras: Gym, Outdoor Games, Art, Science, and cooking classes are scheduled weekly. Water days with sprinklers, inflatable pools and other water toys, planned at least once a week. Campers are provided with free lunch. Extended after care hours are available.
  • Engaging Weekly Themes: Field trips in the past have included Maggie Daley Park, Legoland, Hidden Creek Water Park, and the Lincoln Park Zoo, just to mention a few. Camp events have also included a slip n' slide, dunk tank, and a bike parade!

Questions? Please contact the school office 773-486-1334.