2016 Admissions Brochure

This is OLP

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Girls School Advantage............................................4 Leadership Edge..........................................................6 The Academic Difference.........................................8 Sisterhood.......................................................................10 STEAM................................................................................12 Faith & Service..............................................................14 Visual & Performing Arts..........................................16 Athletics...........................................................................20 Fun & Laughter.............................................................22 Technology.....................................................................24 Life After OLP................................................................26

All of Which Woman is Capable As the oldest high school in San Diego, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) has been educating young women for 134 years. OLP is an all girls’ secondary school with an unparalleled leadership development program for young women. Founded in 1882, OLP fosters an environment where girls become “women of heart, women of faith and women of courage.”

Our Mission: Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.”

SHE is

free to be herself

At girls’ schools, it’s not a matter of separating boys from girls, it’s simpl y about giving girls everything they need to shine .

OLP is dedicated to the philosophy that academic excellence, leadership skills and confidence flourish best in an environment with a sole focus of empowering young women. Current research supports this commitment.

The key findings of a 2009 UCLA report, “Women Graduates of SingleSex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in their Characteristics and the Transition to College,” show that women who attended single-sex schools tended to out perform their coeducational counterparts.

“In a single-sex school, a girl can comprehend her value and her capabilities in ways that have nothing to do with how she looks. She can be free to experiment and explore, trying out new things and trying on new roles.

She can follow her ambitions without giving a second thought or a backward glance on how her male counterparts might be perceiving her.”

Recent statistics from the National Coalition of Girls Schools (NCGS), of which OLP is a member school, show that all girls’ schools: >> Allow girls to be themselves, and provide an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and engage in an open and safe exchange of ideas. >> Champion STEM careers. Graduates of all girls’ schools are six times more likely to consider ma joring in math, science and technology compared to girls at co-ed schools. >> Help produce a healthy self confidence. >> Feature a girl in every leadership role.

93% of girls’ school graduates say they were offered greater leadership opportunities than peers at co-ed schools.

SHE is

a leader

OLP students are empowered and prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow. The college preparatory curriculum at OLP commissions them to become “all of which woman is capable,” a statement carried forth from the founders themselves.

There are more than 340 leadership opportunities available annually, encompassing many realms of campus life, including student life, athletics and the performing arts. At OLP, girls occupy every leadership role.

“By subtracting boys, an all-girls’ education adds opportunities. At a girls’ school, a girl occupies every role: every part in the play, every seat on the student government, every position on every team. Not only does she have a wealth of avenues for self-exploration and development, she has a wealth of peer role models.” (NCGS) Leadership experiences at OLP help prepare our graduates for college and beyond.

Head of School, Dr. Lauren Lek meets with students consistently regarding their experiences and their OLP education.

SHE engages

and achieves

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace has been educating girls since 1882. Our curriculum and instruction is designed specifically for girls. Faculty are able to focus solely on how girls learn and what girls need to achieve the most success.

OLP provides all the tools needed to thrive at the collegiate level through the use of the block schedule and an academically competitive college preparatory curriculum.

The OLP Difference: >> Zero block and the Pilot Online Learning Academy offer students access to a broader range of course selections while also opening up space in their schedule for extra curricular activities and athletics. >> A unique climate where girls feel comfortable expressing themselves freely and frequently. >> More than 70% of faculty members hold advanced degrees. >> Faculty who are committed.

Teachers work at OLP for an average of 19 years. >> Exciting and engaging elective courses. >> A Sisters in Scholars program that works to meet the needs of students who have identified learning differences. >> Four full-time counselors who guide students through their academic plan, college applications and emotional support needs.

SHE is

more than a friend, she is a sister

At OLP, the bonds that are formed over four years last a lifetime.

Right from the start, when frosh are guided by upper-class Link Crew leaders through their frosh orientation and welcome events, students feel at home at OLP. This happens naturally. OLP girls provide each other with an environment of friendship, acceptance, support and understanding. “My OLP sisters support me in times of need and celebrate with me in times of joy. I feel loved and as though I can be my true self day in and day out.� ~ OLP Senior, Class of 2017

SHE invents

and creates

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) subjects are integrated throughout the rigorous curriculum, giving our girls the opportunity to learn and create across a variety of disciplines. At OLP, the focus is on providing young women courses like biotechnology in an effort to prepare them to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society.

The OLP MicroChicks Robotics Team competes throughout the year and has received accolades and awards for both their robotic builds and their presentation skills. They are mentored by engineers from the Naval Air Systems Command weekly.

A partnership with Purdue University fosters the OLP Engineering class as they engage with their EPICS curriculum. The curriculum focuses on engaging students in engineering and computing-based design projects that meet the needs of local communities.

STEAM @ OLP: >> Access to more than 53 classes in the STEAM disciplines >> STEM certification to acknowledge students for their achievements and involvement in STEM-related activities and courses >> STEM courses include:

>> Engineering >> Biotechnology

>> Sports

>> Statistics >> Physics

>> Chemistry

>> Algebra

>> AP

>> AP

>> Genetics

Calculus

Computer Science Principles

Medicine

>> Marine >>

Science Architecture

Students in Biology Honors engage in hands-on learning as they dissect a cow heart to learn more about cardiovascular systems.

