At Pope John XXIII school we provide experiences that will not only help our students grow academically, but that also encourage their individual interest as they discover their many talents.
From dance and cooking to robotics and construction we offer it all! Throughout the year students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enrichment classes hosted at PJ23 in partnership with KidzToPros.
Each year our faculty provides clubs and teams based on student interest from chess club to band and drama. If you or your child would be interested in helping build a new PJ23 club or team, let us know!
This year our Academic Trivia team participated in 2 tournaments which were held at Notre Dame Preparatory High School and St. Benedict's. From these scores, Pope John 23 qualified and was invited to the 2024 NAQT (National Academic Quiz Tournament) Championship Tournament! The PJ23 Team will participate in this quiz bowl championship in Rosemont in May. Here they will compete against other high-caliber teams, meet peers from all over the world, and show off their knowledge while being motivated to learn even more!
In 2017, Math League was added to the enrichment offerings for students at Pope John. Our participation in this league brings together students that like to “eat numbers for breakfast” (PJXXIII 2019 National Team’s Motto). They practiced number sense and worked as a team, aiming for accuracy with speed. The fun and hard work translated into a 2019 State 1st place finish in Division 6 as well as an invitation for 5 of our team members to compete at Nationals.
In the 2023 school year, our 3rd through 8th graders continue to compete in the math contests! We will update you on our results.
Our middle school students eagerly engage in the annual local science fair, an event that sparks curiosity and innovation among our young minds. Throughout the academic year, students explore various scientific topics, conduct experiments, and develop projects that showcase their understanding of scientific concepts.
Participation in the science fair encourages inclusivity and diversity in scientific exploration. Teachers provide guidance and support as students brainstorm ideas, conduct research, and design experiments. This process fosters critical thinking skills and encourages students to apply scientific methods to real-world problems.
During the science fair, students present their projects to judges, fellow students, and parents, demonstrating their knowledge and passion for science. Each project is evaluated based on its creativity, scientific rigor, and presentation skills.
The top medalists from our local science fair earn the opportunity to represent the school at the regional science fair, where they compete against peers from other schools. This experience not only validates their hard work and dedication but also exposes them to a broader scientific community and encourages collaboration and networking. This year's regional science fair will be held at Niles West High School in March. Good luck to those who have advanced!