Junior and Senior DECATS

• Junior DECATS is sponsored through the DeBusk Enrichment Center for the Academically Talented Student. This three week summer program takes place in June. It targets students in grades 3-5 who are identified as the top 5% academically. Students are nominated in the fall by Saint Paul staff based on ITBS results. The determination of admission to the program is made by DECATS.

  Senior DECATS is a summer program targeting students in grades 6-8 who are identified as the top 5% academically. This three week summer program takes place in June. Students are nominated in the fall by their Saint Paul teachers based on ITBS scores as well as achievement in art, drama, or music. The determination of admission to the program is made by DECATS.

Math Programs

• IXL Math Program

  For all Grades PreK3 through 8th, the math curriculum includes a supplemental online program called “IXL.” This online program provides reinforcement for the math concepts being taught in class and math enrichment in a wide range of age-appropriate topics. We have recently added the Language Arts program for Grades 2 – 8. 

  Reasoning Minds

  We are completing our fifth year using the Reasoning Mind program which automatically differenciates based on each student's performance and enhances math education for every child PreK4 -5th Grade. The program includes interactive, online blended learning programs for mathematics that develop students’ higher-order thinking skills, ignite their interest in math, and prepare them for advanced courses like algebra—the “gatekeeper” to college. 

  The effectiveness of Reasoning Mind’s approach to blended learning has been extensively studied, with over ten high-quality research studies conducted to date—far more than is typical for educational programs. Most importantly, many of these studies were conducted by independent evaluators or published in peer-reviewed outlets. The findings are clear: when implemented well, Reasoning Mind programs have been shown to improve students’ overall math results, knowledge, attitudes, and engagement.

National Junior Honor Society

• National Junior Honor Society is a co-curricular opportunity that recognizes middle school students who demonstrate outstanding performance in each of the following areas: scholarship, leadership, service and character. This program provides the school an opportunity to recognize the academic, service, and leadership characteristics of students and, more importantly, engage participants in further leadership and service experiences aimed at nurturing and, in some cases, enhancing the spiritual, academic, and social goals of the school.

Academic Competitions

• Spelling Bee

  In November, each homeroom or English class (Grades 4-8) will conduct a classroom spelling bee. Two winners from Grades 4-8 which is a total of 10 students will compete in the school wide bee in mid-December. The winner of the school spelling bee will represent Saint Paul School in the Diocesan bee in January. The alternate will also attend as a spectator as well as receive the study guide. The spelling bee coordinator will administer rules, study lists, and a suggested word list for in class bees. The coordinator will also provide the winner with the necessary lists to study for the Diocesan bee.  

  Geography Bee 

  The National Geographic Bee, an educational program of the National Geographic Society, is a nationwide geography competition offered to students in grades 4-8. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. The school-wide winner of the Geo Bee is eligible to compete for a spot in the state level competition.

   Religion Scholars Bowl

  Reverend Thomas Cloherty Religion Scholars Bowl
  One student from each grade level (5th-8th) is nominated annually to participate on the Saint Paul Religion Bowl team. These students are well-versed in the Bible and Catholic teachings. Teams compete against other Catholic schools in the diocese.