Saint John the Baptist Catholic School (SJB) is an ideal school for families looking for a small close-knit community that provides a sense of belonging, community support, Catholic-identity, personal development, and high academic standards.

SJB provides traditional and holistic education to their families.  In a world where academics have become the primary focus in our society, SJB offers strong moral guidance while upholding rigorous academic standards and values. SJB incorporates activities that help shape our children beyond academics by providing recess, art, music, physical education, religion, and Spanish regularly each week. During class, children receive individual, focused attention from experienced teachers, some of whom have been part of the SJB community for years, and many of whom hold advanced degrees. Older grades are paired with younger grades so that older students can be role models and younger students feel connected and supported during reading, lunch and Mass services. Parents are encouraged to readily engage as active participants in their child(ren)’s education, and can influence SJB school initiatives, programs and activities. The community incorporates annual traditions that facilitate development of lifelong friendships among parents, students and others in the parish community, which include academic, cultural, and recreational activities.

As a close-knit community, we are developing the future generation of leaders that are academically equipped for success, while maintaining a strong Catholic-identity, inner character and strong morals. 

SJB has been designated as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Education Department because students in each class scored at the top 15% of our nation’s scores in reading and mathematics in 2010. This is not the only indicator of SJB’s academic excellence; SJB facilitates an environment that creates an intrinsic love of learning and desire for success. SJB has provided an advanced and accelerated learning program for students with a demonstrated aptitude for math in grades 4-8. In all classes, teachers make every effort to meet students on their level, appeal to their learning style, challenge them to meet their learning goals, and cheer on their progress. Spanish, art, computer lab, library hours, music and physical education are part of the regular week for all students as early as Kindergarten.

The curriculum is driven by the learning standards of the Archdiocese of Washington. The learning standards in each subject and grade can be read here. The rigorous academic standards define what students should know at every grade level. The Archdiocese includes Washington, DC, and five Maryland counties. Studies have demonstrated success in using these standards, where i.e., 99% of Catholic high school graduates are accepted into college, compared to 44.1% of public school graduates (Source: NCEA). 

SJB is annually accredited by Cognia, a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Further, the school principal, Mr. Blomquist, is always open to parent and teacher feedback to find out new and innovative ways to enhance student learning.

Last year, the 8th grade graduating class of 28 students were offered scholarships totaling over $390,000.

Comparisons of test scores have shown that SJB 8th graders perform better than public school 8th graders in the High School Placement Test, according to ADW and HSPT data.

We strive to ensure that students graduate with an established Catholic identity while having a strong moral compass and being academically equipped for success. We seek to develop well-formed consciences, and to promote the desire to serve and inspire others like Jesus. Each year, we select an annual theme to help students focus on their relationship with God, and every quarter, our school gathers together to pray our Living Rosary for peace in our world. 

SJB begins and ends each class day in prayer. Formal religion classes are taught daily. Children participate in Mass each week, and there are nine school wide Masses where each grade hosts one of the liturgies. Reconciliation is available throughout the school year for Grades 2- 8. Stations of the Cross are designated on Friday afternoons during the Lenten Season.  The school facilitates several community service projects, which can involve helping those in need locally and/or internationally. Some community service projects include food pantries, fundraisers, and other service projects. SJB supports the parish sacramental programs, and are encouraged to prepare for Sacraments with others of the parish outside of the regular school day by participating in parish evening classes.

The SJB community is welcoming to non-Catholic students and families.  Our lessons are applicable to real life because we teach moral values, integrity, and stewardship.  We ask that non-Catholic students be respectful and participate with their fellow classmates. 

The school day begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm. Before and aftercare programs are available at additional cost, allowing full-time working families to drop off their children by 7 am and pick their children up as late as 6:00 pm each day. Aftercare allocates designated time for students to complete their homework and also includes outdoor free play.

During the day for kindergarteners and elementary students, children are buddied with older students for reading, lunch and mass.  Students have a morning and afternoon recess each day.  They receive Music, Spanish, Art, and Library each week. Physical education is offered twice a week. Religious education is part of everyday learning.  Children receive responsibilities appropriate to their level, and are taught early to contribute and help others in the school and beyond school walls.

For middle school students, students are grouped into smaller groups for better focused learning. State of the art technology is integrated into class activities. Small art classes are provided by an award-winning art teacher. Spanish is offered three times a week so that students will be prepared for higher levels of Spanish by high school.  SJB’s exceptional writing program prepares students reading and writing high school challenges. Additional math courses are offered beyond the regular math class so that students have the opportunity to focus on specific foundational theories. 

Students also have annual traditions that they prepare for and look forward to outside of school hours.  SJB annual traditions are listed here on the SJB website.

SJB readily integrates technology into the school environment, where students are taught necessary real-world skills, including how to present, write reports, publish, and create graphics using computers.  State of the art technology is available for students. Each K-8 student is provided a school Chromebook. Each classroom is equipped with a Promethean interactive learning board.

