ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY Discover Your Highest Good!
AN ALL-GIRLS COLLEGE PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY
SUMMUM BONUM
St. Joseph Hill Academy, a Catholic high school, in keeping with Christian values and the traditions of the Daughters of Divine Charity, seeks to educate and empower young women to be confident independent thinkers with strong character and leadership qualities, who stand ready to meet society's challenges. "St. Joseph Hill Academy's legacy stems from the Daughters of Divine Charity's one hundred years of dedication and faithful service to Catholic education. We are proud to graduate and send forth young women prepared to face the future with faith, hope, determination, and a strong conviction that they can make a difference in the world." Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C., President
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL St. Joseph Hill Academy's faith and values-based curriculum educates the whole woman; academically, spiritually, and socially. To say that every St. Joseph Hill Academy student will receive an excellent academic education is a given. At Hill, we nurture our students' spirituality, social, and physical growth, helping them cope with every day problems. Through activities and events, Hill develops qualities such as empathy and compassion that remain with these young women through life. The importance of helping others is instilled in our students through spiritual and service activities. Masses, retreats, and our many varied activities, social events and traditions incorporate mindfulness and well-being in our students. School faculty is flexible and coordinate test scheduling so that students are not overwhelmed. Our athletic program focuses on building bonds between students across grade levels that enriches students socially and emotionally, and helps them build lifelong friendships. St. Joseph Hill Academy educates the whole person. We provide consistency, structure, and support as well as relaxation and fun times for our students. We provide a safe environment where intelligent, empowered girls become confident women of character who are leaders in life, and in whatever fields they pursue. Students leave Hill with a love of learning, having learned how to learn. More importantly, they take with them the motivation and intellectual curiosity to continue learning throughout their lives, and to make a difference in the world they enter beyond high school. Hill is a place where students flourish and become leaders. At Hill, we give our students the tools, time, and space to discover their highest good, "Summum Bonum." Mrs. Maria Molluzzo SJHA High School Principal
2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS AP CAPSTONE PROGRAM
PERFORMING ARTS CLASS
Hill implemented its AP Capstone Program this year. All juniors have the opportunity to obtain AP credit through the first part of the AP Capstone Program: AP Seminar. This is an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and academic research skills on topics of their choosing. Students will improve their writing, presentation, and collaborative skills throughout their courses, beginning in freshman year. All students will be given the opportunity to receive AP credit. Students will then have the opportunity to enroll in AP Research in senior year, which can earn them an AP Capstone Certificate and an AP Capstone Diploma.
Hill introduced a Performing Arts course as an addition to its Arts program this year. The course, offered to all grade levels, covers the basics of theater education, audition preparation, public speaking, and “how to theater."
Archery in Phys. Ed
ARCHERY
College Cybersecurity
COLLEGE CYBERSECURITY COURSE Cybersecurity is now offered as a part of Hill's STEM Pathway Program. A Project Lead the Way Computer Science course, Cybersecurity helps students establish an ethical code of conduct, while learning to defend data in today’s complex cyberworld.
September 2022 saw the addition of an official Archery Team to Hill's sports program. The team will begin competing in the Spring of 2023. Archery has also become a component of Hill's Physical Education curriculum. Trained by the National Archery in Schools Program, Hill Athletics follow all necessary safety protocols. Archery allows student athletes to improve their focus, confidence, upper body strength, and hand-eye coordination while making friends and having fun.
AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH TO ACADEMICS St. Joseph Hill Academy has a long tradition of offering college preparatory curricular programs that seek to meet the individual needs of students. We do this by providing a highly unique experience. With a selection of Honors, College, and AP Courses, Hill is equipped to challenge students of varying abilities. Every Hill student completes four years of core academic subjects. All students are programmed to earn an Advanced New York State Regents Diploma. In addition to the core courses, students can choose between our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Pathway or our Humanities Pathway. The Pathway forms the foundation for each student’s academic program.
