Private School Directory
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Inside St. Henry District High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Smarter Learning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Directory listing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Summit Country Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Saint Paul School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1
Contact The “Private School Directory� is published twice a year. The guide is organized by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder. Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. Or call 248-7121. For advertising call 578-5501.
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Crusaders are well-prepared for college Most parents agree that preparing their children for college is the most important outcome from a secondary education. At St. Henry District High School (SHDHS) in Erlanger, the students are just as invested in that goal. “I chose SHDHS because it has such positive results from its students, both in education and attitude,” says Maya Pillai, Class of 2009. Maya is currently beginning her freshman year at the University of Notre Dame. One of the main reasons SHDHS is so appealing to such a wide range of people is its focus on cultivating success for every student. Whether a student is an Advanced Placement student preparing for studies at an Ivy League school or enrolled in the Study Skills Program with special needs, SHDHS is determined to help students learn, discover their individual interests, excel in their individual endeavors, and become fully prepared for college. The SHDHS graduating class of 2009 had just 123 students, but raised the bar of excellence even higher at SHDHS, furthering the high school’s reputation for outstanding academics: The 2009 average composite ACT score at SHDHS of 23.6 far exceeded the national average of 21.1 (122 out of 123 seniors took the test). One hundred percent of the Class of 2009 enrolled in college. Over the course of four years, those 123 students earned an average cumulative GPA at SHDHS of 3.5. Sixty-two percent of the Class of 2009 earned a record-breaking $6,323.136 in college scholarships and grants, an average greater than $80,000 per student. Ninety-eight percent of the Class of 2009 earned Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships totally $807,672, for total scholarship earnings of $7,130,808. In 2009, 100 percent of the SHDHS students taking advanced placement exams in
make sure the students have what they need inside and outside the classroom.” Allison Tewes, Class of 2006, currently enrolled in the Nursing program at NKU, agrees. “I loved the teachers at SHDHS. They were so generous of their time and continuously helped us to succeed and reach our goals and dreams.” Getting students to look “down the road” is a major component to the freshman experience at SHDHS. “It really helps us to know their individual ‘I chose SHDHS dreams and desires so we can because it had such make sure we’re doing everything we can to make those positive results from dreams become reality,” she said. its students …’ Freshman class counselor, Pamela Kammerer agrees, “It’s very important for students to dio art – drawing, U.S. history, understand that just ‘going and U.S. government/political through the motions’ isn’t science. According to Cincinnati Magazine in 2007, that is more enough.” than any other Northern She is also cautious not to Kentucky high school. overwhelm her students and Since 1999, SHDHS has promake sure parents know what to duced more Governor’s Scholars do to help them make decisions. than any other Northern “We focus on having the best Kentucky Catholic high school, tools available and provide them sending 38 students to the proin a warm, family-oriented envigram since 2004. ronment so they can explore difNineteen National Merit ferent careers and begin choosing Finalists and Commended characteristics they want in a colScholars, as well as 47 lege. Commonwealth Diploma holders Freshmen also take the have graduated from SHDHS EXPLORE test which evaluates since 2004. The SHDHS Guidance personality, strengths, and aptiDepartment directs the career tudes. and college counseling services Career Day is an entire school provided to Crusaders and their day dedicated to giving students parents. in every grade level personal Susan Daugherty, head guidinteraction with professionals in ance counselor, directs a staff of their fields of choice. By the time four, and incredible allocation of they are seniors, students have resources for the 513 students had the opportunity to speak in currently enrolled at SHDHS person with up to 16 different (many larger schools in the area career representatives. allocate just one staff position to “Meeting the right person can do the same work.) have a huge impact on a stu“I think the primary reason dent’s aspirations and vision of we are so successful here