Edgewood High School Viewbook 2023

GET to KNOW EDGEWOOD

Welcome to Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart, a private, inclusive Catholic school in the Sinsinawa Dominican educational tradition. Our high school lies on the shores of Lake Wingra in Madison, Wisconsin alongside its sister elementary school and college on a beautiful 55 acre campus.

We provide a faith-based education to approximately 600 students each year from more than 70 area middle schools throughout the Madison metropolitan area, representing communities up to 50 miles distant, and from overseas. Our college preparatory curriculum is steeped in faith and values and consists of about 140 different courses and extra-curricular activities to satisfy every student’s interests.

Please take some time to look through this view book to learn more about us. We are proud of our award-winning performing and visual arts programs, our title-winning Crusader athletic teams, and our academically outstanding and service-oriented student body. Our actively engaged parent community and volunteers help our dedicated faculty and staff provide the best education possible for each of our students.

- Terri McKinley

Admissions Director

ADMISSIONS PROCESS for CLASS OF 2028

Visit edgewoodhs.org/admissions for more information. Edgewood does a comprehensive review of all completed applications submitted by the deadline. Edgewood does not maintain a wait list prior to application submission.

Application Dates:

October 15, 2023 - Application Opens

December 15, 2023 - Application Closes

January 9, 2024 - Decision Notification

A completed application file comprises of:

Online application

2023-24 first quarter/trimester grades

Seventh grade transcript/year-end report card

Star 360 Assessment test results

STAR 360 ASSESSMENT

Edgewood uses results from the Star 360 Assessment as a supplement to the admission application. Several area middle schools offer this standardized test in the fall of 8th grade. Students who take Star 360 through their own school may submit a copy of their scores to EHS Admissions when applying. For students that do not test through their school, Edgewood administers the Star 360 Assessment by appointment. Contact admissions@edgewoodhs.org to sign up for a test date.

This application is free of charge and should take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete. Tuition assistance grants are available based on demonstrated need.

‘89,

For more than a century, Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart has been committed to academic and personal success, preparing students with the confidence, skills and character it takes to thrive in a rapidly changing world. All members of the Edgewood community live the Dominican values of seeking truth, practicing compassion, exercising justice, building community and promoting partnership.

VALUES we EMBRACE as a Sinsinawa Dominican School U TRUTH

THAT WHICH CONFORMS TO REALITY OR FACT

COMPASSION

MERCY, EMPATHY WITH ANOTHER’S SUFFERING

JUSTICE

BEHAVIOR WHICH RECOGNIZES THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL GOD’S CREATION COMMUNITY

A MANNER OF RELATING BASED ON OUR RECOGNITION OF THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF ALL NATURE

PARTNERSHIP

A MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP OF MATURE PERSONS WHO RECOGNIZE THEIR SHARED CALL TO ACTIONS OF JUSTICE AND LOVE

The EDGEWOOD EXPERIENCE

Our goal is to turn high school into an experience your student will treasure for a lifetime. We want every Edgewood student to feel part of a community, where teachers care about you, fellow classmates become lifelong friends, and the building is a second home. The Edgewood Experience is easy to discover. You feel it as you walk through the historic front doors. You sense it in the friendly relationships among students in the hallways. You see it on the faces of students attentively learning. You hear it in the passionate teaching by faculty. Learn more about what matters —

ACADEMICS

Edgewood’s caring and supportive faculty members have the time to work with individual students on building a foundation in the basics that allows students to achieve their full potential.

COLLEGE PREP

Edgewood’s graduates are ready to excel, with approximately 97% of them directly entering higher education. Recent graduating classes have been offered more than $10 million in collegiate scholarships. About half of Edgewood graduates attend Top 100 US colleges and universities, and nearly 1 in 3 enroll at UW-Madison.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Edgewood High School’s counselor-to-student ratio is 1:138. The American School Counseling Association’s “gold standard” recommendation is 1:250, and the Wisconsin counselor-to-student ratio is 1:459. Our counselors prioritize individual relationships and have multiple individual meetings with students and families per year in order to best serve and support their specific needs related to academic, personal, socio-emotional, and vocational domains. Counselors take the time to build relationships with each student, providing the resources they need to be successful in high school and beyond.

WELCOMING COMMUNITY

Edgewood families hail from neighborhoods throughout Dane County and from more than 70 surrounding middle schools. We have a diverse and inclusive student body that respects our various identities and experiences. More than 40% of our students receive financial assistance up to 55% of tuition costs.

