ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Our girls push themselves, ask questions, share their ideas— and prepare to achieve at top colleges across the country. ADVANCED PLACEMENT Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow girls to earn credit towards a college degree while still in high school. AP courses are offered to all Holy Cross girls who have completed the necessary prerequisite courses. Holy Cross offers the following 14 AP courses: • AP Biology
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Human Geography
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Literature & Composition
• AP Comparative Government & Politics
• AP Physics C Mechanics
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Statistics
• AP English Language & Composition
• AP U.S. History
• AP Psychology
• AP U.S. Government
DUAL CREDIT/DUAL ENROLLMENT In partnership with Marymount University, The Academy of the Holy Cross offers a dual credit/dual enrollment program to give students two opportunities to earn college credit. Through dual enrollment, rising seniors become eligible to take courses at Marymount University at a substantially discounted rate. Meanwhile, the dual credit program allows eligible seniors to fulfill a high school academic requirement while simultaneously earning college credit for the course. These courses are taught at the Academy during the school day by Holy Cross faculty members who have achieved adjunct faculty status at Marymount, and the credits are transferable to other colleges and universities. 2019-2020 dual credit courses include: • Creative Writing
• Microeconomics
• Short Fiction
• Religions of the World
14 Advanced Placement courses
35 additional online course offerings
ENGINEERING Engineering, like many professional STEM industries, desperately needs more female leadership. Through a nationally recognized, hands-on and project-based curriculum, the Academy gives girls the confidence and the academic foundation to innovate engineering’s best practices. Project Lead the Way Engineering allows Holy Cross girls to adopt the mindset of an engineer and solve real-world problems, such as working with a client to design a home or programming robotic arms to perform specific tasks. Current engineering opportunities at Holy Cross include: • Principles of Engineering
• FIRST Robotics competition
• Introduction to Engineering
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ONLINE COURSES As a member of One Schoolhouse, a consortium that includes over 70 girls’ schools from across the country, Holy Cross can expand its course offerings to include more than 35 different AP and STEMfocused courses in a blended-learning environment. One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and courses in mathematics, science, social science and language have been approved by the NCAA as core courses. AP courses have been approved by the College Board. The following courses have been offered at Holy Cross in recent years: • AP Computer Science
• Creating Tomorrow – Designing for the Digital World
• AP Human Geography
• Linear Algebra
• AP Macroeconomics
• Marine Science
• AP Microeconomics
• Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations
• AP Psychology
• AP Music Theory • AP World History
FOR-CREDIT PRACTICUM Students are afforded hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in the field through two practicum-modeled courses. The Student Tech Team members produce technology “how to” guides, organize and manage an iPad help desk, and maintain social media guidelines to support the use of instructional technology among their peers. Girls in Introduction to Special Education work with students in the Moreau Options Program in the Moreau Options classroom and general education settings. Under the supervision of the Moreau Options director, they create and implement lesson plans and assist students with academic tasks. Outside of class, they complete readings and assignments related to the topic of disability and to best practices in educating students with identified disabilities.
points higher on average SAT scores than coed peers*
80% report greater challenge than coed-school girls*
“I’ve spent my career teaching in both coed and single-sex environments. I have never seen girls more willing to work hard in the classroom and support each other than I’ve seen at Holy Cross.” RACHEL MULLERVY WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT CHAIR
*Information from a UCLA study that compared the attitudes and performance of teenage girls educated in all-girls and coed environments
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE Graduates from The Academy of the Holy Cross Classes of 2016-2019 were accepted to the following colleges and universities. Academy of Art University Agnes Scott College The University of Alabama Alfred University Allegheny College American Business School of Paris American University American University in Bulgaria The American University of Paris Amherst College Anna Maria College Arcadia University Arizona State University The University of Arizona University of Arkansas Assumption College Auburn University Ave Maria University Averett University Babson College Barry University Bates College Baylor University Belmont University Berklee College of Music Birkbeck, University of London Boise State University Boston College Boston University Bridgewater College Brock University Bryant University Bucknell University University at Buffalo, The State University of New York Butler University University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz California College of the Arts (San Francisco)
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Campbell University Cardiff University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University The Catholic University of America University of Chicago Christopher Newport University University of Cincinnati University of Central Florida Clark University Coastal Carolina University Colby College Colgate University College of Charleston University College Cork College of the Holy Cross The College of New Jersey College of William and Mary The College of Wooster University of Colorado at Boulder Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Concordia University – Montreal
University of Denver DePaul University University of Derby DeSales University Dickinson College Drew University Drexel University University of Dundee Duquesne University East Carolina University Eckerd College The University of Edinburgh Elizabethtown College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emmanuel College Emory & Henry College Fairfield University Fairmont State University Farmingdale State University Ferrum College Flagler College University of Florida Florida Atlantic University Florida Institute of Technology
The George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology University of Georgia Gettysburg College Goucher College University of Greenwich Grinnell College Guilford College Gulf Coast State College Hampshire College Hampton University University of Hartford Haverford College Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Hood College University of Illinois at Chicago Immaculata University Indiana University at Bloomington Indiana University of Pennsylvania Iona College