HILL IS A PLACE WHERE GIRLS HAVE A CHOICE OF: PATHWAYS LEARNING STYLES COURSES ACTIVITIES
PROGRAMS OF STUDY Freshman Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies I
WORLD LANGUAGE Italian I or Spanish I
ENGLISH Survey of Literature Honors Survey of Literature
SOCIAL STUDIES Global History I Honors Global History I
MATHEMATICS Algebra I Geometry
SCIENCE Biology Honors Biology Chemistry
HUMANITIES Communication Arts Theater Arts STEM Robotics THE ARTS Fine Art I Performing Arts Physical Education Guidance
Sophomore Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies II ENGLISH British Literature Honors British Literature
SOCIAL STUDIES Global History II AP World History: Modern
MATHEMATICS Geometry Algebra 2
SCIENCE Chemistry Honors Chemistry Physics Honors Physics
WORLD LANGUAGE Italian II or Spanish II
HUMANITIES Classics
STEM AP Computer Science Principles College Digital Electronics THE ARTS Performing Arts Health Education Physical Education Guidance
PROGRAMS OF STUDY Junior Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies III ENGLISH College American Literature AP English Language & Composition MATHEMATICS Algebra 2 AP Precalculus WORLD LANGUAGE Italian III or Spanish III
SOCIAL STUDIES United States History AP United States History
HUMANITIES AP Psychology College Psychology
SCIENCE/STEM College Anatomy & Physiology College Introduction to Engineering & Design College Environmental Sustainability Physics Honors Physics
THE ARTS Fine Art I Music Performing Arts Physical Education College Guidance AP Seminar (AP Capstone Program Year One)
Senior Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES World Religions Catholic Social Justice ENGLISH College World Literature AP English Literature & Composition MATHEMATICS College Algebra/Precalculus College Calculus AP Calculus AB WORLD LANGUAGE Italian IV College Italian I & II Spanish IV College Spanish I & II
SOCIAL STUDIES Economics Honors Economics Government AP United States Government & Politics College Law SCIENCE/STEM AP Biology College Anatomy & Physiology College Cybersecurity AP Computer Science Principles Forensic Science
HUMANITIES College American Musical Theater College Psychology American Sign Language THE ARTS AP 2-D Art & Design Fine Art I Fine Art II Music Performing Arts Physical Education: Fitness for Life College Guidance AP Research (AP Capstone Program Year Two)
STEM PATHWAY Hill's STEM Pathway immerses students in science, mathematics, engineering and technology, while emphasizing critical thinking and ingenuity. Beginning freshman year, students will engage in 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD), introductory computer programming, and robotics. The STEM Pathway emphasizes real-world collaborative problem-solving skills through project-based learning. This forms the foundation for selecting higher-level coursework. The STEM Pathway may be supplemented with a 2-year sequence in fine arts and/or music appreciation and balanced with a range of Humanities Pathway electives. Girls Who Code: Closing the Gender Gap By: Ewa Pekala for The Summit (student newspaper) May 2022 Issue "Society has been trying to change the gender gap in technology as well as introduce women to the field of technology. This is the exact purpose of Girls Who Code. Members of the club enjoy many different activities. This includes simple online coding tutorials, building community through interactive activities, and learning about inspiring role models in the technology industry. The ultimate goal is for the girls to enter into hack-athons and/or the Congressional App Challenge. This competition allows middle and high school students from different districts to compete in an annual application contest for software development. These goals don't sound like anything that Hilltoppers can't accomplish."
Freshman Year Robotics Sophomore Year College Digital Electronics* or AP Computer Science Principles* Junior Year College Introduction to Engineering Design* or College Environmental Sustainability* *Available for college credit
GO TO STJOSEPHHILLACADEMY.COM/STEM/ FOR VIDEO AND MORE ON OUR LATEST COURSES!
