McAuley Studies at Notre Dame High School

McAuley Studies at Notre Dame High School

Mercy education rooted in the ministry of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy and her companions, has been a force of pastoral care in America since 1854. Growing up in an Irish society rampant with poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, McAuley recognized that education is essential to the process of the betterment of both individuals and society. McAuley explained that the ministry of education is a work of Mercy that is a response to people’s learning, and the work of the Mercy educator is a potent expression of the love of God and others. Present-day Mercy educators are called to follow in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley and her Sisters, who wholeheartedly committed themselves to the pursuit of knowledge. As a Mercy School, Notre Dame is committed to meeting the needs of all students in the pursuit of learning. The McAuley Studies Program provides academic support and guides students to achieving their full potential at Notre Dame.

McAuley Studies Academy (9)

1 Credit Period 9, Fall and Spring Semester

Incoming freshmen identified during the admissions process will be placed in the McAuley Studies Academic Coaching program. This program will begin with a two-week intensive jumpstart into academics at Notre Dame High School that will take place during the summer. During the school year, McAuley students will be assigned a learning coach, who will meet with them in small groups once a week during Activity period. These weekly meetings will focus on organization, communication, and academic support. Finally, McAuley students will be scheduled to have a lunch period during both Fall and Spring semester. The scheduling of a lunch period provides a reduced course load for students and ample opportunity for support during Activity Period. Placement is determined by the Administrative Admissions Committee. This course will receive a Pass/Fail grade.

3040 McAuley English 1 (9)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

Students will focus on literacy, writing, and self-efficacy skills. Students will be provided remediation by engaging in mini-lessons, small group instruction, teacher/student conferencing, and implementation of personalized learning using the IXL online program. Executive functioning skills will help develop students’ organization skills, communication skills, goal setting, time management, and metacognitive strategies. This course will run concurrently with English 1 as students will receive academic support in conjunction with English 1 units of study. Placement is determined by the Administrative Admissions Committee. This course will receive a Pass/Fail grade.

1040 McAuley Algebra 1 (9)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course will run concurrently with Algebra 1. The study of Algebra requires students to explore the more abstract concepts of numeric relationships, representations, and symbolism. The logical reasoning abilities developed during an algebra course promote deeper critical