SJB also recognizes that technology, while a potential tool for learning, can also be aa distraction from learning.  SJB promotes a socially safe school culture, free of cyberbullying and other threats in our community through restricting cellphone usage, and use of online social media during school hours. Parent volunteers undergo background checks compliant with the Archdiocese policies, and training is provided to increase awareness of online threats.

SJB has an outstanding Title III ELL (English Language Learners) program.  ELL programs are designed to ensure that children with limited English proficiency, including immigrant children, meet the same challenging academic content standards as native speakers.  SJB provides non-native speakers with certified ELL-teacher support to master academic English in order to better thrive in school and everyday life in America.

We have a designated Resource Teacher who works with children as early as Kindergarten who need additional assistance in specific subject areas. Students are provided time to work one-on-one with our Resource Teacher during school hours, as needed.

SJB also provides Spanish classes beginning in Kindergarten, who receive 2 classes each week from K-4th grade, and 3 classes each week from 5th through 8th grade.  SJB strives for Spanish to be the primary language spoken by 7th and 8th grade, so that students entering high school can begin at higher Spanish levels.

Our teachers choose to teach at SJB because of their love of learning and desire to influence the next generation of children. Teaching certification is a requirement of Catholic school teachers. 

SJB Staff By Numbers 

• 23 - Number of Teachers 
• 5 – Number of Educational Aides 
• 3 – Number of Academic Support Specialists 
• 3 – Number of Administration Staff 
• 2 – Number of Operations Staff 
• 5 - Number of After Care Staff 
• 41 – Number of Staff & Support at SJB 
• 265 - Number of Students 
• 11.5 to 1 - Student to Teacher Ratio 
• 8.8 to 1 – Student to Classroom Staff (Teachers and Aides) Ratio 
• 9.5 Years – Experience of SJB Teachers on Average 
• 8.6 Years – Experience of SJB Aides on Average 
• 4 – Teachers in the First Year at SJB 
• 8 – Teachers with 2-5 Years of Experience at SJB 
• 0 – Teachers with 6-10 Years of Experience at SJB 
• 4 – Teachers with 10-15 Years of Experience at SJB 
• 7 – Teachers with 16-20 Years of Experience at SJB 
• 2 – Teachers with more than 20 Years of Experience at SJB 

Details on SJB faculty, including the principal, can be found on the Faculty and Staff Page.

SJB has about 170 families in the school. There are several annual traditions that have a 90%+ turnout.  Many families volunteer to make these annual traditions a success.

Our student population has been about 265 for the past two years. Classrooms in K-8 have 25 to 29 students. 

The student-to-teacher ratio is 11.5 to 1.

About 70% of our population is Roman Catholic.  The demographic composition of our school is 38% White, 33% Black, 14% Asian American, 14% Latino, 15% two or more races. 

SJB participates in Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sport teams and intramurals sports including:

• Soccer (Intramurals for grades K-2, and CYO for grades 3 – 8)
• Basketball (Intramurals for grades K-2, intramurals for grades 3-6, and CYO for grades 3-8)
• T-ball  (Intramurals for grades K-2, and CYO for grades 3-8)
• Volleyball (Intramurals for grades 6-8)
• Baseball (CYO for grades 3-8)
• Flag football

SJB also provides a several kinds of extracurricular activities beyond sports (e.g. STEM, music, miscellaneous activities) including:

• Chess club (K-8)
• Robotics club (K-8)
• Coding club (Grades 2 – 8)
• Altar servers (Grades 4 – 8)
• Student Council (Grades 3 – 8)
• Band (Grades 4-8)
• Choir (Grades 3-8)
• Patrols (Grade 6)
• Boy Scouts (All grades)
• Girl Scouts (All grades)
• Yearbook (Grades 7-8)

Note: Some extracurricular activities may have additional fees for registration.

Applications are submitted on TADS when, in  November, an "Apply Now" link is first posted on the SJB News page. Birth certificates, records release forms, and immunization forms must be submitted in the application. 

The Apply Now link is posted in November on the website under SJB News. 

SJB has at least three Open House dates each year. Plus, each Wednesday morning in February, the principal leads a tour of the school starting at 8:30 am. SJB encourages shadow visits for students applying for grades 3-8. For younger children, half-day shadow visits can be arranged.

Families coming to SJB will find a welcoming community. Parents may send new families invitations for their children to come out for sports like T-ball or soccer. New families are invited to the SJB Arts and Academics exhibition in March, the Spring Play in May, and the band concert in May. Each new family is designated a Buddy Family to help with transition.

Updated costs of tuition, fees, and After Care are posted on the website under Enrollment. 

The Tuition Assistance section has information about financial aid opportunities through the church, parish, state, and county.

Families are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance through the Archdiocese of Washington to be eligible for parish assistance. Archdiocesan assistance is available to non-Catholics as well as Catholics.

