JHN_Catholic Schools Week_011825 by Shaw Media

January 26 - February 1, 2025

Catholic Schools Directory See what’s inside...

Cathedral of St. Raymond School page 5

608 North Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL 60435

815-722-6626

www.straymondgradeschool.org

PRINCIPAL: Ms. Marjorie Hill

CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Bill Dewan

Holy Family School ........................................................... page 12 & 13

600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404

815-725-8149

www.holyfamilyshorewood.org/school

PRINCIPAL: Mr. Anthony Wilkinson

CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Brad Baker

Joliet Catholic Academy ................................................ pages 14 & 16

1200 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet, IL 60435

815-741-0500

www.jca-online.org

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Jeffrey Budz

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy....................... page 8 & 9

1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451

815-485-7129

www.wearepc.org

PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Laura McErlean

PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis, OSA

Providence Catholic High School ................................... page 9 & 10

1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451

815-485-2136

www.providencecatholic.org

PRINCIPAL: Mr. Paul Houston

PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis, OSA

Queen of Apostles ...................................................................... page 15

130 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet IL 60435

815-630-4404

queenofapostlesjoliet.net

PRINCIPAL: Mr. Bob Tyrell

CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Michael Lane

Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy ...................... page 4

South Campus (PreK-3rd Grade): 1201 S. Washington Street, Lockport (815) 838-4494

North Campus (4th-8th Grade):

529 Madison Street, Lockport (815) 838-8173

PRINCIPAL: Mr. Thomas Newton

PASTOR: Fr. Daniel Hoehn

St. Joseph Academy and Montessori-based Preschool page 12

403 N. Hickory St., Joliet, IL 60435

815-723-4567

www.sjajoliet.org

PRINCIPAL: Jan Novotny

St. Jude Catholic School (New Lenox) ................................... page 7

241 W. 2nd Ave., New Lenox, IL 60451

815-485-2549

www.stjudes.org/school

PRINCIPAL: Colleen Carroll

CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Ray Flores, OSA

St. Mary Catholic School of Mokena page 6 11409 195th St., Mokena, IL 60448

708-326-9300

www.stmaryschoolmokena.org

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Michele Engelman

CHURCH PASTOR: Rev. Dindo Billote

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School ......................................... page 3

15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield IL 60544

815-436-3953

www.smischool.org

PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Jennifer Errthum

CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Pat Mulcahy

St. Mary Nativity Catholic School ...................................page 10 & 11

702 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435

815-722-8518

www. stmarynativity.org

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Elias Alonzo

CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Clive Otieno

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School Celebrating 70 Years of Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Seventy years ago, St. Mary Immaculate School (SMI) was founded in Plainfield to meet the educational needs of Catholic youth in a growing community. Built on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the school focuses on three key pillars: faith, academic excellence, and opportunities beyond the classroom. SMI offers a strong foundation in a safe, family-oriented environment and is proud to be the first in the area to provide extra support for special education, faith, and reading.

Our commitment to faith helps students connect with and live out Catholic teachings through daily prayer, classroom instruction, and service. We nurture strong faith in our students and encourage integration into their family faith lives. Our passionate teachers also guide students to reach their full academic potential, preparing them for high school and college. St Mary’s graduates regularly achieve honor roll

SMI is more than a school—it’s a family-oriented community where students thrive. Our child went from average to honor roll, gaining confidence, lifelong friendships, and a love for learning. Choosing SMI was the best decision we ever made!

status at both public and private high schools.

In addition to academics, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore and develop their talents. Students engage in athletics, fine arts, student council, and other clubs, fostering well-rounded personal growth.

The success of our students is a reflection of the dedication of our teachers, the involvement of parents, and the hard work and accountability of the students themselves, all within a loving and supportive environment. St. Mary Immaculate has earned multiple Herald News Readers’ Choice Awards, including recognition for Preschool, Best Workplace, Private Education, and Non-Profit Fundraiser.

We remain grounded in what truly matters: faith and family. At St. Mary Immaculate, we value our role in working with families to share the gift of

#SMISaysYes

We love that faith is part of daily life, with prayer, weekly mass, and religious study. Our child is well-prepared for high school, and we’ve built lifelong friendships along the way!

faith with their children. Thank you for trusting us with this important mission. For more information, contact the school at 815-436-3953 or visit our website at www.smischool.org. Also,

check out our Instagram page at smischool_1955 or our Facebook page for more details about our mission and what students are learning and doing in the classroom!

Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy Open House Scheduled for

Sunday, January 26th

Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy is a dual-campus academy, serving students preschool through 3rd grade (South Campus) and 4th through 8th grade (North Campus).

for preschool students. Kindergarten through 3rd grade students learn in the main campus building in a nurturing, faith-filled environment, enhanced by the use of iPads.

Our school, built upon the strong foundations of the original St. Dennis and St. Joseph Catholic schools, provides the opportunity for Catholic elementary education to thrive in Lockport and surrounding communities. This unique two campus structure is blessed to have the support of St. Dennis and St. Joseph Parishes, both rich in faith and tradition.

The mission of SDJCA is to provide the environment, resources, structure and opportunities to educate children in the Catholic tradition in order to develop them as responsible, educated citizens and active members of the Catholic Church. SDJCA will strive to instill in each child the pillars of their faith; the need for charity and service; the importance of liturgy, prayer and sacraments; and a knowledge of their culture, history and technology in an environment of academic excellence.

The South Campus at 1201 S. Washington Street serves younger students. It features a separate Early Learning Center building, for 3 & 4 year old learners, with an enclosed playground

The North Campus at 529 Madison Street is perfect for transitioning middle schoolers into high school. 4th through 8th grade students also learn in a faithfilled nurturing environment, featuring a building with a science lab, computer lab space and a gymnasium with a stage. Middle school students further develop their academic skills using new laptops, interactive boards and advanced technology.

Extended care and specials classes –such as Art, Music and Physical Education – are taught on both campuses. Extra-curriculars include Athletics, Band, Drama, Chess Club, Honor Society and much more at the North Campus. Sacraments and weekly Mass are celebrated on both campuses, allowing students to experience a unified Catholic curriculum and continue their spiritual growth.

The public is invited to an Open House on Sunday, January 26th from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at both campuses in Lockport. For more information, call the South Campus at (815) 838-4494 and/or the North Campus at (815) 838-8173.

The Cathedral of St. Raymond School

The Cathedral of St. Raymond School has been a pillar in the community for over 100 years and continues to be a school of choice for over 200 families. Our mission is to provide a joy-filled community, rooted in the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ. We partner with parents to help each child reach their greatest academic, social and spiritual potential. Students and families find belonging and value, and are invited into lasting relationships that form our community.

Located in the historic Cathedral area of Joliet, St. Raymond School educates over 300 students in 3-year-old PreSchool through 8th grade. Our challenging curriculum is taught by a team of experienced, faith-filled and certified teachers with an average of 13 years teaching experience, many who have been recognized with accolades and awards. In addition to core subjects, students are taught art, music, physical education and computer technology. Our 6th-8th grade students also take Spanish class and participate in a 1:1 Chromebook initiative.

St. Raymond School believes in offering our students a strong student life experience. We offer a robust athletic program, starting with intramural basketball in 1st grade, and then cross country, baseball, flag football, basketball, volleyball and track and field in 5th – 8th grade. The focus of our program is on teamwork, responsibility, resiliency, discipline and, of course, fun!

In addition to sports, we offer a vast array of extracurricular activities from band, choir, a variety show and Spring Musical to Academic Bowls, Student Council, Battle of the Books, and Boy Scouts – St. Ray’s truly has something for everyone! There are also many incredible opportunities for students to connect with the community through volunteer and outreach programs. Mass is celebrated every week and a class leads the mass as lectors, gift bearers, musicians and altar servers. Each month our students meet with their assigned Faith Buddy to work on building a faith-based relationship with one

another. Our 1st and 8th grade students participate in our Big Friend/Little Friend program which offers them special sharing and friendship opportunities throughout the school year and lasts even long after they have graduated.

We want families to feel St. Ray’s is an option for them without feeling intimidated by the cost of tuition. Our goal is to fill our classrooms with families who believe in our mission and want an education rooted in faith, excellence, and community. For the 2024-2025 school year, we gave out over $105,000 in scholarships to school families.