is the the future,” says Principal David effort we expend giving personOtte. alized attention to every student Creating a vision of the future as they map out their path to col- is essential to the work of Susan lege and a career.” She adds that Plummer, a counselor who pays it’s not just the guidance staff, particular attention to students but also the teachers who make with special needs. “We identify such a big difference. “We all every student who needs assiswork together very closely to tance, and work closely with parEnglish literature/composition scored an AP Grade of 3 or higher, which in most universities count as college credit. Similar results were achieved in calculus, computer science, biology, European history, Latin, and psychology. SHDHS offers the highest number of Advanced Placement classes in 14 different subjects. In addition to those named above, the list also includes Spanish, stu-
ents to provide the tools they need to do well in the classroom and on college entrance exams like the ACT.” She works with students wrestling with challenges such as attention deficit disorder and many other specific learning disabilities. She says SHDHS has an exemplary program for all students. “The kids here at SHDHS are so well prepared for college,” she adds. “My family did not grow up in Catholic education and so it never occurred to us that there would be a significant difference in a Catholic school.” But then her brother was hired as an admissions counselor at Thomas More College. Over a period of several years, he began to notice certain patterns when comparing student applications from so many high schools. “St. Henry students rank consistently across the top of all applicants for test scores and writing skills,” explains Mrs. Plummer. “The difference is so dramatic my brother moved all three of his children into SHDHS district grade schools so they could attend SHDHS.” Her brother’s family was so pleased with the results at SHDHS that she and her husband followed their example, “All my children will be Crusaders,” Mrs. Plummer says. She also points out that students must take responsibility for their own success. “They must be sure to work for it and take advantage of all the opportunities that will be given to them here at SHDHS.” Expectations are as important as opportunities. So is focus. SHDHS is careful not to let students get distracted with unnecessary electives that won’t help them get into college and perform well once they get there. Principal David Otte, who graduated from SHDHS in 1970, explains, “There are certain fundamental skills and learning that
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Your student deserves the best for the ACT test The best ACT test preparation requires an instructor who knows more than English grammar or high school math. Standardized tests are scientifically and statistically developed instruments. Knowing these exams from the inside out is not common knowledge acquired by people who merely took the tests when they were in school. Northern Kentucky native Stefanie Parker, an Education Specialist with 40 years of teaching experience, opened Smarter Learning Systems in 1990 and has analyzed standardized tests for over 30 years. She has also taught
Call 578-5501 to share information about your summer camp in the March
CreativeLiving
test preparation and study skills classes for Kaplan and NKU. Students who have learned her test-taking strategies and insights have improved their ACT scores as dramatically as reaching a score of 28 after starting with a 13. Many success stories are on record. In addition to knowing grammar and math on the ACT, students must also know how the scoring really works, how to guess strategically, how to channel their energy to pace themselves, and how to manage their time. Each of the four tests has unique challenges. Students must
Students must have a ‘game plan’ for approaching the whole exam … have a “game plan” for approaching the whole exam and each individual test. A cornerstone of the ACT program at Smarter Learning Systems is motivating students to prioritize their test prep efforts and execute a comprehensive set
of strategies that will realize their goals. You are invited to call Stefanie Parker at 341-7326 to learn more about the programs and opportunities at Smarter Learning Systems and how these programs may be brought to your school.
Private School Directory
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Private School Directory Our community’s private schools are rich in tradition and quality education. Students at private schools get a lot from their education - a sprit of giving back, a respect for education and a deeply rooted value system. Editor’s note: Below is a list of private schools in the area and pertinent information about them. They are listed in alphabetical order. If you have questions about the information in this list, please contact Melissa Hayden, specialty publications editor at 248-7121 .