HUMANITIES PATHWAY The Humanities Pathway encourages learning from multiple perspectives, enabling students to make connections across disciplines. Beginning freshman year, students refine their speech and writing skills, paying particular attention to persuasive, analytical, and journalistic techniques. The Humanities Pathway emphasizes developing critical readers, effective writers, and articulate speakers through the study of literature, social studies, fine arts, and communications. This forms the foundation for selecting higher-level coursework. The Humanities Pathway may be supplemented with a 2-year sequence in fine arts and/or music appreciation and balanced with a range of STEM Pathway electives. Freshman Year Communication Arts and Theatre Arts Sophomore Year Classics or AP Psychology* Junior Year College Psychology* or AP Psychology* *Available for college credit
GO TO STJOSEPHHILLACADEMY.COM/HUMANITIES/ FOR VIDEO AND MORE ON OUR LATEST COURSES!
THE ARTS At Hill, we believe the Arts are a crucial component of a student's education. Through the Arts, students are able to tap into their creative side and build skills such as confidence, collaboration, problem solving, perseverance, and dedication. Students develop an awareness of non-verbal communication and learn to view constructive criticism as helpful; an invaluable skill that will, along with the other skills mentioned, lead to a successful and fulfilling life. Student life at Hill is also rich with clubs focused on the Arts: Art Club Dance Team Drama Club Hill Singers Music Club Photography Club
Hill Singers Spring Concert
Art Club
Students have access to our Fine Art Studio in Madonna Hall and the Performing Arts Studio on the 3rd Floor. Summer workshop opportunities focused on the arts include: Performing Arts Audition Workshop with Ms. Samantha Hermansen Art Workshop with Mrs. MaryEllen Laureno
SJHA Drama Club Fall Musical
"Our musical this year is The Wizard of Oz and it truly shows the impact the Performing Arts program has on our students. Whether in class or on stage, it allows them to develop the "courage" to stand out, the "brains" to make educated choices efficiently, and a "heart" that allows them to feel compassion towards others!" Ms. Samantha Hermansen Director of SJHA Fall 2022 Musical
THE HILL ADVANTAGE Hill guides our students to successful college matches, academic achievement in college, and career success for our graduates. Hill has established itself with college recruiters as a premier New York City high school with individualized college planning provided by Mrs. Kerry Sullivan, HS '81, the Director of College Counseling and Mrs. Michelle Nastacio Figuly '07, College Advisor. College guidance begins in freshman year and becomes a dedicated class in junior and senior year, when students and parents are invited to create an individualized plan to meet college and career goals. This includes assistance with the development of talent-based portfolios in art, music, theater, communications, and graphic design. Student athletes are carefully guided through the Division I and II recruitment process. Students are also identified for the Posse and QuestBridge Scholarship programs that yield full-tuition scholarships. Many Hill graduates have saved a year or more in college tuition expenses because of the variety of AP and College credits they received while at Hill.
The 99 Graduates of the Hill Class of 2022: $37.4 million in scholarships from colleges and universities. 187 universities and college acceptances throughout the United States and abroad. 2 students received full tuition Posse Scholarships to Smith College valued at $200,000 per student. 4 students received full-tuition scholarships to the Macaulay Honors College. 13 students made commitments to accelerated master’s and doctorate programs in various fields of study, including Cybersecurity, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Social Work, and Speech Pathology. 15 students participate in Honors, Research and Scholars programs. 3 students were offered NCAA Division I, or III athletic awards in track and field and tennis.
ATHLETICS- GO KOALAS!
15 Sports 3 Seasons
Fall Season
Cross Country (Varsity) Soccer (JV and Varsity) Tennis (Varsity) Volleyball (JV and Varsity)
Winter Season
Archery Basketball (JV and Varsity) Bowling Cheer* (Varsity) Indoor Track and Field (Varsity) Swim (Varsity)*
*Cheer and Swim Seasons are both Fall and Winter Sports.
