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Students attending the Academy of the Holy Family understand the importance of having a serious attitude toward their academic studies in order to attain their full intellectual development. Critical thinking skills are emphasized. Study skills such as note-taking, memorization, and listening skills are considered as essential to success here at AHF. Homework, classroom participation and discussion, research papers, projects and test taking contribute to the final grade in each course. And yet, the academic piece to the Academy puzzle is so much more. It includes an atmosphere of shared learning between teachers and students, engaging discussions, being informed to become formed – becoming individuals that are capable of taking their place in society as responsible citizens. Ownership of the curriculum is evident in our student-based approach. As much as possible, students are encouraged to apply the course content to real life situations. It is hoped that all AHF students will open their minds to the wonder of God working in their lives.
The Guidance Program has the following goals:
- To help the students of the Academy of the Holy Family develop their academic potential.
- To assist students in course selection
- To assist students in reaching the next level of education
- To assist students with post-graduation planning and the college application process.
- To provide students with information on financial available for college
- To coordinate the testing program and to assist students with standardized testing such as EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT, PSAT and SAT
During their freshmen and sophomore years, students and their parents meet with the Guidance Department to discuss any scheduling issues or concerns. The guidance department assists in setting up parent/teacher conferences as needed or requested during the school year.
If the student is a transfer student, the Guidance Department and the student will discuss the transfer of credits and course selection.
The Guidance Department meets with students individually several times during the school year to discuss the student’s progress and any academic issues. The Guidance Department monitors the students’ progress through Edline. Edline reports are used when meeting with students to show academic progress in each individual class.
The Guidance Department holds group sessions with the freshmen and sophomores to discuss various school/academic issues. Students meet with the Guidance Department when there is a scheduling change and the Guidance Department acts as a liaison with the faculty for student progress or if schedule changes are requested.
During their junior year students begin planning for college with the Guidance Department. The junior class goes to the college fair in Hartford. Students meet with the Guidance Department to discuss the college application process, scholarship information, options for college, and their career endeavors. The parents are invited to set up a meeting with the guidance counselor on the college application process.
In the student’s senior year, students continue the college planning process. The Guidance Department offers a group session regarding financial aid opportunities for the students through FAFSA, scholarship, and other financial aid resources. The Guidance Department also posts college Open House notices, scholarship information, testing dates, and information regarding college representative visits to the Academy of the Holy Family.
The Guidance counselor is available if a student wishes to discuss other issues.
Online Resources:
Test of English as a Foreign Language
College Board
www.act.org
National Association of College Admission Counseling
Financial Aid Resources:
CSS/Financial Aid Profile
FastWeb
Federal Trade Commission: Scholarship Scams
FinAid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Student Guide: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education
Resources for the Student Athlete:
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Directory of College Athletics
The entire school is wired for internet and wireless is available in most locations. Computers are located in the library, student lounge, most classrooms and the dormitories.
Edline’s mission is “to provide the world’s leading technology solutions that help schools improve student performance by harnessing the power of parental involvement, supporting teachers, and engaging the learning community.”
For more information on the Edline program, please visit edline.net.
Our graduates attend a wide range of colleges and universities across the country. Click here to view a comprehensive list. |
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Students are introduced to the capabilities of the Microsoft Office suite so that they may utilize these programs in future classes, in all subject areas. By the end of the course, the student should be able to create various types of letters, reports, flyers, brochures, spreadsheets, charts and video slideshows. Students will also explore career possibilities and discuss ethical issues relating to computer and Internet usage.
Computer courses offered at the Academy include: Introduction to Computer Applications, Introduction to Programming, and Advanced Computer Applications.
This course is an inquiry-based program. Each reading selection is put into historical, cultural, and social context. Students will be encouraged to relate the literature to their own lives and the time in which they live in order to help them recognize the universal themes of human experience.
English courses offered at the Academy include: AP English Literature & Composition, CP English 1, CP English 2, CP English 3, CP English 4, Honors English 1, Honors English 2, Honors English 3, and Honors English 4.
There are two courses available for our international students- English as a Second Language and English for ESL Students. These courses acquaint the students with oral and written components of the English language. Students also become familiarized with the traditions and culture of the United States.