Students come from more than

70 Middle Schools

3.8 Average GPA of graduates

41%

Percentage of student body receiving financial assistance

1/ 2 of students graduate with honors

97% Average number of graduates directly entering post-secondary education

$10M Average annual scholarship offers to graduating seniors over past 5 years

What GIVES US the EDGE

CATHOLIC LIFE

Edgewood provides a faith-based environment and we take pride in fostering personal and spiritual growth. We have a religiously diverse student body, and courses reach out to all faith backgrounds. We offer monthly all-school liturgies and prayer services as well as optional weekly morning Mass.

SERVICE

An Edgewood’s education involves dedication to service grounded in the values — Dominican in root, universal in relevance — of Truth, Compassion, Justice, Community and Partnership. Every student fulfills 100 hours of volunteer service in their four years at Edgewood, and many complete twice that amount. Graduating classes typically leave a legacy of more than 25,000 combined student service hours!

EDDIE’S HOURS

Eddie’s Hours are scheduled two to three times per month on Thursday mornings to provide opportunities for students to focus on their mental health, build community, and receive academic support if needed. There are a wide variety of options, including popular offerings like escape rooms, nature walks, learning to bake, fantasy football, science experiments, and book club, in addition to academic support sessions for each discipline. This frequency enables students to take a break from their normal routine without impacting the academic rigor of an Edgewood education.

BEYOND THE STANDARD CURRICULUM

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, Dual Enrollment (DE) Courses, and College Courses (Non-EHS Courses) are options available to highly motivated students who excel within our academic setting. Through these courses, students have the ability to get a headstart on their college credits.

25K+ Service hours logged by each graduating class 18 Average Class Size

FRESHMAN FIT!

Transitioning from middle to high school is both exciting and a bit challenging. Edgewood’s unique Freshman Interdisciplinary Team (FIT) Program allows students the opportunity to gain confidence in their academic skills, while also getting the opportunity to meet all of their fellow classmates. At EHS, Freshman year incorporates peer-to-peer learning, where our 9th graders work in small groups and learn the values of collaboration and shared goals. Our Freshman program provides the opportunity for our students to work alongside one another, create partnerships and make lifelong friends.

40+ Athletics WIAA State Championships

The PURSUIT of SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality is an important aspect of an Edgewood student’s journey and we take pride in fostering a connection with God and one’s faith. Campus ministers and religious studies faculty facilitate our spiritual activities and carry on our daily mission of unity within our school community. In addition to religious studies courses, we understand the importance of ministry programs and retreats that allow our school community to engage in non-academic, faith-based experiences. With these, we seek a deeper source of fulfillment and developed sense of purpose.

TEACHING APPROACH

EHS has a religiously diverse student body (about 60% Roman Catholic), so courses reach out to all students, teaching the Catholic tradition, examining other faith traditions, and discussing commonalities and differences.

PEER MINISTRY AND THE DOMINICAN PREACHING TEAM

Peer ministers help in the planning and leading of liturgies, prayer services, and retreats. Edgewood’s Student Dominican Preaching Team integrates the ministry and teachings of our founders into student life through service and leading prayer in partnership with Campus Ministry.

LITURGIES AND PRAYER SERVICES

We offer monthly prayer services and liturgies. Self-reflection and spiritual development are much more than academic and liturgical; they are life-long experiences one should foster and grow. All students are required to go on the retreat designated for their class each year. Retreats provide time for spiritual and emotional development and renewal.

SCHOOL PROFILE

Accreditation & Memberships

Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); National Association of College Admission Counseling; Wisconsin Association of College Admission Counseling. Edgewood High School complies fully with the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice

2023-2024 Student Body

• Serves approximately 625 students in grades 9 through 12

• Draws students from over 70 middle schools throughout the Madison metropolitan area and communities up to 50 miles distant and overseas.

• 41% of students receive financial assistance.

• 17% American students of color

• Average class size: 18 students

Advanced Schooling

Average percentage of graduates pursuing various levels of advanced schooling over the past three years:

Post-Secondary School Four-Year Colleges University of Wisconsin System

96% 93% 33%

Advanced Placement Tests

Three year composite average

# of students taking one or more AP exams

% of exams with an AP score of 3 or higher

165 71% Average ACT Scores

Three year composite averages Edgewood Wisconsin National

PREPARING for a lifetime of SUCCESS

Our Philosophy of Financial Assistance

Making an Edgewood education affordable to as many Madison area students as possible has long been a part of the Sinsinawa Dominican mission. Currently, tuition and fees (which include each student’s books and Chromebook) cover about 80% of the actual cost of educating a student. The remaining expenses are subsidized through a strong program of fundraising appeals and special events that involves participation by current families, alumni and parents of alumni.