Spring Season
Flag Football (JV and Varsity) Golf (Varsity) Lacrosse (Varsity) Outdoor Track and Field (Varsity) Softball (JV and Varsity)
2021-2022 SEASON VARSITY GOLF 2021 CHSAA LEAGUE CHAMPS VARSITY TENNIS 2021 STATEN ISLAND CHAMPS & NY A STATE FINALISTS VARSITY SOCCER 2021 CHSAA ARCHDIOCESAN CHAMPS JV VOLLEYBALL JV VOLLEYBALL CHSAA TIER 2 LEAGUE CHAMPS
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL 2021 STATEN ISLAND CHAMPS & 2021 NEW YORK CITY CHAMPS VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY 2021 XCOUNTRY NEW YORK STATE CHSAA SECTIONAL CHAMPS VARSITY INDOOR TRACK & FIELD 2022 ARCHDIOCESAN INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPS
STUDENT CLUBS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYDiabetes Awareness Club, Girls Who Code, HELM Institute, Robotics Team, and Science Club CULTURE - Baking Club, Book Club, Crochet & Knitting Club, Fashion/Sewing Club, Film Club, Gardening Club, Italian Club, and Spanish Club WRITING - "The Hilltopper" (Yearbook), “The Peak” (Literary Magazine), and "The Summit Newspaper” (Student Newspaper)
ARTS - Art Club, Dance Team, Drama Club, “Hill Singers," Music Club, and Photography Club Mock Trial
STUDENT GOVERNMENT - Hill Student Council
American Cancer Society Club
The Summit Newspaper
Special Olympics Club
PUBLIC SPEAKING Forensics (Speech and Debate Team), Mock Trial Team, and the Student Ambassador Program Hill TV
COMMUNICATION American Sign Language Club, Hill TV Studio, and Yearbook (Print and Video)
National Honor Society
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - Girls Learn International Club SERVICE- American Cancer Society Club, Caring Cards Club, Friends of Staten Island (FOSI), Koalas for Kids (Kids for Kids Chapter), Habitat for Humanity, National Honor Society, Operation Fairy Dust, Project Hospitality Club, Seton Foundation for Learning, Special Olympics Club, and Tunnel to Towers Club SPIRITUALITY- Campus Ministry, Junior Associates, and Rosary Club
MAKING GOD'S LOVE VISIBLE: SPIRITUALITY Following the mission of the Daughters of Divine Charity, Hilltoppers strive to “Make God’s Love Visible” in everyday life. Masses are planned by students working with our Campus Ministry Office. All students attend annual off-campus retreats for their grade level, giving them time for spiritual growth amidst their busy school schedules. All religious backgrounds are welcome at St. Joseph Hill Academy.
Kairos Retreat
Unique to high schools on Staten Island, Hill offers two four-day, three-night, off-campus Kairos retreats for juniors and seniors. Kairos retreats are known as “God’s Time.” Kairos retreats are grounded in the Catholic faith but students of all faiths have attended. These retreats are led by senior student leaders and adult leaders including Hill faculty and alumnae. Kairos gives retreatants an opportunity to build community with others and grow in their relationship with God. Opening Mass
Through the Junior Associates, many students choose to engage in social activities and spiritual events with the retired Sisters who reside at the St. Joseph Hill Convent. The bond formed between the students and the Sisters is invaluable, and gives students an understanding of the order who founded their school. Hill's focus on spirituality, no matter what religious background the student comes from, helps students feel comfort, community and purpose.
MAKING GOD'S LOVE VISIBLE: COMMUNITY SERVICE Community service is an integral part of a Hill student’s experience, and the student body completes over 24,000 hours of community service each year. Our students actively volunteer their time and talents to numerous charitable endeavors including: American Cancer Society, Caring Cards Club, Friends of Staten Island (FOSI), Habitat for Humanity, Project Hospitality, Seton Foundation for Learning, Special Olympics, Tunnel to Towers, St. Joseph Hill Convent, and so much more. Hill students love giving back to their community; something they carry with them through their lives.
