Academics
College preparation is completed through an academically rigorous accredited curriculum within the following subject areas: Religion, English, Math, Science, History, Language, Fine Arts, Business, Bioethics, Computer, Physical Education, and Health. Honors and select AP courses are offered in each of the core disciplines.
The strong foundation of the established diocesan curriculum – a classic high school course of study— will be enhanced by a unique bioethics curriculum written specifically for our school.
Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School is committed to providing a comprehensive academic program with many courses offered on multiple levels: Honors/AP, Academic, and Concept.
Placement in a particular level is based on the student's aptitude and performance in the various disciplines. While the curriculum is parallel, in that each level of the course has similar goals and objectives, the level of instruction varies by methodology, degree of difficulty, and volume of information presented.
Honors and AP courses are designed to meet the needs of students who want an advanced college preparatory curriculum, have an increased interest in learning, and possess a high level of responsibility, aptitude, and achievement. Principles and concepts are explored in greater depth and more independent work is expected of the student.
Academic Level courses are designed to meet the needs of students who want a challenging college preparatory curriculum, can complete assigned tasks with minimum supervision, and have a strong level of aptitude and achievement.
Concept Level courses meet the needs of students who want a college preparatory curriculum but need reinforcement in specific areas of achievement. Concept courses provide the student with additional support in the areas of organization, comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, and mathematical reasoning. Some students in the Concept Courses will receive assistance from our Academic Support Program.
Bioethics is the field of study concerned with the ethical implications of certain biological and medical procedures, technologies, and treatments. The bioethics curriculum at Pope John Paul the Great is required for students in each of the four years of study and is designed to provide an ethical perspective based on the dignity of the human person. In the past ten years, science and medical technology have made many changes. As science advances, we need to provide students with a foundation to think clearly on issues that impact the human person and society. Our curriculum will address current challenges and opportunities, thus preparing students for future studies and life decisions.
In addition to specific bioethics classes which will be offered, learning opportunities will present themselves regularly in other core areas of study. Students will be able to integrate their newly acquired bioethics knowledge and thoughtfully apply various historical events, literary themes, scientific facts, and religious tenets. Our students will leave with a truly complete education when they graduate from John Paul the Great.
Graduation Requirements
A minimum of 28 credits across academic disciplines will be required for graduation. For a summary of required credits by subject, click here.
View our curriculum
Academic Support and Guidance Counseling Services
Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School guidance and counseling staff strives to support each student in his or her spiritual, academic, personal and social growth. Through individual and group meetings, the counseling program is designed to help our students maximize their high school experience. Our goal is to address the needs of students at each developmental stage of high school.
During their first year, students will be introduced to the Guidance and Counseling Office and have an opportunity to participate in programs that focus on developing sound study skills while learning tips about adjusting to high school. Throughout their years at JP the Great, students are encouraged to participate in exercises that allow them to identify interests and skills that might be considered for future plans.
The Office of Guidance and Counseling devotes considerable time to the process of advising students in the college preparation process. During freshman and sophomore years, students are introduced to a number of interest assessment exercises as a way of determining areas of study that may be suitable for them. Students are also encouraged to take the PSAT/NMSQT exam during their freshman and sophomore years.
In addition, we are proud to offer students access to the Naviance software system. Naviance is an essential tool that will assist students with exploring their college and career interests. With this tool, students can: create a post-secondary plan, create an electronic portfolio, take inventories to increase self-awareness, research career opportunities, research college options, search scholarship listings, review scheduled college representative visits and communicate with the guidance counselor.
The Naviance website is https://connection.naviance.com/jpthegreat. Only current JP students and parents have access to certain functions.
Academic Support Services
A number of support services are available through our Guidance and Counseling office. For a list of specific academic support services, please click here.
The Options Program
We offer the Options Program for students with intellectual disabilities, modeled after the successful program at Pope Paul VI Catholic High School. The Options program will serve students with mild to moderate cognitive impairments in a modified inclusive setting. A primary goal for each student is to be as fully integrated as possible into the total life of the school community. If you are interested in this program, please contact Megan Battle, Director of the Options Program or click here for more details.