At SJN, the wake-up period signals the beginning of a structured day for boarding school students. Rising to the sound of reveille, students put on their uniforms, make their beds, and prepare for the day ahead.
How structure provides a foundation for Life
Hear first-hand from Tony Zelinski, a 1978 SJN Graduate and Former Milwaukee Alderman, about how his experience at SJN set him on a pathway to success.
"The discipline that I learned here is invaluable, it's priceless..."
"Many parents make their kids' lives difficult by trying to make their lives easy."
"You get discipline, and you can do anything. You can outwork anybody else and accomplish what you want!"
Creating a Structured Environment
For Success
Campus Safety
SJN provides our students with a safe and secure place to call their home away from home.
Supervised off-campus outings as well as on-campus activities ensure you can feel confident in your child's new home.
Student Life
We understand the importance of providing extensive care to our students. In addition to our 24/7 care, we have TWENTY-FIVE Residential Life staff who work tirelessly to develop and nurture your student outside of the classroom.
1-on-1 Counseling
College counseling at St. John’s Northwestern guides students through one of life’s most important transitions, as students navigate their way towards their academic and professional path after high school.
Spirituality
Spiritual and character development at St. John’s Northwestern is built on our Christian roots and extends to respect every student’s faith tradition. We help students articulate what they believe and why they believe it, because that knowledge empowers them to lead a life of purpose and service.
Structured Schedule
Your child will benefit from a rigorous schedule, featuring academics, mentor meetings, and supervised cellphone-less study halls, which, as our founder Sydney Smythe felt, would "get the most out of a student by making them reach just a little farther than they had supposed their arms could stretch."
Study Time
We understand the value of both supervised and individual study hours. That's why at SJN, we build both into our students' daily lives. With access to resources and guidance from teachers or academic mentors, distraction-free study hours encourage discipline, concentration, and effective time management skills.
Experience
A Day in the Life
6:30 AM
Wake Up
7:00 AM
Breakfast
We serve a variety of nutritious options to fuel the students for the day ahead, ensuring they start their mornings on a nourishing note.
7:30 AM
Tutorial
During tutorial time, students receive personalized assistance and guidance from teachers in small groups or one-on-one sessions. This dedicated time allows students to clarify concepts, review assignments, and deepen their understanding of academic material.
7:30 AM (M/W)
Chapel
Twice a week, our students attend a chapel service. Our spiritual program forms our students, regardless of faith, into real leaders for the real world.
8:05 AM
Classes
The academic day is filled with seven, 45-minute classes tailored for a college preparatory curriculum. In addition to the core content areas, students can choose to explore the world of Engineering, Robotics & Aviation, tap into their creativity in one of our visual arts courses, and explore the limitless possibilities in our computer science and cybersecurity programs,
12:15 PM
Lunch
Our menu features a variety of options to accommodate different dietary preferences and needs, ensuring that every student can find something satisfying to eat.
1:05 PM
Classes
After lunch, students return for two courses to finish the academic portion of the day. Students may find themselves delving into the complexities of calculus or mysteries of physics, or the analysis of classic and modern literature.
2:45 PM
Clubs
Students have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities tailored to their interests and talents. Whether participating in academic clubs or artistic pursuits and a sense of camaraderie.
3:30 PM
Sports
SJN provides its students with 18 sports offerings, from tennis to skiing. As one of the four pillars at SJN, we believe athletics plays a huge role in a student's teamwork skills, leadership abilities, and overall well-being.
6:00 PM
Dinner
The dining hall provides a welcoming atmosphere for students to unwind, socialize, and enjoy a balanced meal together.
7:30 PM
Supervised Study Hours
With access to resources and guidance from teachers or academic mentors, study hours encourage discipline, concentration, and effective time management skills.
9:30 PM
Personal Time
By incorporating personal time before lights out into their schedule, the academy promotes habits of cleanliness, self-discipline, and respect for personal health among its students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who choose to be a part of our historic JROTC-Leadership Program wear the traditional military uniforms of SJN.
All other students dress in a traditional prep school way, as you see in many of the pictures on our site. Polos, quarter-zips, long pants, along with a more formal blazer, dress shirt combination for more formal events.
To foster academic excellence, focused learning, meaningful communication, and positive peer relationships, the use of cell phones, headphones, or earbuds will not be permitted during the academic day and meal times for all middle and high school students.
Read the full policy HERE:
All of our SJN students receive the safe and structured environment that helps them develop a "Foundation for life!
All students also get the opportunity to choose from our specialized programs, but it is not necessary to choose one of them. All students have the option to pick one or all of the three programs below that they wish.
JROTC Leadership
The JROTC-Leadership Program prepares Cadets for ROTC scholarships, Service Academy opportunities, and offers a “Pathway to Officership” for those pursuing military careers
E.R.A
SJNA offers a premier STEM experience through its Engineering, Robotics & Aviation program, featuring a 12-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students can earn a private pilot's license, participate in robotics and cybersecurity, and join a unique drone program.
DME Basketball
DME combines SJN’s academic excellence with elite basketball training, known for producing over 35 Division I athletes and future NBA talent. This program offers high school student-athletes a unique educational and athletic success pathway.
Boarding schools, including SJN, are designed to provide a structured and supportive environment for students who are looking to excel academically, athletically, and personally. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and are motivated individuals who seek a well-rounded education that prepares them for college and life beyond.
While discipline is an important aspect of life at SJN, it is not about strictness for its own sake. The structured environment helps students develop self-discipline, time management, and a strong work ethic. Qualities that will serve them well in all areas of life.
Our Commitment
This seal of approval represents an element of the St John's Northwestern safe structured environment that meets the standard, providing each student a foundation for life.
