SJN Middle School Academy

St. John’s Northwestern Middle School Academy

Lindsey Lopez

Dean Jon Pickelmann In May 2021, St. John’s Northwestern Academies announced their plans to launch a new Middle School Academy (MSA). SJNA has offered 7th and 8th grade education for many years. Traditionally, these grades were part of the Military Academy. In addition to the introduction of the Leadership Academy in 2020, SJNA saw a need to broaden the Middle School experience, establish an MSA athletic program to compete with other middle schools, and advance its own academic space and identity.

The 2022-2023 academic year will mark a new beginning with the inclusion of 6th grade students. This expansion will allow the Academies to host a full middle school, creating a broader scope of development opportunities for students to maximize their potential.

In March 2022, Mrs. Lindsey Lopez was named as the 6th-grade teacher. “I am so excited to be a part of the sixth grade at St. John’s Northwestern Academies! My passion is teaching middle schoolers. It is an age of learning responsibility, the exploration of interests, and the formation of the person they will be come. I am honored to join them on this journey,” said Lopez.

The 6th-8th grade Middle Schoolers, comprised of both Prefect and Military students, will attend classes together on a special floor in Stangeland Hall dedicated exclusively for the Middle School Academy. Middle School Dean Jon Pickelmann said, “SJNA provides a structured, nurturing environment that empowers our students to really focus on what’s important.”

All Middle School Academy students will study English, mathematics, science, history, physical education, leader development, and an elective in fine arts, foreign language, or technology. Self-awareness, empathy, teamwork, and responsible decisionmaking are just some of the main themes of our proprietary middle school curriculum. Project based learning and local field trips will play a significant role in increasing interest and engagement for the middle school experience.

St. John’s Northwestern Middle School Academy educates and transforms boys and girls, through sound educational practices, to be relevant and inclusive learners, and develops their knowledge, critical thinking skills, and character necessary to succeed in high school while preparing them tobe responsible citizens. For more information, visit www.sjnacademies.org.