The Family Studies Department offers a variety of comprehensive family and consumer studies. Both required and elective courses are offered for one semester. The goal is to enhance the development of life skills, wellness activities, and enrichment activities in various areas of study.
Family Studies courses offered at the Academy include: Advanced Foods, Foods I, Clothing I, and Life Skills and Child Development.
Involvement in the Arts creates a well-rounded student. Problem solving and the ability to gain new perspectives are enhanced through the AHF art program. In the art room, students are helped to nurture and discover their God-given talents. Creativity builds self-esteem and self-fulfillment in a way many of the other academic areas cannot. To create with their own hands gives students a needed sense of accomplishment and knowledge of the creative processes.
Art courses offered at the Academy include: Art I, Advanced Art, Drawing, Painting, Painting 2, Creative Writing, Speech, Theatre Design, Sculpture, Glee Club and Jazz Choir.
Instruction in Spanish centers on the development of the students’ God-given potential to impact their world, a world increasingly multicultural and in the United States, increasingly Hispanic. The curriculum takes into consideration the need for the students to experience and develop appreciation for the Hispanic culture, as well as competence in the use of the four language abilities- reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension.
Courses offered include: Spanish 1, Spanish 1A, Spanish 2, Spanish 3 and Spanish 4.
The purpose of the Mathematics Department at The Academy of the Holy Family is to stimulate the intellect, cultivate reasoning ability, and prepare students for higher-level math courses in college. Students will use the graphing calculator while applying logic, reasoning, and critical thinking skills to analyze and solve problems.
Math courses offered at the Academy include: Algebra 1a, Algebra 1b, CP Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Honors Geometry, Accounting & Personal Finance, Honors Pre Calculus, and AP Calculus.
The connection of mind, body, and spirit is emphasized in both the physical education and health curriculum. In physical education, good sportsmanship and developing good decision making while developing sound moral reasoning is highlighted. This is achieved through physical activity in an enjoyable way. Health classes stress the importance of the meaning of life and the value of prayer in both sickness and health. Both physical education and health aid students in living a balanced, healthy life.
Physical Education & Health courses offered at the Academy include: PE 1, PE 2, PE 3&4, Health 1, and Health 2
The students will be guided to grow spiritually and deepen their faith relationship with God and desire to live as followers of Jesus Christ and as active members of their faith. They will develop a basic knowledge of the Catholic religion, deepen their knowledge of Sacred Scripture, appreciate the major developments and key persons in Church history, and will be able to identify Christian perspectives on personal, interpersonal, and global dimensions of violence and peace.
Religion courses offered at the Academy include: Overview of Catholicism, Sacred Scripture, Church History, and Catholic Social Teaching.
These courses will be taught with the underlying principles of God as creator and sustainer of the universe, the dignity of the human person as His greatest creation, and the responsibility of humankind toward making our planet Earth hospitable and habitable through the knowledge gained in the study of these Science courses. The goal of all education is truth, and the truths to be explored in these Science courses will result in defining and producing scientifically literate students, capable of taking their place in society as responsible citizens who will respect life in all its forms and stages and contribute to the building up of the environment on a local and global level. Because students learn best by doing, laboratory work is an important component to the curriculum where students are able to engage in the scientific method and laboratory procedures. Ownership of the curriculum will be very evident in this student-based approach. As much as possible, students will be encouraged to relate the course content to real life situations that will open their minds to the wonder of God working in the universe and in their lives. The Catholic Church positions regarding ethical and moral topics, i.e., evolution, stem cell research, contraceptives and abortion, will be integrated in the program when necessary.
Science courses offered at the Academy include: General Biology, Honors Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical Science.
The Social Studies program at AHF fosters knowledge of events and people throughout history, helps students to understand events in the light of the present day, nurtures compassion for all peoples and compels students to serve others as a result of the wisdom that has been attained. Critical thinking as well as analytical skills are continuously emphasized in all classes and in all aspects of the Social Studies program. Being able to take part in engaging class discussions is a skill that is specifically cultivated.
Social Studies courses offered at the Academy include: Psychology, Economics, College Prep World History, Honors U.S. History, College Prep U.S. History, Honors U.S. History, and Civics.
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