University of Connecticut Connecticut College Coppin State University Creighton University Dalhousie University University of Dallas Davidson College University of Dayton University of Delaware Delaware State University Delaware Valley University Denison University
Florida International University Florida Southern College Fordham University Franciscan University of Steubenville Franklin & Marshall College Franklin University Switzerland Frostburg State University Furman University Gannon University University of Geneva George Mason University
The University of Iowa Ithaca College James Madison University John Carroll University Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales University Kansas State University University of Kansas Keele University Kent State University University of Kentucky Kenyon College
King’s College University of King’s College La Salle University Le Moyne College Lehigh University LIM College (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising) University of Limerick London College of Music & Media Longwood University Louisiana State University University of Louisville Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Lycoming College Lynn University University of Maine Manhattan College Marist College Marquette University University of Mary Washington University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park Maryland Institute College of Art Marymount Manhattan College Marymount University Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Massachusetts, Boston Maynooth University McDaniel College Mercer University Merrimack College University of Miami Miami University, Oxford University of Michigan Michigan State University Midwestern State University Millersville University of Pennsylvania Mills College University of Mississippi Montana State University, Bozeman Montgomery College Morgan State University Mount Aloysius College Mount Holyoke College Mount St. Mary’s University Muhlenberg College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas New England Conservatory of Music University of New Haven The New School – All Divisions New York Institute of Technology New York University North Carolina A&T State University University of North Carolina at Asheville North Carolina Central University University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Greensboro North Carolina State University University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of North Florida Northeastern University University of Notre Dame Notre Dame of Maryland University Nova Southeastern University Ohio University The Ohio State University Ohio Wesleyan University The University of Oklahoma Old Dominion University University of Oregon Pace University, New York City University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University, Brandywine Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania State University, York Pepperdine University Piedmont College University of Pittsburgh Point Park University Pratt Institute Providence College Purdue University Quinnipiac University Radford University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Rhode Island Rhodes College University of Richmond Roanoke College Robert Gordon University Robert Morris University
University of Rochester Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University Rollins College Roosevelt University Rutgers University – New Brunswick Rutgers University – Newark Saint Anselm College Saint Francis University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Leo University Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College Saint Michael’s College Salem State University Salisbury University Samford University University of San Diego San Diego State University University of San Francisco San Francisco State University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design School of Visual Arts The University of Scranton Seattle University Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology Seton Hall University Sewanee: The University of the South Shenandoah University Siena College Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Smith College University of South Carolina South Carolina State University University of South Florida, Tampa Southern Methodist University University of Southern Mississippi Springfield College University of St Andrews, Scotland St. Edward’s University St. John’s College St. John’s University St. Lawrence University St. Mary’s College of Maryland Stetson University Stevens Institute of Technology Stevenson University Stonehill College Stony Brook University SUNY Albany SUNY College at Cortland
Susquehanna University University of Sussex Sweet Briar College Syracuse University The University of Tampa Temple University University of Tennessee, Knoxville Texas A&M University The University of Texas, Austin Texas Christian University University of Toronto Towson University Trinity College Trinity Washington University Tufts University Tulane University Union College United States Coast Guard Academy Ursinus College Vanderbilt University Vassar College University of Vermont Villanova University University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington College University of Washington Wellesley College West Virginia University West Virginia Wesleyan College Wheeling Jesuit University Widener University Winthrop University University of Wisconsin, Madison Xavier University Yale University York College of Pennsylvania
SCHOLARSHIP S AND SIGNATURE PROGRAMS Academic and enrichment programs at Holy Cross allow us to welcome many types of students. The Academy continues to be an innovator in education, emphasizing the arts and sciences, experiential learning and Catholic social teaching. The variety of programs is designed to help ensure that the educational experience is as unique as each individual girl.
Performing and visual arts scholarships are also available for qualified students.
SANCTA CRUX SCHOLARS
GILLESPIE STEM SCHOLARS
MADELEVA SCHOLARS
Incoming freshmen who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and potential, as evidenced by their HSPT scores and academic performance in middle school, are invited to become Sancta Crux Scholars. This four-year program is designed to foster the intellectual growth of these extraordinary young women by developing their gifts with a rigorous curriculum of study, enrichment field trips and one-on-one faculty mentoring. Scholars must take four honors or honors-equivalent classes each semester and maintain a 3.5 weighted GPA.
As the American foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Mother Angela (Gillespie), C.S.C., strongly believed in full educational rights for women and championed the introduction of advanced courses in science and mathematics during her tenure as provincial superior. In her honor, the Academy awards STEM scholarships to qualified incoming freshmen who have demonstrated an aptitude for science and math, and a sincere interest in the field of engineering. Gillespie STEM Scholars must enroll in at least one of the Project Lead the Way engineering courses by the end of sophomore year.