We invite prospective families with students in preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade to our Open House on Saturday, January 25th from 4:00pm-6:00pm to tour our school and classrooms, meet our faculty, staff, and current parents and receive application information. Advanced registration is required. Check our website for the link to sign up.

Students interested in transferring into 2nd-8th grade should contact the school office to arrange a tour during the school week.

More information about our school can be found at www.straymondgradeschool. org and Facebook and Instagram at @ CathedralofStRaymond.

We are confident in the experience we provide to our school families! Come discover for yourself what makes St. Raymond School a school of choice for families in the Joliet, Plainfield, and Shorewood area!

ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

PRESCHOOL - 8TH

GRADES

STUDENT FOCUSED

WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT AT ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL!

You’ll have the chance to meet our administration, take tours guided by SMS teachers, staff, students, and even speak with our accomplished alumni.

• Rigorous Academic Curriculum

• Multi-Student Discount

• Financial Aid Available

• All Faiths Welcome

Come See Will County’s Largest Catholic School!

SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2025

FROM 9:00 - 1:00

For more information, contact Michelle Huizinga at mhuizinga@stmarymokena.org

St. Mary Catholic School in Mokena Open House

on Saturday, January 25

St. Mary Catholic School in Mokena invites prospective families to an Open House on Saturday, January 25, from 9 AM to 1 PM. This RSVP-only event offers a chance to explore our exceptional facilities, and meet our faculty, staff, students, and families. Register at www. stmaryscholmokena.org or scan the QR code. This year we are celebrating our 75th anniversary, honoring decades of faith, tradition, and excellence in education.

A Legacy of Faith & Education

Founded in 1949, St. Mary provides a rigorous education grounded in Catholic faith. Weekly school Mass keeps Christ at the center of all we do. While rooted in Catholic values, St. Mary also welcomes families of all faiths.

Welcoming and Supportive Community

Our community blends long-standing members and new families. One parent shared, “My children were instantly welcomed and made lasting friends after moving from another state.” Another family, who switched schools locally, said, “Changing schools was not an easy decision but proved to be right for us. Our children were welcomed immediately… St. Mary is now our home, and we couldn’t be happier!”

Student-Focused Education

At St. Mary, students are our priority. Our professional faculty combines resources, modern facilities, evolving curriculum, and advanced technology to deliver the

best education. Students benefit from our STEAM lab, 1:1 iPads for Kindergarten through 3rd grade, and Chromebooks for 4th through 8th grade. We also emphasize character development through our Titans with Integrity program, encouraging respect, responsibility, and compassion. Principal Dr. Michele Alday-Engelman shares, “Our teachers are very invested in each student’s success. They go above and beyond to achieve it.”

Beyond the Classroom: Extracurricular Activities

While academics are a priority, St. Mary also creates a well-rounded experience. Extracurricular opportunities include Girl Scouts, music and band programs, leadership roles such as National Junior Honor Society and Student Council, Drama Club, and Titans Athletics. Our outstanding gym facilities also support physical education and team sports.

Accommodating Families’ Needs

We understand every family has unique circumstances. St. Mary offers beforeand after-care services, along with bus transportation for Mokena School District 159 families. For the third consecutive year, there has been no tuition increase, and we provide discounts for multiple students and active parishioners. Do not let tuition be a barrier—ask us about financial options!

For more information, call St. Mary School at 708-326-9330 ext. 9349 or visit www.stmaryschoolmokena.org. Registration opens January 26th!

Come Join the St. Jude Family

At St. Jude New Lenox, the educational foundation of our community is inspired by the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love. Students here receive both a faith-based education that is rooted in the mission of Jesus Christ and a strong academic curriculum that prepares them for their future. All teachers are Illinois licensed professional educators with years of experience in the field of education. St. Jude educators provide students an educational environment that is safe, supportive, and where students learn and live their faith.

St. Jude School offers:

• preschool programs for 3 and 4 year old students

• before and after school care

• competitive and recreational athletic programs

• extracurricular activities

• enrichment programs

• 1:1 iPads Kindergarten-8th grade

• state-of-the-art technology

• Spanish instruction 5th-8th grade

• tuition assistance

Join us for our open house on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 10am-1pm Our school’s open house allows prospective families with the opportunity to meet current St. Jude families, faculty and staff. This is a great event to learn more about our amazing school!