In addition, Edgewood provides annual need-based financial assistance in the form of grants to help defray the full tuition cost. A variety of circumstances may exist, but because funds are limited, families who wish to qualify for tuition assistance apply using a standard form and an explanation of their own particular needs. Financial assistance may be granted for up to a maximum of 55% of tuition and standard fees. In 2022, Edgewood awarded grants, serving approximately 41% of the student body.

Merit-Based Awards

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

28 total credits for graduation

Edgewood’s financial assistance program is primarily a need-based one. However, there are several distinguished and highly competitive merit-based award programs designed to recognize students who have reached the highest levels of scholarship, leadership and service. Admitted students may apply in the spring of 8th grade for the Saint Catherine of Siena Tuition Grant, the Lance Johnson Memorial Award and Trustee Academic Award Program (TAAP).

English - 4 credits

Lance Johnson Memorial Award Program

Religious Studies- 4 credits

Science - 3 credits

Social Studies - 3 credits

Mathematics - 3 credits

Physical Education - 1 5 credits for Class of 2028

Fine Arts - 1 credit

Health - 0 5 credits

This award is a high honor and selection is competitive. Recipients must meet the following criteria to be selected for this award program: Students who have had a 3.75 G.P.A. or above throughout middle school and who have demonstrated leadership, volunteer service and extra-curricular involvement. Academic achievement accounts for the greatest weight in scoring, but there must be a demonstrated financial need and the amount of consideration given to the cover letter, essay, resume and letter of recommendation is higher, although academic performance still has significant weight. Award amounts of $200-$1500 are determined by need and the number awarded (four or five in a year, depending on applications). Awards continue for four years if the student remains in good standing.

Public Speaking - 0.5 credits

Saint Catherine of Siena Tuition Grant

Electives - 7 5 credits

This tuition grant, inspired by the life and teachings of St. Catherine of Siena, covers the full tuition cost at EHS continuing over four years (9-12 grades) to one incoming freshman every year with a racial-ethnic minority heritage and/or who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee or asylum seeker. Other eligibility requirements include being a resident of Dane County for at least three years, qualifying for financial aid based on the EHS Tuition Aid Data Services application, demonstrating high moral character consistent with the Sinsinawa Dominican values of truth, compassion, justice, community and partnership, demonstrating a high level of motivation and self-discipline, demonstrating above average academic achievement for three years prior to entering EHS as a freshman, and engages in volunteer or other activities to advance the Dominican values. Grade transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal essay are part of the application process.

Trustee Academic Award Program

The Trustee Academic Award Program selects recipients from those students who have had a 3.75 G.P.A. or above throughout middle school and who have demonstrated leadership, volunteer service and extra-curricular involvement. Academic achievement accounts for the greatest weight in scoring. The TAAP is a high honor and selection is competitive. Five freshmen are selected by a scholarship panel and are awarded $1000 per year for four years. Students are eligible for annual award renewal as long as they maintain a 3.5 G.P.A. and are in good standing with the school.

Every student must complete a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer community service to graduate.

COMMUNITY for LIFE

A COMMUNITY CONNECTED

The EHS community embraces its students after graduation and beyond. Edgewood graduates are connected for life and have the unique opportunity to network with fellow EHS grads in the professional world. Edgewood Crusaders share the same school bond and hail from the same amazing community that is Edgewood High School. Whether it be local, national or international, our graduates can open professional doors with the help of the Edgewood community.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM

The EHS community service program helps students find active ways to live the Sinsinawa Dominican motto, “At the heart of ministry is relationship,” and to put into practice the values of Truth, Compassion, Justice, Community, and Partnership, which are the foundation of Edgewood’s mission and central to all the educational institutions the Congregation sponsors.

EDGEWOOD IN THE COMMUNITY AN ANNUAL SCHOOL WIDE DAY OF SERVICE

Volunteering Together in our Mission of Service since 2000

As an integral part of our homecoming activities, the entire student body, faculty and staff, and even some parents and alumni work at more than 50 sites in the Madison area for a full day of volunteer service. This special day provides over 3,000 hours of community service to parks, nursing homes, schools, hospitals, food banks, social service programs, and several non-profit agencies. At the conclusion of EIC, the students and staff return to campus to celebrate the day and reflect on our experiences together.

GROUNDED

Be mindful of others, actively listen, and critically think. — Acting —

Be present, offer companionship, uphold human dignity, and encourage others to be accountable for their actions. — Reflecting — Examine

IN OUR MISSION AND INSPIRED BY THE TEACHINGS OF THE SINSINAWA DOMINICAN SISTERS, WE WILL FOSTER OUR PERSONAL GROWTH BY:

THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

AT EDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is an in-house tutoring and academic coaching center, exclusive to Edgewood High School students during the school day.