Bishop Brossart High School
Cornerstone Montessori
4 Grove Street Alexandria, 635-2108 Grades nine through 12 Enrollment: 370 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.bishopbrossart.org
2048 Alexandria Pike Highland Heights, 491-9960 Preschool through grade six Enrollment: 70 Religious affiliation: None cornerstonemontessori.org
Covington Catholic Blessed Sacrament 2407 Dixie Highway Fort Mitchell, 331-3062 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 581 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.school.bssky.org
1600 Dixie Highway Park Hills, 491-2247 Grades nine through 12 (all male) Enrollment: 497 Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic www.covcath.org
Covington Latin Calvary Christian 5955 Taylor Mill Road Taylor Mill, 356-9201 Preschool through grade 12 Enrollment: 410 Religious affiliation: Baptist www.calvarychristianky.org
21 E. 11th St. Covington, 291-7044 Grades eight through 12 Enrollment: 236 Religious affiliation: Catholic covingtonlatin.org
Community Christian Academy
Heritage Academy
11875 Taylor Mill Road Independence, 356-7990 Preschool through grade 12 Enrollment: 230 Religious affiliation: Nondenominational www.ccaky.org
7216 U.S. 42 Florence, 525-0213 Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 Enrollment: 175 Sponsor church: Heritage Fellowship haeagles.org
Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy Lakeside Christian Church 195 Buttermilk Pike Lakeside Park, 640-5147 Kindergarten through grade three Religious Affiliation: Christian www.cornerstoneclassical.org
Holy Cross Elementary
Holy Trinity Elementary
Newport Central Catholic High
3615 Church St. Covington, 581-6599 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 166 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.holycrosselem.com
235 Division St. Bellevue, 291-6937 Kindergarten through grade five Enrollment: 83 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.holytrinity-school.org
13 Carothers Road Newport, 292-0001 Grades nine through 12 Enrollment: 418 Religious affiliation: Catholic ncchs.com
Holy Cross High
Holy Trinity Junior High
3617 Church Street Covington, 431-1335 Grades nine through 12 Enrollment: 434 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.hchscov.com
840 Washington Ave. Newport, 292-0487 Grades six through eight Enrollment: 39 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.holytrinity-school.org
Holy Family Catholic
Immaculate Heart of Mary
338 E. 16th St. Covington, 581-0290 Kindergarten through grade eight Religious affiliation: Catholic www.holyfamilyelementary.com
5876 Veterans Way Burlington, 689-4303 Preschool through grade eight Enrollment: 685 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.ihm-ky.org
Mary Queen of Heaven 1130 Donaldson Highway Erlanger, 371-8100 Preschool through grade eight Enrollment: 226 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.MQHSchool.com
Northern Kentucky Montessori Center 2625 Anderson Road Crescent Springs, 331-3725 Ages three to six Enrollment: Capacity for 60 Religious affiliation: None nkmc.org Tuition: $4,550 half day and $7,300 full day Scholarship/financial assistance: yes Teacher/Student ration: 1:10 Hot Buttons: Affiliated with the American Montessori Society, offering Musikgarten and French, degreed and certified staff, serving Northern Kentucky since 1967, non-profit organization.
Notre Dame Academy 1699 Hilton Drive Park Hills, 261-4300 Grades nine through 12 Enrollment: 600 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.ndapandas.org
Prince of Peace 625 Pike St. Covington, 431-5153 Kindergarten through grade eight and Montessori grades one through eight Enrollment: 120 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.popcov.com
Smarter Learning Systems 276 General Mitchell Lane Fort Mitchell, 341-7326 Kindergarten through grade 12 Enrollment: 30 Tuition: Varies with program Scholarship/financial assistance: Yes Teacher/student ration: 1:1 Percent going to college: 100
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The Summit’s recipe for college placement success “My main goal is to help families understand that finding the best fit for their child is the key to college success,” says Maureen Ferrell, director of college counseling at The Summit Country Day School. “I aim to help each one find the kind of environment where they will succeed and be happy.” Maureen says these words with power and enthusiasm, the kind of confidence and positivity parents look for in regards to the future of their children. Maureen however, is not the only person guiding these students to fulfilling their dreams. She works closely with a team of experts who have diverse experiences and talents. A key component to college admissions is the essay. Enter Maureen Ferrell, Director of College Counseling at The Summit Country Day School. Steve Penticuff, Upper School English teacher and a key player English, coordinates the school writing their college essay in the in The Summit’s College newspaper and the Upper spring of their junior year. Counseling team. Steve teaches School’s new Chapel Talks pro“Really, all of the teachers are freshman speech and ninth-grade gram. Summit students begin part of a team because they all
have played an important role in preparing these students for this moment,” he says. Steve works with the juniors and seniors as they perfect their essays before admission. He acts as editor by pointing out any grammatical errors; however, more importantly, he acts as a mentor as he guides students to find their own voice in writing their essay. What plays on the nerves of students the most? The interview. No problem … director of admission and another important member of the College Counseling team, Kelley Schiess, works with students individually and in groups to calm their nerves and get them through the interview successfully. With 14 years of experience in college admission at Xavier University, Kelley is indeed expert in the field. Asked what she miss-
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Private School Directory
8 Enrollment: 355 Religious affiliation: Catholic saintmaryparish.com
Directory | From 6 Hot Buttons: Students receive 100 percent of teachers’ attention. Students are respected. Teacher works very closely with the family and motivates students to be their best at whatever they do.
