ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

Malvern Prep’s academic programming extends well beyond traditionally scheduled courses. In this section of the curriculum guide we have described a number of unique opportunities for students to enrich their academic experience. For more details about any of these programs, please contact the point person listed.

Directed Independent Studies |

mvithayathil@malvernprep.org

Independent Study offers students the opportunity to design their own courses to pursue their academic, artistic, and professional interests. Students planning on pursuing an independent study should work with their counselors and the Independent Study Coordinator to develop a course proposal at least one term prior to the planned start date. Faculty mentors will be assigned to each Independent Study. Students and mentors will work together to define the parameters and the expected outcomes of a course as well as identify ways to share course outcomes with the Malvern community. All students enrolled in an Independent Study will be expected to participate in a weekly seminar to collaborate and share their progress.

Dual Enrollment [Immaculata University] | dsuber@malvernprep.org

Beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year, Malvern entered into a dual enrollment program with Immaculata University in which students have the opportunity to earn college credits through Malvern Prep courses. All of these courses are noted within the Curriculum Guide and produce an independent Immaculata University transcript should students choose.

Additionally, Malvern offers (3) co-ed experiences for eligible seniors with Villa Maria Academy students. These courses are listed within the Curriculum Guide and are taught by Immaculata University professors in a semester-based format on Villa Maria’s main campus. Successful course completion results in an Immaculata University transcripted grade.

Peer to Peer Learning Center | ssweeney@malvernprep.org

Peer to peer support and mentorship has long been identified as a way for participating students to increase their connection to their school community, enhance their cultural awareness, and increase self-esteem and confidence. Malvern’s Peer to Peer Learning Center seeks to help students to become better at learning and at teaching. Students qualify to become mentors after a rigorous training program embedded in our Tutor and Mentor Curriculum. All students have the opportunity to access the Peer to Peer Learning Center, which is both a physical place as well as a very special program that is available in our community.

Micro-Courses | hlappas@malvernprep.org

Micro-Courses are short, targeted learning experiences that are not transcripted. They are experiences for students in which facilitators present content and activities for students to engage with, and learning communities are formed. The addition of micro-courses to our programming continues to help us distinguish and distance ourselves from our peers academically.