Main Content
From the moment you step into the doors at the Lower Campus you know that this is a special place. It is a place where children are treasured, where eager learners are encouraged to ask questions and to discover. SJCA is a place where imagination is valued as highly as hard work, and where each child's developing confidence and commitment to learning are their own rewards.
The mission of our staff is to develop the unique gifts of each student through strong academics with an emphasis on faith. We offer daily prayer, religious instruction, service projects, and weekly Masses. Our goal is to foster growth so our students are secure in self, strong in values, and prepared for the future. We embrace diversity and welcome students and families of all backgrounds and faiths.
The dedicated staff at SJCA-Lower Campus is committed to working with families to provide our students with the very best in Catholic education. The differentiated instruction, focus on critical thinking skills, and hands-on approach to learning meet the needs of all our students. We value technology and have made it accessible to all of our students. From Kindergarten on up, our students are exploring, learning, creating and sharing using the world of technology.
FAQ for Kerstin Santarelli, Principal of the Lower Campus
Q. How regularly do lower campus students get physical activity?
A. Students participate in structured physical education classes twice a week. Our children also participate in recess every day. In addition to these built-in scheduled times during the school day, there are opportunities to join extracurricular sports. These programs currently include Cross Country, Basketball, Football and Volleyball.
Q. What role can I play in my child’s school day?
A. Parents are welcomed members of our community. Parent volunteers often accompany students on field trips. During lunch periods, parents help with supervision and serving. We also have parent/grandparent volunteer opportunities in our Reading and Math Resource Center. In addition, parents are sometimes asked to help out with clubs and supervise after school activities.
Q. What support systems are available for students needing additional academic help?
A. We have several retired elementary teachers who provide one on one tutoring for students as well as KUSD services available. One of the extraordinary features of our school, the Learning Center provides reading support/enrichment for K - 3 and math support/enrichment for our 4th and 5th graders. This is a hands on learning resource center.
Q. Are there options available to my child before and after school?
A. To accommodate the varying needs of lower campus families, we offer both before and after school care through our Before/After Care program. Before care is available between 6:30 and 7:45 a.m., and from dismissal until 6 p.m. to families that sign up for the program.
Q. Is there a Lunch Program?
A. The Lower Campus provides a 5-day hot lunch program. Four of the days are supplied by Spiegelhoff's Catering and Friday's are our Friday Fun Lunch which is run by parents and a teacher. We have two lunch shifts in our cafeteria.
Q. How often do the students attend Mass?
A. Mass for the Lower Campus is every Tuesday at 10:30am, all are welcome. Each mass is assigned a class to be responsible in planning and running the entire Liturgy. We also have an occasional All School Mass either at St. Mark's or at the Upper Campus Auditorium or Gym.