Schedule a tour today: www.stjudes.org/school/open-house-tour/ (815) 485-2549

241 W 2nd Ave. New Lenox, IL

We cannot wait to meet you!

St. Jude School provides students an educational environment where they can learn and live their Catholic faith.

Strong academic curriculum

3 & 4 year old preschool half day & full day options

1:1 iPads Kindergarten-8th grade

Small class sizes that enrich social interactions among peers

Before and after school program Athletic programs

•

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy Open House scheduled for Sunday, January 26

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy (PCCA) was opened in 1992. Under the director of the Joliet Diocese, it served the religious and educational needs of children who are members of the New Lenox and surrounding communities. It is located on the campus of Providence Catholic High School at 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy. in New Lenox. Preschool children, ages 3-4, have the choice of full or half-day classes. Kindergarten children, ages 5-6, attend school 5 full days a week. Before and after school care is also available to students on a full-time or as needed basis.

All teachers at PCCA possess a bachelor’s degree or greater. They provide a nurturing environment that emphasizes academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. This environment encourages children to develop a positive self-concept, while allowing them to grow on many levels.

Tuition includes books and in school field trips. There are no required parent volunteer hours, and all fundraising is optional. Free occupational, speech and developmental screenings are offered to all PCCA students in the fall.

Our open house and registration for the 2025-2026 school year is on Sunday, January 26th from 9:00-11:30.

Please call or email Mrs. Laura McErlean at lmcerlean@providencecatholic.org with any questions or visit the school’s website at www.wearepc.org

St. Mary Nativity School

We

Are Mission Driven

DEEPLY COMMITTED. CHRIST AT HEART.

St. Mary Nativity Catholic School prepares students for a lifetime of achievement. Together, we work toward building an outstanding faith-based program that integrates Illinois and Diocese Standards where each student can reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment.

St. Mary Nativity Catholic School offers classes for preschool through grade eight. The St. Mary Nativity School community respects everyone as a child of God. Our Catholic faith is the source of all we do, and students are immersed in a faith-filled practice.

We invite prospective students and families to visit the school after the 11:00 am Mass on January 26th from Noon to 2:00 pm. Students at St. Mary Nativity benefit from a program that offers academic support, STREAM activities, fine arts programming, other benefits, and various extra-curriculars that include athletics and clubs. The school also offers a free and reduced lunch program and after care services.

During Catholic Schools Week, St. Mary Nativity honors a legacy of tradition. The weeklong celebration has daily themes providing enjoyment and meaning for our students.

Sunday - January 26: Celebrating Our Parish, 11:00 am Mass and Open House to follow.

Monday – January 27: Student Appreciation Day, dress down day, pancake breakfast, movie or games with popcorn, pep rally, and no homework!

Tuesday January 28: Celebrating the Nation, dress in red, white and blue, all school pledge of allegiance by the flag, and veteran speakers.

Wednesday January 29: Celebrating Vocations, all school Mass, praying a decade of the Rosary together, religious speaker, and students offering spiritual bouquets.

Thursday January 30: Community Appreciation Day, mis/matched day, food pantry drive, and community speakers.

Friday January 31: Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers, dress in spirit wear, students thank their mentors, teacher and staff luncheon, and early dismissal.

We welcome new students and families to become part of St. Mary Nativity Catholic School’s heritage! We look forward to an opportunity to serve you and your child.

Providence Catholic Celebrates Catholic Schools Week with Excellence in Education

Providence Catholic High School (PCHS) is proud to join the nation in celebrating Catholic Schools Week, highlighting its commitment to faith-based education rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine. With a guiding philosophy of “Truth, Unity, and Love,” the institution continues to provide students with the timeless values and skills needed to navigate a complex and rapidly changing world.

At the heart of PCHS’s offerings is a rigorous, four-year college preparatory curriculum grounded in the liberal arts. Students graduate with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills necessary for immediate career success or seamless transition to further studies.

PCHS offers a dual-credit program, which allows students to simultaneously earn high school and college credits. This unique opportunity helps fulfill general education and career requirements, providing students with a head start on their college journeys and in most cases saving money and time, regardless of major.