LRC enrolls students who may have neurodivergent learning styles or formal diagnoses, a history of academic challenges in particular courses/subjects, or may greatly benefit from additional individualized support.

LRC works with students to establish a skill set that includes time management, organization, executive functioning, and self-advocacy.

LRC is staffed by professionals who specialize in various academic subjects and assist students at all levels of curriculum.

LRC creates a net of support for students by collaborating with teachers, counselors, and families to create and execute plans for academic improvement.

The small group/intimate setting allows LRC staff to focus on the whole student, developing personal connections beyond those typically found in the traditional classroom.

There is an additional charge for LRC services. Financial assistance is available.

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Edgewood recognizes the importance of fine arts as part of a well-rounded education. All students are required to take at least one credit of fine arts during their high school career and many students take a course every year. Our fine arts programs offer creative and innovative opportunities for students through diverse curriculum in art, drama, and music showcasing both performance and non-performance classes. Students frequently submit their work to juried visual art shows and writing competitions. Students of all interests, experiences, and curiosities are welcome and will find a home for themselves in our arts community!

The McKinley Performing Arts Center, opened in August 2019, features a state-of-the-art, 465-seat theatre, music classrooms and rehearsal spaces to support music education and artistic innovation. The space provides a destination for the community to share its passion for the arts and accommodate campus-wide events, lectures and liturgies.

Academic and Co-Curricular (*) Offerings:

VISUAL ARTS:

Visual Arts Foundations

Digital Arts Foundations

2D Studio Art II/III/IV

3D Studio Art II/III/IV

Photography I/II/III/IV

Advanced Art Art Club*

MUSIC:

Edgewood Chorus

Concert Choir & Honors Choir

Wind and Percussion Ensemble & Honors Ensemble

String Ensemble & Honors Ensemble

Beginner’s String/Wind/Percussion Ensemble

Piano (Beginner - Advanced)

Mass Choir & Instrumentalists*

Smile with the Community Club*

THEATRE & COMMUNICATION ARTS:

Acting Class

Fall and Spring Musical*

- Actors, Singers and Dancers

- Stage Management & Crew

- Front of House Management

Student Directed/Written Original Plays*

Theatre Masterclass Workshops*

BOYS’ SPORTS

BASEBALL

BASKETBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

FOOTBALL

GOLF

HOCKEY

LACROSSE (CO-OP)

SKI (DOWNHILL)/ SNOWBOARD

SOCCER

SWIM/DIVE

TENNIS

TRACK & FIELD

VOLLEYBALL (CO-OP)

CRUSADERS ATHLETICS

Edgewood High School students challenge and encourage one another to perform — in the classroom and in competitive athletic pursuits. About 75% of students belong to one or more sports teams. Since joining the WIAA in 1999 the Edgewood Crusaders have captured almost 100 Badger Conference Championships and have been State Champion or Runner-up more than 50 times in 15 different sports. In addition to 21 WIAA-sanctioned sports for boys and girls (see list below; some teams with lower participation are jointly hosted with other schools), EHS offers a title-winning Dance Team, and teams for Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee and Ski/Snowboard. If you have questions about Crusader Athletics, contact our Athletic Director at: 608-257-1023 x144

GIRLS’ SPORTS

BASKETBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

DANCE

GOLF

GYMNASTICS (CO-OP)

HOCKEY (CO-OP)

LACROSSE (CO-OP)

SKI (DOWNHILL)/ SNOWBOARD

SOCCER

SOFTBALL

SWIM/DIVE

TENNIS

TRACK & FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

LANCE JOHNSON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CENTER

Student athletes work closely with Edgewood’s Director of Athletic Performance to create individual and team goals and schedules to ensure flexibility and balance at our state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facility.

GOALS OF THE CRUSADER

ATHLETIC PROGRAM —

• Promote the mission and goals of Edgewood

• Maintain sportsmanlike behavior at all times

• Improve motor skills

• See the need for better health and physical fitness

• Promote a desire to succeed and excel

• Foster the development of moral and ethical standards

• Learn the high ideals of fairness in all relationships

• Learn to make proper decisions under pressure

• Enjoy competition and comradeship

Opportunities to DISCOVER, PARTICIPATE and EXPRESS TALENTS

Activities as Part of the Educational Experience

Co-curricular activities are designed to provide opportunities for student growth, challenge, and achievement outside the classroom. They are an integral component of Edgewood’s educational program and include a variety of options to appeal to a wide range of interests. About 95% of Edgewood students join a team or club, belong to a society or council, perform in musical ensembles or play an onstage or backstage role in drama. By participating in co-curriculars, students have fun, make new friends, enjoy time with one another, develop and exercise collaborative and leadership skills, increase self-esteem and learn to appreciate the strengths and talents of others. Edgewood also encourages most co-curricular groups to engage in a service project.

