Exploring Fine Arts, Sciences, and Math at Saint John’s Prep

At Saint John’s Prep, we pride ourselves on offering a well-rounded education that nurtures students’ academic, artistic, and analytical abilities. Whether in the lab, on the stage, in the studio, or at the whiteboard, our teachers go beyond imparting knowledge—they inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. In this feature, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated teachers from our Fine Arts, Science, and Math departments who make learning inspiring.

Sarah Pasela – Biology, AP Biology, Honors Capstone, and Human Body Systems

Ms. Pasela loves the people at Saint John’s Prep. For her, the best part of teaching at SJP is the close-knit community of students, fellow teachers, staff, and families. Her passion for biology shines through in her teaching. She believes that seeing each student as an individual is key, whether they pursue science in the future or not. Ms. Pasela’s love for hands-on learning is evident in her classroom, where lab activities foster curiosity and exploration. She is also committed to incorporating real-world issues, like immunology, to make lessons relevant and engaging. Her connection with students goes beyond the curriculum; she deeply values the opportunity to know each student as a whole person, not just as a learner, but as an individual.

“Because we are such a small school, I get to know my students deeply. I can tell when they are having a bad day or when they haven’t gotten enough sleep. After teaching in a much larger system, I am so grateful for the class sizes I have here. Students have taught me that we each have our own unique light inside of us.  My job, and it is the best job in the world, is to help young people figure out what that light is. It isn’t always what your friends are doing or what your parents expect. It is wonderfully exciting to help young people find that spark.”

Sean Jacobson – Middle and Upper School Band, Middle School Choir, and Jazz Ensemble

Now in his second year at SJP, Mr. Jacobson has spent a total of 11 years teaching music. The students’ inquisitive and creative spirit, combined with supportive colleagues, makes teaching at Prep feel special to him. Mr. Jacobson is also a performer himself, and he believes staying active as a musician not only hones his craft but also provides relatable insights to share with his students.

He’s particularly moved by the transformation he witnesses in students over the years, from beginners to confident musicians. He finds it rewarding to watch students progress, mastering instruments and discovering their own musical voices. Mr. Jacobson also values Prep’s A2E program, as it challenges students to think critically and present their creative projects with maturity.

“As a relative newcomer to Prep, one of the things that struck me as unique to Prep is the maturity and rigor that we expect of our students. Students aren’t “just” students in our curriculum—they’re scholars, researchers, artists, and creators. This was particularly evident to me at the first A2E Scholarship Day last May. Listening to students’ expert presentations on topics and questions they selected and researched individually; watching them give expressive, artistically mature musical performances; seeing their original artwork displayed and reading about their reflective thought and process behind that work all made the day feel truly inspiring, and demonstrated how special what we do here is. As faculty, we place high-level expectations on our students that challenge them to think, do, and be beyond what most middle- and high-school students are called to, and time and time again, they rise to the occasion.”

Kris Fremo – Upper School Visual Arts

With 27 years of experience at SJP, Mrs. Fremo is passionate about guiding students through the creative process. She fosters a classroom environment filled with open dialogue and reflection, allowing students to express their thoughts and motivations behind their art. Mrs. Fremo’s teaching philosophy centers around skill mastery as a pathway to creativity. She encourages personalization in projects, helping students develop unique artistic voices. One memorable moment in her career is guiding students through the challenge of centering clay on a pottery wheel. The joy of mastering this physical skill brings pride and fulfillment to students, and Kris treasures witnessing these moments of accomplishment.

“Students have taught me that there is more than one way to solve a problem. Sometimes students respond to tasks in ways I would never have imagined. All of the different approaches over the years have helped me expand how I think about successful outcomes. There is a wild beauty in the many and varied solutions that students generate in approaching a visual task.  Our students inspire me every day, and I think they teach me as much as I teach them.”

Matt Young – Algebra 2 and AP Calculus

In his fourth year at Prep, with a total of 13 years of teaching experience, Mr. Young finds the SJP community’s dedication to student growth truly inspiring. An avid woodworker, Mr. Young applies lessons from his craft—patience, attention to detail, and learning from mistakes—to his teaching style. Mr. Young values seeing students grow academically and personally throughout their time at Prep. He appreciates the way the math department encourages not just academic success but also persistence and dedication. One memorable experience involved helping a student realize that their hard work, rather than just the final grade, was the most valuable part of the learning process.

“The most rewarding part of working with students at Prep is seeing how much they grow. In the math department, we are lucky because we typically get to teach students multiple times throughout their time at Prep. I love how this allows me to get to know students really well and to see how they grow over the years. I once worked with a student who had their heart set on getting a specific grade. This student was the hardest-working student I have ever worked with, and yet they were so focused on the end result (the grade) that they did not see the value and impressive nature of how much effort they were putting toward understanding the content. For a time, whether or not this student would receive the grade they wanted was up in the air, and eventually the student recognized that it was the amount of growth they had created, and not the end result, that was the most important. This recognition was HUGE for this student, and they did end up receiving the grade they had hoped for. How about that?!”

Saint John’s Prep: Growing & Going Beyond

At Saint John’s Prep, the Fine Arts, Science, and Math departments are more than academic disciplines—they are interconnected pathways that encourage exploration, creativity, and personal discovery. Our liberal arts approach ensures that students don’t just learn facts or formulas; they learn how to think critically, draw connections between subjects, and approach problems with curiosity and confidence. Whether performing music, creating visual art, investigating scientific questions, or tackling complex math concepts, students at Prep are empowered to explore the world through multiple lenses and develop a well-rounded understanding of themselves and their studies.

In our classrooms, students are more than just learners—they are innovators, creators, and deep thinkers shaped by an education that values both depth and breadth. We are proud to offer an environment where young people are encouraged to be their best selves, guided by teachers who are dedicated to making a positive impact every day. The diverse perspectives and skills our teachers bring to their roles make Saint John’s Prep a truly exceptional place to learn and grow. Meet the rest of our amazing faculty here.

We would love for you to see our teachers in action! Schedule a tour below and check out everything you need to know before coming for a campus visit.