Academics

St. Stephen Elementary has 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.

Technology is considered another tool for students. We have a 1:1 iPad program, which means each student has access to their own iPad during the school day. Coding and Digital Citizenship are taught to all students along with an integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program.

Assessment is a major portion of the academic program.  A variety of tools are used which helps monitor students’ progress.  Curriculum Based Monitors from the University of Oregon, DRA’s, are a sample of some of the assessments.  Students at all levels score extremely high, performing at some of the highest levels in the country.

The staff has received numerous awards, including 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.