Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS)

The Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS) at Sts. John and Paul offers an academically and intellectually enriching program for our students. Students who are identified in middle school for this program have the opportunity to participate in accelerated classes in: English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, Science and/or Math.

​Consideration for Middle School ALPS Classes

Students whose recent IOWA reading achievement scores are at or above the 85th percentile and or their math scores are at or above the 85% will be identified and placed on a list for possible placement in the program. Student’s classroom test grades, teacher recommendation, and New York State Scores will also help to determine permanent placement in the program. Students are usually placed in September of the academic school year. Students may be considered after the first and second quarter with teacher recommendation and educational test scores of 95% and above consistently. Seventh grade students in grade level math cannot move up into 7 ALPS after the first quarter. Effort and conduct grades must be all 3’s in order to be placed in the ALPS program.

Minimum ALPS Requirement & Student/Family Commitment
​The challenges of the ALPS program require both students and their families to commit time and energy. Students and families who are invited to participate in the program agree to work together to ensure that the student’s:

• Classwork and assignments will be of a high quality, meet expectations and submitted on time.
• Class participation will be active, appropriate and students will be prepared for class.
• ​Effort and conduct grade is not lower than an “A” on their report card.
• Minimum grade of "B-" (not lower than 80%) will be maintained in each ALPS class.

​​​Failure to adhere to the above requirements will place your child on probation for the following quarter. If grades do not improve the following quarter and your child does not receive an 80 or above in their ALPS class(es), they will be removed from the program. If there are two quarters (not consecutive in an academic school year) your child does not meet the following minimum requirements they will be removed from the ALPS program for the following academic school year.

Fifth Grade Middle School Program
Fifth grade is a significant year. Students from our elementary school are transitioning into our middle school model. This transition will allow students to get adjusted to switching classes, having multiple teachers, understanding what the expectations are, google classroom, and honestly not forgetting their books and supplies from going from one class to another. 

Fifth grade ELA / Social Studies placement will be decided by the end of second quarter. The ELA and Social Studies teachers will evaluate their writing, reading, and comprehension at the end of the second quarter, before being placed in their level. ALPS ELA / Social Studies will start at the beginning of the third quarter.

Math ALPS placement for 5th grade will only occur as they enter 6th grade since the material in 5th grade is still very foundational. Enrichment in the classroom will occur in order to have more data for placement for next year. A placement exam for math will be given at the end of the school year for students who are eligible for placement in September.
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Eighth Grade ALPS Math Program
At SJP, the eighth grader’s advanced math class is Algebra 1, which is taught during the school day. To be successful in our accelerated eighth-grade program, the following is expected for a successful academic year:

• Must maintain an 80% or better on all tests in 7th grade ALPS.
• Must score in the 85th percentile on IOWA in Math and ELA.
• Have a high 3 or 4 on the New York State Exams.
• Students must pass their midterm and final exams in order to remain in the ALPS program the following school year.
• No student who fails their final in Math in 7th grade will be allowed in the Regents Algebra 1 Course for 8th grade.
• Must show a commitment to math.
• Self-motivated and a willingness to be challenged in Algebra 1.

Note: Even though students are placed in seventh grade Math ALPS, it is not a guarantee they will be placed in Algebra 1 in Eighth Grade.
Science

• 7th Grade students will be taking the Earth Science high school Regents course. The class will be differentiated accordingly.
• 8th Grade students will be taking the Living Environment high school Regents course. The class will be differentiated accordingly.

​Social Studies

• 8th Grade students in the Social Studies ALPS program are enrolled in the US History and Government course, which is a high school Regents course.

Regents Requirements
All students taking the Regents Course are prepared for and would sit for the Regents exams in June.

updated 8/21/2025 - subject to change

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