All families seeking assistance in the form of the reduced Catholic tuition rate must complete, sign, and send in a parish verification form during registratoin. 

Multiple-child assistance is provided to any family with more than one child in the school.

We encourage all families requiring financial assistance to first apply through the Archdiocese of Washington Tuition Assistance Program. The Archdiocese offers tuition assistance programs for Pre-K through 12th grade.  Financial aid, which is supported by initiatives such as the Annual Appeal and Catholic church contributions, is awarded based on available funds and applicants' financial needs. Designated assistance is available for minority students through the Archdiocese of Washington.

On a case-by-case basis, SJB can provide additional assistance (funded through the parish) for families who could not obtain sufficient assistance from the Archdiocese of Washington.  These funds are limited and are supported from parish contributions and school fundraisers throughout the year.  SJB only considers these cases for families who have first applied through the Archdiocese. Further, we also offer tuition assistance to contributing parish families who have multiple children attending SJB. Tuition assistance and family assistance rates are provided on the Enrollment Page.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program represents a trademark of excellence and symbol of quality recognized by parents, policymakers and others across the nation.

It is important to clarify that the National Blue Ribbon designation can recognize schools on either exemplary high performance, or in closing the achievement gap among disadvantaged schools. However, private schools are not eligible for obtaining the National Blue Ribbon designation for closing achievement gaps and can only be nominated if they are an exemplary high performing school.

To fulfill this criteria, private school students must place in the top 15% of the nation in reading/language arts and mathematics as measured by a nationally normed test or in the top 15 percent of its state on a state test for the year they are tested. Subgroups, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds must also score similarly. If the school administers both state and nationally normed tests, they must score in the top 15% in both. Details on public and private eligibility requirements are found here. 

Once a school receives their designation, they are considered a National Blue Ribbon school, and are not required to reapply. The year the school sought nomination must be listed, and schools can choose to reapply for the designation. There is no required renewal process to maintain the National Blue Ribbon designation

Families may have children bring their own lunches to school.  We also offer a daily lunch option, catered by Main and Market, as well as a monthly Third Thursday Pizza Lunch. Parents can select from an online menu the month prior to purchase lunches from Main and Market. The lunches are delivered to the school each day at lunchtime.

We are open to having your child shadow the school for a day.  If you are interested, please contact the school office for assistance.

We also invite prospective families to participate in our annual traditions that occur year round.  For students interested in intramurals, T-ball for younger children is offered in the Spring, and soccer is offered in the Fall. Pre-K students can participate.

There are also some specific annual activities that you may attend.  We recommend considering:

Arts and Academics (Art and science fair program for Grades 5 – 8 occurring in March)

Spring Band concert

Annual Spring Sing Show (A musical play performed by Grades 5—8 )

Annual Christmas Show (A musical of the Christmas Story presented by the entire student body for school families.)

A Parent Ambassador can meet with you if you choose to attend one of SJB annual traditions.  Contact the school for more details.

About 75 percent of SJB graduates go to private or Catholic high schools. 

 Catholic High Schools Applied-Accepted 2023

Our Lady of Good Counsel 15-14 

St. John’s College High School 15-10 

DeMatha 6-6

Gonzaga  4-3

Academy of the Holy Cross 3-3

Elizabeth Seton 3-3

Georgetown Visitation  2-2

Stone Ridge 2-1

Georgetown Prep  2-0

St. Vincent Pallotti  5-5

It is important to note that the Catholic high school admissions process is uniquely competitive and can vary depending on the high school of interest.  In general, students complete a high school assessment, which is a standardized placement test required for Archdiocese high schools.  This score, the student’s grades and in some cases, an interview, make up the admission process. Some Catholic high schools may have a separate admissions process described on their website.

Did you know the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) establishes the accounting practice for the parishes?  The parish and school are separate funds.  Each fund has its own budget with income and expense accounts.  The principal prepares and oversee the school budget in consultation with the pastor and approves all school expenses.  Income comes from tuition and fees.  At no time are school funds used for parish expenses.  The Catholic Schools Office reviews our budget.

Offertory is the primary source of income for the parish.  A yearly budget is set based on prior years’ activity, guidelines from the ADW and projected expenses for the new fiscal year.  The ADW does not allow deficit budgets.  At the end of the fiscal year (June 30th) a report is compiled for the ADW’s review.  This Annual Report contains addendums regarding: capital improvements, bank accounts, questionnaires, etc. for both the church and school.  The Finance Committee reviews monthly reports and meets periodically throughout the year to discuss financial matters.  Prior to submitting the Annual Report, the Finance Committee meets to review and sign the report.

In the Fall, the Parish Annual Report is published for the parishioner review.  The format and content of the parish report is determined by the ADW.  A semi-annual report is published in February.  The Parish Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report are sent to the ADW for review. 

To insure compliance with ADW policies and procedures and proper accounting practices are being followed, an audit is performed every three years.