Self-selection is the guiding principle for girls who become Madeleva Scholars. Beginning in the second semester of their freshman year, girls at Holy Cross are encouraged to follow the legacy of one of the most remarkable and thoughtful women in the history of the congregation, Sister Madeleva Wolff, C.S.C. Madeleva Scholars build additional enrichment, service, leadership and academic experiences into their Holy Cross career. They work with faculty mentors, become involved in elected offices, perform additional hours of service and write a research paper on an area of interest.
See more about our programming at AcademyOfTheHolyCross.org/Intellect.
SAINT MARY’S RESOURCE PROGRAM The Saint Mary’s Resource Program (SMRP) meets the individual needs of students with learning differences during their high school years. Acknowledging that each girl has a unique learning style, the SMRP seeks to identify those students with mild learning differences who will benefit from resource support to allow them to reach their academic potential.
Our all-girls education helps all girls thrive.
By the end of their four years, each girl in the Saint Mary’s Resource Program can: • Understand her strengths as a learner
• Contextualize her learning challenges
• Implement strategies necessary for academic success in college
SENIOR PROJECT Started in 1973, the Senior Project program is designed to give seniors the opportunity to experience working in a career of their choice. Each girl is placed for three weeks in a challenging and exciting internship according to her interests. Under the guidance of a sponsor, girls work at least 60 hours with their selected organization before completing a reflection on what they learned about their career aspirations. In addition, all seniors are mentored by Holy Cross faculty or staff members, who work one-on-one with them to set goals and monitor their progress. Girls have recently completed internships at the Smithsonian, NBC Sports, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and more.
MOREAU OPTIONS PROGRAM Holy Cross’s Moreau Options Program features an inclusive academic opportunity for girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In concert with our mission to educate young women in a Christ-centered community which values diversity, it is only natural for Holy Cross and our girls to embrace the great mosaic that is our family of faith. We believe that students with special needs, like all students, deserve the same opportunities to maximize their academic, social and spiritual potential. Our faculty, staff, student body and entire community provide the framework necessary for the Moreau Options Program to become a beacon of light in Catholic education.
8 performing arts productions per year
28 athletic teams
30+ clubs and organizations
60 hours of internship experience for each senior
CATHOLIC VALUES SOCIAL JUSTICE The social justice department fosters a spirit of generosity and empathy in our girls, educating them about justice and equality through the experience of service and the message of love Jesus preaches in the Gospel. Holy Cross coordinates many additional service projects during the year, including frequent food and donation drives for local charity organizations and an annual weeklong summer service trip. “If at times you have a marked preference for certain people, it should be for the poor, the abandoned, the most in need of education, those who have less than anyone else. It is a matter of justice to give more to those who have received less.�
Faith
AT HOLY CROSS
BLESSED BASIL MOREAU
Kairos Retreat
FOUNDER OF THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY CROSS
Four days living, praying and bonding with friends
SERVICE As part of our commitment towards compassion for those in need, Holy Cross requires all girls to complete 75 service hours before graduation. However, Holy Cross girls understand that service is not just a graduation requirement, but a vital part of our Catholic tradition. Each year, girls serve several populations, including the elderly, young people and those with mental, social, economic or physical disadvantages. Inaugurated in 2018 for our 150th anniversary, all students and staff participate in our annual All-School Day of Service, which benefits several organizations in the community. In the 2018-2019 school year, our girls performed nearly 10,000 hours of service.
Empty Bowls Event Student-run event to fight hunger
Urban Challenge Immersion Service trip to Camden, New Jersey
Monthly Liturgies Celebrating Mass as one Holy Cross community
CAMPUS MINISTRY Campus ministry celebrates our Catholic identity and fosters the spiritual development of our girls. Holy Cross provides all girls with a variety of activities designed to nurture their faith during their four years at Holy Cross. Liturgies
Prayer
Retreats
The Holy Cross community celebrates Mass together every month, on Holy Days, Ash Wednesday, and the feast day of Blessed Basil Moreau. In addition, Mass is offered in the chapel at the beginning of lunch every Thursday and during all retreats. We are grateful for the network of outstanding priests who are committed to the mission of campus ministry at Holy Cross. Every year, seniors may volunteer to be trained as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Holy Cross liturgies.
Girls are invited to participate in a variety of prayer experiences during the day. Morning prayer is offered every day. The lunch period prayer experiences vary throughout the week and include:
Every year, all students participate in classspecific retreats that include talks by student peers, small group discussion and opportunities for both individual and communal prayer and reflection. Freshmen and sophomores attend daylong retreats, while juniors attend an overnight retreat. Seniors attend the Kairos retreat, a threenight trip based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
• Meditation Mondays • Praise & Worship Tuesdays • Reconciliation on Wednesdays • Mass on Thursdays • Adoration or Rosary on Fridays (alternating weeks)
CAMPUS MINISTRY COMMITTEE Juniors and seniors who want to take a more active role in campus ministry may sign up for the Campus Ministry Committee. Students offer one free period per week to the committee and help with liturgies, prayer life and service activities. Involvement in the committee provides opportunities for girls to develop their faith through service to the Academy.
Seniors can apply to take the Peer Ministry course taught by our campus minister. Peer ministers serve as the student spiritual leaders of the school community, planning and leading campus ministry programs.