Junior High

At St. Francis Xavier Jesuit School, our Junior High program offers a dynamic, engaging environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally. With smaller class sizes, our students experience deeper learning and have opportunities to meaningfully apply their knowledge in a supportive and challenging setting. Inspired by Ignatian values, we empower students to become lifelong learners committed to excellence in mind, body, and spirit.
Academic Excellence with Purpose
Our dedicated faculty integrates traditional academics with Ignatian ideals, encouraging students to explore not only what they learn but also why it matters and how it can positively impact the world. Our curriculum includes STEM integration, rigorous reading and writing programs, Spanish language acquisition, and religion, which is interwoven throughout to inspire gratitude and reflection. This approach equips students with practical skills and a global perspective while fostering critical thinking and a commitment to ethical decision-making.

Arts and Athletics
The arts are a cornerstone of our Jesuit education. Students explore creativity through Art and Music classes and have opportunities for instrumental and vocal music, as well as theatrical performance. Physical Education emphasizes both athletic development and leadership, complemented by an extensive extracurricular sports program that includes volleyball, cross country, football, basketball, softball, and baseball.

Leadership and Service
Leadership and service are integral to our mission of forming compassionate "Kids for Others." Students can engage in leadership roles through the National Junior Honor Society, Yearbook, Student Council, and unique Jesuit groups such as the Magis Club and Campus Ministry Team. These opportunities help students develop skills to lead with integrity and serve their communities.

A Community of Growth
Every day in Junior High is an opportunity for personal growth. We challenge students to embrace their unique gifts, reach their full potential, and live as compassionate difference-makers. Through our Ignatian values, we inspire students to think deeply, act justly, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

​Curriculum

Language Arts
Our Junior High English Language Arts (ELA) program uses the Amplify curriculum to provide a rigorous, engaging, and purpose-driven education. Amplify combines cutting-edge research with innovative teaching strategies, ensuring students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills essential for lifelong learning.

Grounded in inquiry and exploration, Amplify fosters a love for learning that aligns with our Ignatian tradition of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Students engage with diverse, thought-provoking texts, participate in meaningful discussions, and complete reflective writing assignments that help them articulate ideas and consider multiple perspectives.
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The curriculum also emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and social justice, supporting our mission to form compassionate leaders and thoughtful contributors to society. By connecting learning to real-world issues and fostering a sense of community, Amplify prepares students to excel academically while growing into individuals who use their talents in service to others.
Math
Our Junior High math program features the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, a nationally recognized program designed to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

​With a focus on critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication, students gain the skills they need for both academic and personal success.
In alignment with our Ignatian values, Illustrative Mathematics encourages inquiry, collaboration, and reflection. Students engage in hands-on exploration and collaborative problem-solving, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. By emphasizing equity and accessibility, the program ensures all students have the opportunity to succeed and grow in confidence.

The curriculum connects mathematical concepts to real-world applications, encouraging students to see math as a tool for understanding and improving the world. Through this program, our students embody the Jesuit tradition of using their talents to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond, developing into ethical leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Religion
Religious education at St. Francis Xavier is a priority and critical to our school’s mission of forming kids for others.

​Based on Diocesan curriculum standards and using Ignatian (Jesuit) pedagogy, the religion curriculum helps students learn about their faith and grow closer to God as they achieve the Student Learning Expectations of being Religious, Intellectually Competent, Open to Growth, Loving and Committed to Doing Justice.

​Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade learn about the faith in daily religion class using St. Mary’s Press Connect series, a scripture based curriculum.

Contact

Mandi Jemsek
Director of Curriculum
[email protected] ​
Phone: (602) 266-5364
Fax: (602) 279-0423
St. Francis Xavier Jesuit Catholic Elementary School
4715 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Jesuit School is a welcoming community dedicated to pursuing
educational excellence, living our faith through action, and nurturing compassionate difference-makers while forming Kids for Others.