Student Support Services
All student support services available at St. John's Military School are in place to ensure each and every Cadet has a chance of becoming a leader by the time they leave campus. Maintaining high grades in academics is the pinnacle of every Cadet's experience with St. John's Military School. These services not only help struggling students improve their grades, but allow the students doing well to improve their academic achievements. The ultimate goal is give students an academic advantage when they reach college.
Community Service
All cadets are required to participate in community service projects throughout the school year. St. John’s believes this very important activity teaches young men that we each have an obligation to give back to the society and the community in which we all live. Each cadet is required to provide service and assistance to those less fortunate.
Old Boy's Alumni Association
St. John's Military School has a deep and genuine desire to maintain contact with all Old Boys and alumni who were once affiliated with St. John's. All cadets who attend St. John's constitute a bond of brothers who share a common history, regardless of their age. St. John's hopes all alumni will register on the website and access the contact information database for other Old Boys. An Old Boy Association (OBA) is in existence and is administered by a board consisting of only Old Boys. We hope that you will join the Association and participate actively in all of their activities and events.
St. John's Parent's Association
St. John's Military School Parents' Association is administered by a board of directors consisting of former and present parents. The principle function of the Association is to facilitate communication and understanding between the school and the parents. The Association also sponsors several social events which provide the opportunity for parents, faculty, military personnel, staff and administration to share their issues and opinions regarding St. John‘s. In addition, this organization sponsors fund raising activities for specific projects that benefit the Corps of Cadets.
Clubs and Activities
Cadets can participate in various clubs and activities throughout the year which include Marching Band, Color Guard, Drill Team, SCUBA Club, Boy Scouts, Astronomy Club, Drum and Bugle Corps, Chapel Counsel, Cadet Choir, AMS (Advanced Military Skills), and Spartans. Opportunities exist for Cadets to take part in cultural trips to Washington D.C. and New York City.
Mom and Mr. Mom's Club
As a boarding school, SJMS acts as surrogate parents to the cadets while they are on the campus. Since it is impossible for cadets to have the daily support of their immediate family, the staff of St. John's attempts to fill this void through the Mom's and Mr. Mom's Club. Each student is "adopted" by a staff member who recognizes and celebrates important events with their cadets such as birthdays and holidays. Additionally, "adopted cadets" are often invited to off-campus events such as movies, dinner, etc.
Intramurals
Students not participating in organized KSHSAA sports are required to participate in intramural activities organized and supervised by the military staff. Some of the intramural activities include basketball, football, soccer, paintball contests, weight lifting, hiking, cycling and cross country.
Recreational Facilities
A complete recreational facility is located in the lower level of Jack Vanier Hall consisting of a weight and exercise room, two movie theaters, Wii machines, electronic games, pool, ping pong, and snack bar offerings. Additionally, a theater and electronic game room is located in Sage Hall for the middle school cadets.
KSHSAA Sports
SJMS competes in varsity/junior varsity sports including football, cross-country, soccer, basketball, wrestling, tennis, and golf. Participation is based on academic eligibility and participating students are monitored weekly.
Academic Incentives
Academic incentives include: Blue Beret, National Honor Society, Dean's Honor Roll, Honor Roll, President's List, Academic Achievers, and course awards. Additionally, an incentive program has been implemented to reward students who meet or exceed standards on the state testing assessments.
Team Meetings
Students experiencing academic difficulty are provided an individual conference with teachers, their advisor, and the Academic Dean to establish a plan of redirection for academic progress. Parents can be included via phone conference and are provided feedback, including an action plan for improvement.
Grade Monitoring
Academic achievement is of the utmost importance. As a result, our system is designed to constantly monitor struggling students. A weekly eligibility report is printed identifying students with D's and F's which is directly related to weekend privileges, use of recreational facilities and athletic participation. Faculty advisors also assist in monitoring students' grades in order to provide counseling and guidance in their regular meeting with cadets. Parents and students have online access to current grades.
Computer Technology
St. John's Military School implements a high degree of academic technology, including:
- 14 Machine Computer lab
- 10 Machine Library lab
- 15 Laptop Mobile lab
- 15 Apple Mobile lab
- 8 Machine Applied Technology lab
- and 6 Machine Art / Photography Lab
In addition, each classroom is equipped with an LCD projector to facilitate use of computer technology and internet resources in the curriculum.
Concurrent College Classes
In order to earn high school as well as college credit in mathematics and language arts, concurrent college courses are offered for high academic achievers. Students may earn up to 12 college credit hours.
Double-Dose Classes
In math, struggling students are identified and provided the opportunity for extra assistance by enrolling in an additional applied course. In these subjects, Double-Dose classes, aligned with the core class, provide repetition and reinforcement in order for the student to have a greater opportunity to grasp the concepts.
Evening Study Hall
Evening Study Hall is provided during the week by the military staff. This study hall is optional for students maintaining A's, B's or C's, and is mandatory for those struggling academically.
Day Study Hall
Students are scheduled for eight total courses in each academic day. One of these course hours will be designated as a study hall and are monitored by a member of the academic staff.
Tutorials
Tutorials are available before the school day begins three times each week and provide assistance for students needing help in specific areas of study. Any Cadet may utilize these services.
School Registrar
The duties of the Registrar are assigned to the Academic Dean who makes final decisions with regard to transfer and withdrawal grades.
Faculty and Staff Advisors
Each Cadet is assigned a faculty advisor who is responsible for monitoring student academic progress. Advisors have daily contact with the students during 5th period classes and communicate with parents on a regular basis by phone and email. An annual survey is distributed to parents by the advisors.
School Counseling
Because of the size of St. John's Military School, the entire staff is available to serve as counselors. Cadets are also encouraged to make appointments with any members of the school's administration, Academic Dean, or the Military Commandant to discuss issues important to them. Additionally, the Chaplain is available for spiritual and personal counseling.