What is the Berchmans Difference?

IN ORDER TO FORM THE WHOLE CHILD, A SCHOOL MUST HAVE THREE PILLARS (OR INTELLIGENCES): ACADEMIC, SPIRITUAL, AND SOCIAL. We strive to meet ALL of these at SJB. The Berchmans difference is our approach to the formation of the whole child: academic, spiritual, and social. While other schools can claim to form one of these intelligences, SJB can claim all three.

Our implementation of CKLA curriculum and Singapore Math has produced enormous improvement in our students’ reading, language arts, and math skills. Our Humanities 101 class, taught by Dr. Cheryl White, an LSU-Shreveport Professor and SJB parishioner, has led our 7th and 8th graders to explore their world, and especially their faith, with more depth and meaning. Where else can you hear middle school students discuss Dante’s Inferno or the fall of Rome and the rise of the Church? Our student/teacher ratio is 9:1, allowing each student to receive far more one-on-one instruction. Our 10 first place and 3 second place championships in the Science Olympiad over the last 14 years show that SJB continues to promote STEAM education as a response to the needs of a 21st century society. In 2022, SJB saw the completion of our outdoor learning center, where our students gather to learn about nature in a beautiful and peaceful environment, surrounded by God’s creation.

Beyond academics, our faith stands at the center of everything we do. Our students worship in the Cathedral weekly. As with many in our Diocese, we are facing changes at both the Cathedral and the school. When facing a world of constant change, we must remember that stability is found in Christ. As we prepare for a new school year, we remain constant in our faith that Christ will guide us into a very bright new chapter.

The social aspect of schooling is important to the development and formation of the whole child. SJB has created a family-friendly atmosphere where the parents form lasting friendships based on mutual interests and common community. This is because our entire school is contained in one building, which means that siblings can see each other multiple times a day. As we prepare for an exciting school year ahead, we remember the motto of SJB: “Kindness is practiced here.” This motto reflects our commitment to our Catholic values, as well as the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. These virtues are taught and celebrated here at SJB, where we practice kindness every day.

We would love for you to be part of the SJB family! For more information on enrolling your children, please go to sjbcathedralschool.org/enroll.