|
"The Academy Curriculum is a reflection of our deep belief that all children can learn. Our faculty is committed to providing an appropriate challenge to each child, recognizing the uniqueness of each student and helping every child become a life-long learner."
Dr. Gretchen Ludwig, Principal
Much
planning and research has gone into developing a "thinking
curriculum" at Holy Family Academy. We hold high
expectations for student achievement and success in
key subject areas, and provide instruction that extends
beyond the "basics". Holy Family Academy
embraces current "best practices" approaches
to education that rely more on teaching students critical
thinking and develop problem-solving, decision-making
and research skills that enable them to become life-long
learners. |
|
|
 |
Holy Family possesses the following attributes to encourage every child to be a thinker:
- Our learning environment is supportive
and nurturing. Small class sizes, averaging 23 students per
class and including a teaching assistant, personalize the
learning experience for each student. Teachers respond to
individual needs and support each student's particular aptitudes
and talents.
|
- Through Differentiated Instruction, all students are given assignments that are appropriate to their learning needs rather than just to the grade and subject being taught. When applicable, children are given opportunities to work above their grade level expectations.
|
"The teacher-student ratio is amazing! At other schools, a teaching assistant is only available for classes with over 30 students!"
2nd grade parent, Deer Park |
|
- Holy Family Academy has used Inquiry
Learning as a means of incorporating state standards
into the core content areas of social studies and science.
The Inquiry approach ensures that lessons are student-centered,
relevant, hands-on, meaningful, and engaging. Not only
are students learning content, but they learn content as
it applies to real life situations. This ensures greater
retention of learned concepts, and encourages students
to go beyond the basics into a more enriched and expanded
realm.
|
- Our students participate in AIMSweb benchmarking
and progress monitoring. This web-based tool uses frequent
student assessments to track each student’s progress, help
set individualized goals and alert teachers to the need to
make instructional changes.
|
- Inquiry integrates multiple disciplines in the same project. It reinforces to students that 'real world' problem solving involves the application of math, science, social studies, and language arts skills. See the results of our 3rd grade's inquiry unit on the solar system. They actually created their own website! Go to http://hfcathirdgrade.tripod.com
|
- Technology is thoroughly integrated into the curriculum rather than being taught as a separate content area.
|
 |
- Holy Family Academy has received over a $1.5 million grant to implement a first-in-the-world educational application using a virtual Web 2.0 platform. Through the work of Dr. Emily Alford, Holy Family students will focus on an inquiry-based learning unit that will increase the students' understanding and use of 21st century communication technologies, including a Web 2.0 social networking platform, blog, wikis, emails and a Facebook-like component all through a secured intranet environment. Click here to learn more...
|
We believe that our students find their learning experiences challenging, engaging and motivating. We believe that our "thinking curriculum" will produce confident individuals who can communicate well and are good at learning new things and coping with change. These qualities will enable our students to continue the quest for knowledge throughout their lives. |
|
 |
"As an employer I am delighted that Holy Family marries the best of traditional education with new teaching theory. The math program is a great example. They use two different resources, one focusing on computational skills and the other emphasizing problem solving. The best of both worlds."
4th Grade Parent, Barrington |
| |
|
|
