St. Stan’s, which includes 4k through Grade 2, and St. Steve’s, which includes grades 3- 5, have been selected as United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools two times, one of the few schools in the state to ever be recognized twice, in 2008 and 2015. The award is given to those schools that show the highest test scores when compared to all schools in the nation, as well as other outstanding academic and community programs. The school also received the “Innovations in Catholic Education” award in 2014 for outstanding literacy education.
The school has formed numerous partnerships with the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. A literacy lab is held at St. Stan’s. UWSP professors teach college students reading courses in the St. Stan’s building, and then those students work individually with school children. A fluency clinic, stressing fluency and comprehension, is held at St. Steve’s. Additionally the math department from UWSP works with all students on math problem solving. St. Stan’s has a shared physical education program with UWSP, using their staff and resources.
The academic focus of the school is to provide a challenging yet supportive curriculum to all students. Singapore math is used in all grades, which greatly accelerates math learning. Numerous computer programs help support students in language arts and math. Reading is stressed at all levels in a variety of ways. Test scores are outstanding, as evidenced by the awards the school has received.
Technology is all over the school. Each classroom has a SMART Board, and students have access to mini labs, or a larger computer lab. By 2016, all Students in grades 1-5 will have a personal tablet to use in school. Technology is considered another tool for students. STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is a large part of the science curriculum.
The staff has received numerous awards. Currently on staff there are seven teachers who have received the Herb Kohl Fellowship Award, recognizing the top 100 teachers in the state ( two others recently retired). Teachers and support staff have also earned numerous local awards as well. The principal has twice been named the Diocesan Administrator of the Year.