St. Paul School 7303 Dixie Highway Florence, 647-4070 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 445 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.saint-paul-school.org
St. Anthony 485 Grand Avenue Taylor Mill, 431-5987 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 83 Religious affiliation: Catholic school.saintanthony taylormill.org
St. Peter and Paul 2160 California Cross Road California, 635-4382 Preschool through grade eight Enrollment: 177 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.stsppschool.catholic web.com
St. Augustine 1840 Jefferson Avenue Covington, 261-5564 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 118 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.staugustines.net
St. Philip’s 1400 Mary Ingles Highway Melbourne, 441-3423 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 82 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.stphilipky.org
St. Agnes 1322 Sleepy Hollow Road Fort Wright, 261-0543 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 416 Religious affiliation: Catholic school.saintagnes.com
St. Catharine of Siena 23 Rossford Avenue Fort Thomas, 572-2680 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 180 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.stcatherineofsiena.org
St. Cecilia 5313 Madison Pike Independence, 363-4314 Preschool through grade eight Enrollment: 232 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.stcrusaders.org
St. Henry 3825 Dixie Highway Erlanger, 342-2551 Preschool through grade eight Enrollment: 340 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.sthenryel.com
St. Henry District High School 3755 Scheben Drive Erlanger, 525-0255 Grades nine through 12 Enrollment: 550 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.shdhs.org Tuition: $5,800 Scholarship/Financial assistance available: Yes Teacher/Student ratio: 1:13 Percent going to college: 99 Hot buttons: SHDHS students are accomplished, well-rounded, ready for their future, and rank consistently at the top for test scores and writing skills. Small classrooms, qualified teachers, and family atmosphere allow personalized attention for every student as they map out their path to college and a career.
St. Joseph Academy 48 Needmore Street Walton, 485-6444 Preschool through grade eight Enrollment: 190 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.saintjosephacademy.net
St. Joseph at Camp Springs 6829 Four Mile Road Camp Springs, 635-5652 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 37 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.stjosephcampspringsschool.catholicweb. com
St. Joseph at Cold Spring 4011 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, 441-2025 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 505 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.stjoeschool.net
St. Joseph School 2474 Lorraine Avenue Crescent Springs, 578-2742 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 408 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.sjscrescent.com
St. Mary’s 9 S. Jefferson Street Alexandria, 635-9539 Preschool through grade eight
St. Pius X 348 Dudley Road Edgewood, 341-4900 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 552 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.stpiusx.com
St. Therese 2516 Alexandria Pike Southgate, 441-0449 Kindergarten through grade eight Enrollment: 319 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.sainttherese.ws
St. Thomas 428 S. Fort Thomas Ave. Fort Thomas, 572-4641 Preschool through grade eight Enrollment: 230 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.sttschool.org
Trent Montessori 305 Park Ave. Newport, 491-3223 Preschool through kindergarten Enrollment: 64 www.trentmontessori.com
Villa Madonna Academy 2500 Amsterdam Road Villa Hills, 331-6333 Kindergarten through grade 12 Enrollment: 517 Religious affiliation: Catholic www.villamadonna.net
Zion Christian Academy 10310 Dixie Highway Florence, 371-9008 Pre-school through grade six Enrollment: 78 Religious Affiliation: Nondenominational
nky.com Crusaders | From 3 are essential to success in higher education, and later on when you are competing in the job market for a career. “Analytical, problemsolving skills and technical writing capability not only improve student test scores, but also better prepare students for collegelevel work. A solid core science curriculum, for example, includes biology, chemistry, and physics. “A high school is no place for a class like oceanography, which is too specialized to benefit anyone at the secondary school level. Something like AP Chemistry would be a much better choice for college-preparatory work.” In addition to curriculum, the administration pays very close attention to classroom size and staffing. The average class-
9 room at SHDHS has only 19 students. The studentteacher ratio is an impressive 13:1. “Individual attention is one of our hallmarks,” adds David Gish, assistant principal. Mary Evelyn Klingenberg has taught mathematics at SHDHS since 1967. “I started teaching here and have been happy to stay because of the high quality education SHDHS continues to provide its students.” Her students agree. “I was so much better prepared for my classes at Xavier than my college classmates, especially in writing and math. My teachers at St. Henry did that for me,” says Hillary Otte, Class of 2006, now a senior at Xavier University. A wide variety of community service, extracurricular activities, and student clubs also give
Crusaders a chance to expand their horizons and follow their own roads to self-discovery. Organized student groups have traveled with faculty advisors to Washington, D.C., Greece, Spain, Ireland, Germany, England, Italy, and other destinations. Such activities help round out the Crusader experience, supporting the solid reputation for quality education SHDHS has achieved. “Our five pillars of success are Faith, Scholarship, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Leadership,” explains Development Director Maureen Donnellan. “Our students leave here feeling accomplished and ready for their future. That kind of confidence makes all the difference down the road.” For more information, visit www.shdhs.org, or call Principal David Otte, at 525-0255.