Co-curriculars for Many Interests

Most co-curricular groups and activities at Edgewood have existed for a number of years. Students who want to form a new co-curricular club or activity are invited to do so by presenting a proposal to the associate principal six months in advance of the following academic year so it can be reviewed and implemented at the start of school. A faculty member (or several) must agree to serve as the moderator(s) for any student club or activity and some functions may require additional chaperones or security personnel. The school provides every club with a minimal budget to be spent in the best interest of the school.

Student Body Leadership CLASS COUNCIL

Each of the four grade levels has a Class Council whose purpose is to unify the class, encourage all class members to become involved in class and school activities, lead the class in spirit and enthusiasm, sponsor service and other projects in which the class can participate and organize and support fund-raising projects.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Composed of the president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer of the four grade levels. The council helps coordinate Class Council events that involve all-school activities and service projects, as well as provides leadership training for students.

Photo below: Trained and selected group of upperclassmen, the “Link Crew,” help freshmen as they meet their FIT teachers, tour, learn what to expect, and receive tips for success.

10 REASONS EDGEWOOD IS A SOUND INVESTMENT IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

STUDENT SERVICES provided in SUPPORT of all students

STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

In keeping with Edgewood’s mission to educate the whole student, the Student Services Department offers guidance in academic, personal, socio-emotional, and vocational related areas based on each student’s uniqueness. All Edgewood High School counselors are licensed by the State of Wisconsin and hold master’s degrees and certification for counseling grades K-12.

Our unique Student Services model allows students to develop multiple individual relationships with counselors throughout their four years at Edgewood High School. Students are assigned to a school counselor who serves as a main resource for academic, personal, and socio-emotional support and encouragement for the duration of their high school experience. All students also work closely with two college and career counseling specialists to create and implement individualized post-secondary plans.

The Student Services Department directs a range of efforts toward fostering individual growth. With multiple personal connections within the Student Services Department, students have access to counselors who can assist with topics such as advising for course selection in preparation of post-secondary goals, leadership development, academic skill building, and mental health support. Counselors also facilitate action plans for students with special needs, including gifted and talented, learning disabilities, and emotional concerns. Counselors assist each student as he or she works toward achievement and fulfillment of his or her goals through one-on-one counseling, group offerings, and grade-specific communication.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The following co-curriculars have had a consistent following for several years and are anticipated to continue.

- Art Club

- AV Crew

- BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, People of Color Student Union

- Class Council

- Close Up: Political Discussion Club

- Debate Team

- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

- Edgewood Honor Society

- Esports

- Fellowship of Christian Athletes

- Green Edge Environmental Club

- Habitat for Humanity

- HOSA - Future Health Professionals

- Inclusion Club

- Key Club

- LINK Crew

- Math Team

- Model UN

- Multicultural Club

- Science Olympiad

- Smile with the Community

- Spanish Club

- Sport Analytics

- STAR: Sisters Taking Active Roles

- Strategy Games Club

- Ultimate Frisbee

- The Wayfarer

ADMISSIONS, TOURS and OPEN HOUSE

The best way to experience Edgewood High School is by visiting! Attend our open house, shadow a current student or tour our school. To register for any of these options, visit our website at edgewoodhs.org/admissions.

OPEN HOUSE

Attending an Open House is the perfect introduction to life at EHS. This event is designed so families can get a feel for the Edgewood experience and provides the opportunity to talk with our principal, faculty members, coaches and current students. Join us on October 15, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 pm!

MEET WITH ADMISSIONS & TOUR OUR SCHOOL

Edgewood is here for you every school day. If you have specific questions, want to take a school tour or are interested in learning more about what we offer, it’s easy to set up a meeting with our Admissions Office.

SHADOWING A STUDENT

Discover what it’s like to be an Edgewood student! Current 8th graders are welcome to experience a day in the life of an EHS student by spending the day shadowing a current freshman. Our students strive to make all guests feel welcome and shadowing is a common experience here. *Please refer to our website for the most current information regarding shadow days.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact the Admissions Office at: admissions@edgewoodhs.org or 608-257-1023 x131

EDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

2219 MONROE ST, MADISON, WI 53711

EDGEWOODHS.ORG • 608-257-1023

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