SHE serves

God and the “dear neighbor”

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1882, OLP has successfully educated young women for more than 134 years to meet the needs of society.

The OLP Department of Religious Studies emphasizes the CSJ tradition of “Faith in Action.”

The curriculum is rooted in balancing formation with information and is integrated across all disciplines under the guidance of the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.

Students enjoy the opportunity to serve in local and international communities, participate in retreat experiences and deepen their faith through religious studies and Campus Ministry.

The student body gathers for the annual Back to School Mass celebration, held this year in the outdoor amphitheatre.

SHE takes

center stage

At OLP, we believe that the arts are an essential and fundamental component of a sound education. Education in the arts is an important and necessary endeavor that nurtures the spiritual, moral, psychological and social growth of all students.

The OLP Theatre Program produces two shows per academic year and more than 400 students participate in performing arts each year.

The OLP Orchestra and Honor Choir programs offer students the opportunity to share their gifts with the community through performances and formal competitions.

Over the course of the past 20 years, 100% of OLP’s AP Art students have passed the College Board’s AP Art Student Performance Portfolio evaluation.

Courses in photography and graphic design prepare students to communicate creatively in an ever changing technological world.

Grace Newton ’17 performs the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde-The Musical. Grace was recently nominated for a Ben Vereen Award for her role as Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

SHE expresses

herself

Creativity is at the forefront of what 21st Century companies are looking for in their employees. Here at OLP, students continue to break the mold and think outside the box. They are today’s trailblazers.

OLP offers a variety of visual and performing arts options including campus student organizations, theatrical performances, competitions, community displays and classes.

The Visual & Performing Arts Curriculum includes: >> Art I & II >> Photography I & II >> Dance I & II >> AP Studio Art >> Drama I & II >> Music Theory I >> Choral Ensemble >> AP Music Theory >> Hand-building Ceramics I & II >> Video Production I, II, III >> Graphic Arts I & II >> Orchestra >> Painting I & II >> Honor Choir >> Graphic Arts & Printmaking >> Architecture Art student, Madeline Becker ‘18 creates a portrait in her level one Painting course.

SHE plays

to her strengths

Student athletes make up more than 60% of our student population and the ma jority of these students were recognized last year for maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher while participating in competitive athletics.

OLP remains at the forefront of athletic recognition with more 25 competitive interscholastic athletic teams and a dedicated coaching staff.

Sports by Season: >> Fall: Cross Country; Golf; Tennis; Volleyball

>> Winter: Basketball; Soccer

>> Spring: Lacrosse; Track & Field; Swim & Dive; Sand Volleyball; Gymnastics; Softball; Archery

>> Year Round: Cheer; Surf: Equestrian

SHE has

fun

In the tradition of the CSJ sisters, OLP students have fun! OLP girls balance hard work with active social lives. In partnership with Saint Augustine High School (SAHS), OLP students experience the traditional social and co-curricular events typical to high school life. Annual dances, Friday night football games, ASB programs and community service projects all provide opportunities for social engagements.

Find Your Fun: >> Annual international and domestic travel programs provide students the opportunity to explore our diverse and multicultural world by developing their global citizenship. >> Spring Sing is one of the most cherished traditions at OLP. Students learn leadership, time management and teamwork while they work together to put on an amazing theatre production. The classes write, direct and star in the show each year. >> Classes are assigned class colors to emphasize their class identity and encourage class and OLP pride.

SHE engages

with technology

The opportunities to engage with technology for learning are limitless at OLP. The Pilot Productions (PTV) students gain hands-on experience using the latest in broadcasting technology and products to put together a weekly, student-led, all-school broadcast. The productions are done 100% by students, from planning to filming to editing.

The OLP Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program allows teachers and students to collaborate and communicate digitally. This program also allows families to select the best device for their daughter and the way she learns as an individual.

SHE WILL...

change the world

OLP graduates are the proven innovators and leaders of tomorrow. OLP’s curriculum, values and culture shape young women who are exceptionally well-prepared for the next phase of their journey.

Following an extensive four years of academic and extracurricular planning, college counseling meetings, standardized test taking, college visits, and workshops, an OLP senior is fully equipped to apply to college. In fact, 100% of our student population consistently pursues higher education upon graduating from OLP. College Acceptance Stats: >> The Class of 2016 was offered 915 acceptances to more than 220 unique institutions. >> More than 70% of the Class of 2016 was offered at least one scholarship from a college or university. >> The 185 members of the Class of 2016 were offered $25.6 million in merit-based scholarships. >> Consistentl y 22% of our graduates will be the first in their families to attend college. >> In a class of all girls, 39% plan to pursue STEM ma jors in college.

Members of the Class of 2016 celebrate their graduation day on campus. Graduates of OLP have been graduating from North terrace for more than 85 years.

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE WE WOULD LOVE TO TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THE OLP DIFFERENCE! Contact our Admissions Department at admissions@aolp.org or 619-725-9118 4 8 6 0 O re g o n S tre e t | S a n D i e g o , C A 9 2 1 1 6 w w w. a o l p . o r g | 6 1 9 - 2 9 7 - 2 2 6 6