The school’s INCubatoredu program fosters entrepreneurial spirit among students. Over two semesters, teams collaborate to develop innovative ideas and create actionable business plans. Through product development, pitching strategies, and hands-on experiences, students gain invaluable skills in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving with industry mentors.

The Class of 2025 has achieved remarkable academic success, with 51 Illinois State Scholars, two students earning perfect ACT scores, and two National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. The Class of 2024 also set a high bar:

• 175 students attending 76 different four-year colleges across 23 states

• 50 students in this class earned over $100,000 in scholarships with the average scholarship offered to the Class of 2024 was $21,399

• 28 student-athletes committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Athletically, the school holds over 32 State Championship trophies, the most of any private school in the state, including a state record six baseball state championships.

What liberal arts education would be complete without travel? PCHS offers enriching extracurricular experiences, including national and international summer trips. These journeys allow students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and apply classroom lessons to real-world settings, broadening their horizons and fostering a global perspective.

Scholarship opportunities are another highlight at Providence Catholic. This year, Merit Scholarships doubled, with up to $5,000 available for outstanding performance on the Placement Exam. These financial awards underscore the school’s commitment to recognizing and supporting academic excellence.

To learn more about shadow days, junior high nights, and more upcoming opportunities at Providence Catholic, visit us online at www.providencecatholic.org.

Did you know?

Families have their own reasons for choosing private school over public, and class size may factor into those decisions. According to U.S. News and World Report, the student-to-teacher ratio at private schools in 2021 was 12.5 students per teacher, lower than the average 15.4 at public schools. The National Center for Education Statistics says public schools have an average class size of 25 students, compared to 19 students per class in private schools. ThoughtCo. indicates public school classes can be as large as 25 to 30 students, particularly in urban neighborhoods, while most private schools keep their classes limited to 10 to 15 students. Freemont University reports that students learn faster and perform better in smaller classes. Those in classes with fewer than 20 students often get more individualized attention, participate with greater frequency, and have better communication with the teacher.

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Holy Family School

Holy Family School is a place where our children grow academically, emotionally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually. As a Catholic school in the Diocese of Joliet, Holy Family School takes pride in teaching more! Our teachers have high expectations for our students. Our teachers look for a variety of ways to challenge each child at his/her academic level and at the same time, have and show compassion for each child. We strive for excellence always, but growth daily. We not only teach to the high standards that our school families have come to expect, but we also do it with a kind, compassionate heart. At Holy Family School, our children and staff go above and beyond to grow individually and as a school community. Not only are we developing young minds for the here and now, but we are also preparing them for their future pursuits in life.

Joliet Catholic Academy

Joliet Catholic Academy, which recently celebrated 155 years of Catholic education in the Will County area, is built on the belief that Angels and Hilltoppers are champions of their faith in the classroom, after school, and on the playing field. JCA is a family of 590 current students and over 24,000 alumni. JCA is the number one choice for Catholic college preparatory education in the Joliet, Shorewood, and Plainfield communities.

JCA’s alumni are lawyers, doctors, Catholic nuns and priests, teachers, coaches, police officers, firefighters, and more. JCA graduates continually thrive in leadership positions in the Joliet community and beyond; elected officials, leaders on volunteer boards, school superintendents, school principals, athletic directors, collegiate and professional athletes, Olympic medalists, Fortune 500 company CEO’s, Hollywood producers, and box office stars are counted among its graduates.

JCA was founded on the principles that drive the missions of the Carmelites and Franciscans. Students experience opportunities to foster their spiritual awareness through daily prayer, liturgical experiences, Christian service within the community, and retreats. Angels and Hilltoppers are challenged to bring a deeper meaning to all aspects of their lives by following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

JCA offers Advanced Placement courses and college dual credit options in addition to three levels of study. Student schedules are built to meet their individual needs. JCA offers 36 Honors, Dual Credit, and AP classes. This year, JCA students achieved a 75% pass rate on AP exams, a higher rate than the state and national averages. In the Class of 2024, 29 students were named Illinois State Scholars and attended 65 different colleges in 22 states. The Class of 2024 earned over $17 million in scholarship dollars.

Students are challenged with technology through JCA’s one-to-one program, utilizing the Warning Family Innovation Research Center. This state-of-the-art facility broadens their horizons with exciting new electives in Robotics, Engineering, and Computer Science. JCA was proud to be selected as a Microsoft Showcase School for the third year in a row and currently has six Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts on the faculty.

