K-8 Academics

Educational Philosophy

St. John’s mission is to partner and assist families in providing a Christ-centered education that nurtures the hearts, minds, and souls of our students.  St. John’s provides an excellent academic and co-curricular education with a Christ-centered focus within a caring family environment and in doing so aid and support the congregation’s mission and ministry.

We are committed to cultivating a strong foundation of faith in those who already know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, encouraging spiritual growth, biblical understanding, and a life of discipleship.  At the same time, we warmly welcome and compassionately reach out to students and families who may not yet know Christ, providing an environment of grace, truth, and love where the Gospel is shared and lived out daily.  Our ultimate goal is to glorify God by preparing students to live purposeful, faith-filled lives of service, leadership, and integrity. 

  • We offer a complete Christian education program for students in 4K (pre-kindergarten) through 8th grade. 

  • Yes! Students in grades 4–8 have opportunities to participate in sports, music, drama, spelling bee, geography bee, and service projects that enrich their educational experience.

  • St. John’s  has a comprehensive daycare program for those seeking childcare during the day.  The daycare runs year around and serves children from 18 months up to 4 years old. Children must be potty trained.  Hours of operation are 6:30 am to 5:30pm.  Please call the St. John’s office if you are interested.  608-355-3860.

  • We are committed to providing personalized attention with an average student – to – teacher ratio 15:1.  Smaller class sizes allow our teachers to know each student by name, nurture their faith, and support their academic and personal growth.  In the lower elementary grades, the student – to – teacher ratio is 11:1.  The teachers are further assisted by a wonderful and experienced group of aides. 

  • Yes.  We proudly participate in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), which allows eligible families to have their child’s tuition fully funded through a state voucher.  Families can apply online during the open enrollment window set by the state each year but generally starts in early February and runs into April.

  • Yes, we are a ministry of a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) congregation. Our teachings are rooted in the Bible and focused on the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. Parent membership in the congregation is not a requirement of your child’s enrollment at St. John’s School. 

  • Yes. Our school is a ministry of a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) congregation. All instruction is built on the foundation of God’s Word, and students receive daily Bible lessons, weekly chapel, and ongoing encouragement in their faith and Christian living.  Jesus. 

  • We use a combination of academically sound and faith-integrated curricula including CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts), Saxon Math, Mosa Mack and Mystery Science for science, Christ Light for religious instruction, and other trusted resources designed to support both academic excellence and spiritual growth. 

  • While we do not require uniforms, we promote a modest and respectful dress code that supports a Christian learning environment.  Guidelines are provided in the Family Handbook.

  • Our school day typically runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We also offer before and after school care for families who need extended supervision.  NOTE:  Beginning with the 25-26 school year the 7th and 8th graders will begin their school day at 7:50AM  to meet DPI hours requirements. 

  • Yes. For families not eligible for WPCP, we offer tuition assistance based on need.  We are committed to working with families who desire a Christian education for their children. Each request for tuition assistance is handled on a case-by case basis by the St. John’s School Board.  Forms for request can be picked up at the school’s main office. 

  • The process includes a tour or informational meeting, completion of an application, and a family interview to ensure our school is a good fit for your child’s needs—spiritually, academically, and socially.

  • We’d love to meet you! Please call our school office or visit the Admissions page on our website to schedule a tour, request more information, or begin the enrollment process.  You can also call the main office at 608-355-3860 or email the Director of Administration, Gary Syftestad at gsyftestad@stjohnsbaraboo.org.

  • Volleyball, boys’ basketball, and girls’ basketball are offered for 5th-8th grade.