Summit | From 7 es most about her past career, she says, “working with the students.” Students attend workshops led by Kelley, make an appointment and experience a mock-interview. Afterwards she gives the students feedback, including areas that need improvement, questions they need to explore and answers that need more thoughtful attention. Kelley is also the point person for athletic scholarships. She works with coaches, students and parents to inform them what’s out there and what they need to do to secure a scholarship. Which college is right for your child? It’s one of the biggest decisions of these students’ young lives. Not to worry, Maureen has it under control. She works very hard
to make sure that a plan comes together, starting with freshman and sophomores, showing them college information without pressure. She lets students and parents know what is needed in terms of both program (classes) and performance (grades). I want students to feel comfortable when they come to my office and talk about their future,” Maureen says. Her office is friendly and comfortable, which helps students relax. “Once we have a goal in mind and a realistic assessment of grades and test scores, we refine the plan with input from the family,” Maureen says. It has a recipe that has won her awards as a top college counselor and resulted in hundreds of happy and grateful alumni who keep in touch throughout the years.
Don’t be left out
Call 578-5501 to learn how you can be a part of the September 2010 edition of the Private School Directory. The directory is published bi-annually by The Community Recorder. Make your reservation today!
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‘Builders of the Kingdom of God’ “Builders of the Kingdom of God” is the spiritual theme of Saint Paul School this current year. It was devised to coincide with the remodeling of the Church. This remodeling included complete renovation of the sanctuary area, as well as the addition of a gathering space at the entrance to church. Pews were refinished, the sound and lighting systems updated, and new stained glass windows were installed. The goal for the school community is to become better worshippers as a better worshipping space is developed. Christ teaches us our core values as Christians through his writings. We try to live those values each day so that our students will become model Christian citizens. Parents entrust to the school the responsibility of assisting them in providing a value based education that emphasizes what parents have already begun to teach their children. Weekly Mass and daily religion classes are only the beginning of the spiritual program. All children live in an atmosphere where Christ is the center of their activity, and his message is at the core of their learning. Outreach programs are designed to create awareness of those around us and to teach that responsible stewardship requires sharing our materials goods with those in need. Teachers and administrators use a proper balance of traditional and newer methods, along with the latest technology, to pro- Technology at St. Paul includes a fully equipped computer lab, SMART Boards in 12 classrooms, and an online grading system. vide an excellent learning enviis aimed at eliminating bullying ents to view at any time. grams, Saint Paul, whose kinderronment for all students. in any form from our school. All All classes have weekly access garten is a full day program, offers While Saint Paul School’s test students in grades K through 8 to the lab. The school also has an an after school child care that is scores are consistently above the are involved in this class. equipped, dedicated science lab available students in grades K-6 Diocesan averages, the school Technology includes a fully that is available to all teachers and until 6 p.m. each day on the premalso has had a history of serving equipped computer lab, SMART their classes in all grade levels. ises. These are licensed to meet students with special needs. Boards in 12 classrooms, and an Discovery Education United state requirements. A counselor and special eduonline grading system. All classStreaming makes countless If you are interested in having cation teacher are on staff and rooms are hardwired back to the instructional videos available your child benefit from a coordinate services for students two servers in the lab. through the computers that Christian value based education, who need extra help. Progress Book is the online teachers can download and use call Saint Paul Catholic School at This year we have added a system into which teachers post with all subject areas. 647-4070 or visit the school’s Web class, “Don’t Laugh at Me,” that grades that are available for parIn addition to educational pro- site www.saint-paul-school.org.