Angels and Hilltoppers are successful in and out of the classroom. JCA believes extra-curricular involvement plays a significant role in developing the discipline and competitive spirit required for academic success. Every student at JCA has excellent opportunities to compete at many levels in 23 interscholastic and intramural sports programs and over 40 additional clubs and activities, including an award-winning drama program.

JCA is home to the Angels and Hilltoppers who have a rich athletic tradition with 37 State and National Championships. This fall, the Hilltoppers brought home the Class 5A football runner-up state trophy and accomplished the same in the 2023-2024 school year. Boys Wrestling also had an individual state champion. The Angels and Hilltoppers had representation at the IHSA State final by 10 of their teams from 13 of our 23 programs.

All students have the opportunity to be creative, to be unique, to build confidence, and to be their best self. The award-winning JCA Drama Department annually puts on a Fall Play and Spring Musical. The play and musical, hosted at Joliet’s Bicentennial Park Theatre is one of the hottest tickets in town, with all performances expected to sell out. JCA offers a Christmas Concert and Spring Concert, with the opportunity to participate in Marching Band and English Handbells performances as well.

Applications are still being accepted for the incoming Class of 2029 and for current high school students interested in transferring. JCA awarded nearly $2.36 million dollars in scholarships to current students during the 2023-2024 school year through the “Leveraged Financial Aid” program. Scholarships range from $500 to 75% off tuition, funded through several sources including the JCA Endowment, the Catholic Education Foundation, the Kazma Family Foundation, and over 65 yearly scholarships established by JCA alumni, families, and friends. Prospective students are also eligible to receive merit-based awards, which include the Franciscan-Carmelite Top Scorer Scholarships on the JCA Entrance Exam and the JCA Heritage Award, awarded to area students excelling in leadership, academics, and extra-curricular involvement. Apply online at www.jca-online.org. Contact the JCA Admissions Office for more information at 815.741.0500 or admissions@jca-online.org.

Study tips for high school students

High school is an important period in students’ academic careers. High school curriculum tends to be more demanding than pre-secondary education. In addition, at this point in their academic careers, high school students may begin to ponder their future endeavors, including higher education. High school curriculum aims to prepare students for their future, which is why coursework tends to be more specialized, challenging and complex.

It’s not uncommon for students to experience some difficulty as they adjust to the demands of high school curriculum. With that in mind, high school students can consider these study tips as they confront the rigors of academia.

• Schedule study time. An analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau found that children are engaging in more extracurricular activities than they did decades ago. Though research has found that participation in extracurricular activities among adolescents are associated with a range of positive outcomes, including higher academic performance, it’s important that students make time for academics in their daily schedules. Much like sports practices or drama club rehearsals are scheduled, study time can be included in students’

daily schedules. Students can block off a set amount of time on their schedules each day for studying and commit to it just like they would for extracurricular practices or rehearsals.

• Designate a study space. During the COVID-19 pandemic, administrators at the University of Michigan created a web-based space reservation system to

help students secure spaces to study in the face of social distancing limitations. Those efforts underscore the value of designated study spaces, and high school students and their families can create such areas in their homes. A quiet, distraction-free space can facilitate learning and help students excel in the classroom.

• Take notes and summarize while

Sunday, January 26th at 11:30AM Mass Follwed by

studying. High school courses are more complex and it’s easy to get lost in that depth when studying subjects like English or history that feature a lot of reading. Students adjusting to this may find it hard to remember important details when they’re reading more in a typical study session than they’re accustomed to. Taking lots of notes and summarizing text while reading, such as at the end of each chapter, can help students recall the key points of reading assignments.

• Organize study groups. A weekly study group can help students gain a greater understanding of coursework and their own perspectives. Different perspectives can help students see materials through a new lens. One student may hit a snag on a particular point, and another may illuminate the issue and make it easier to understand, and vice versa. Sharing perspectives with other students also can help students sharpen their own ideas as they seek to explain themselves during conversations with classmates.

High school curriculum is more rigorous than pre-secondary courses of study. Some simple study tips can help high school students adjust to this more demanding academic environment. BS244847