Saint Joseph Academy Excels Amid National Academic Challenges

Mark Kalpakgian • November 30, 2025

While national assessments reveal ongoing declines in student performance, Saint Joseph Academy continues to shine with exceptional PSAT results in fall 2025, far surpassing averages and demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence.

National Context: Declines in NAEP Scores
The recently released 2024 NAEP results for 12th graders show significant drops in math and reading since 2019, hitting 20-year lows. Nearly half (45%) scored below basic in math, with only 22% proficient or above, while 32% were below basic in reading and only 35% proficient. These trends, exacerbated by pandemic disruptions, highlight broader challenges in foundational skills and college readiness.

SJA's Outstanding PSAT Performance
In contrast, SJA students are excelling across grades. On the PSAT 8/9, our average total score was 957—138 points above the national 819—with Reading and Writing at 507 (vs. 412) and Math at 450 (vs. 407). Tenth graders averaged 1057, over 150 points higher than the national 902, and 11th graders scored 1059, exceeding the national 930 by 129 points. These place SJA in the 75th percentile nationally, outperforming three-quarters of peers.

Factors Behind Our Success
In my short time here, I believe SJA's academic achievements stem from:

  • Classical pedagogy emphasizing foundational skills, including poetry memorization and novel reading.
  • Dedicated teachers who prioritize student well-being and provide after-class mentorship.
  • Engaged parents partnering in their children's education.
  • Flexible math tracks and honors classes tailored to individual abilities.
  • A small, collegial environment fostering discussion and idea-sharing.


These elements create a supportive culture that builds strong academic foundations and prepares students for future success.

A Proud Path Forward
As national scores signal the need for improvement, SJA's results affirm our effective approach while still showing room for improvement. Overall, we're grateful for our community's efforts and excited for continued growth.