Habitat for Humanity Trip to Tennessee
Annual Service Day
Caring Cards Program
Hill is the only high school on Staten Island that dedicates a full school day for the entire student body and faculty to participate in a Service Day every year. This is a chance to show their commitment to bettering our community. The sense of purpose and maturity the students gain from these endeavors is invaluable.
STUDENT LIFE Founded in 1919, St. Joseph Hill Academy has traditions that are beloved by students and alumnae from decades passed as well as newer traditions and celebrations that leave the entire student body smiling. As a Hilltopper, these are some of the traditions and celebrations to look forward to:
100 Days to Graduation Christmas Coffeehouse Color Wars and Airbands Fall Musical Freshman Tea Green Fashion Show Harvest Happening Junior Ring Ceremony May Crowning Murder Mystery Night
Performing and Visual Arts Showcase Senior & Freshmen Sisters Senior Prom Senior Sunrise Senior Farewell Senior Tree Planting Senior Trip to Disney World September Welcome Back Event Spirit Week Spring Break Trip Abroad Spring Concert
Green Fashion Show
Color Wars
Student Council Back to School Event
Freshmen Mother Daughter Tea
WATCH OUR VIDEO! Senior Sunrise
Spirit Week
HILL HAPPENINGS National Merit Scholarship Program
Kristen Norberg, Anika Thakkar, and Charlotte Curlin
Anika Thakkar '23 was named a National Merit Semifinalist and Charlotte Curlin '23 and Kristen Norberg '23 were named National Merit Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships among approximately 1.5 million high school students annually. As a National Merit Semifinalist, Anika is in the top 1% percent of all students nationally and will now compete for one of the 7,250 National Merit Scholarships sponsored by universities and corporations. Anika is also the only National Merit Semifinalist named among all Staten Island Catholic High Schools this year.
Newly Transformed Sr. Ernestine Jeck Library & Learning Commons
Spring Break Trip to Greece! The annual Spring Break Trip Abroad is back this year after a two-year pause due to the pandemic. The students have voted and this year's international destination is Greece! Students will join faculty and staff chaperones on the trip of a lifetime exploring Greece's rich history, stunning landscape, and delicious cuisine.
HILL'S HIGHEST GOOD: THE SISTERHOOD
The value of a St. Joseph Hill Academy education does not end in senior year. Hill graduates join a long line of proud and loyal alumnae that have left our "hallowed halls" empowered with confidence, leadership skills, and a love of learning. The bond Hilltoppers develop is one of mutual respect and admiration for each other. Our students support one another. As Hill sisters, they develop rich friendships that last a lifetime.
Career Conversations: Alumnae Panel Series Hill Alumnae play an integral role as career mentors to current students. The Career Conversations: Alumnae Panel Series directly connects Hill students with alumnae in a number of professional fields each year. Hill students learn about their career paths and college experiences. The connections students make with alumnae are invaluable. An example of one of the six panels from Winter 2022 is on the right.
"St. Joseph Hill Academy will be a part of each and every one of your success stories forever." Dr. Lauren Costa, '98
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE November 4, 2022 TACHS Exam
January 18, 2023 Admissions Letters are released
Mid-November Final Chance for 1-1 Shadowing
January 25, 2023 Class of 2027 Accepted Students Night!
November 30, 2022 Hill Scholarship Exam
March 1, 2023 Class of 2027 Registration Day!
HILL'S TACHS CODE IS 223! 223 is the Place to Be
Financial Support Opportunities
Merit-based Scholarships
Full & Partial Scholarships based on Hill's Scholarship Exam & TACHS scores.
Named Scholarships (SJHA holds our Scholarship Benefactors in deep esteem and we express our gratitude to them for their unwavering support.)
4-year scholarships (of varying amounts)
Financial Aid
Need-based tuition assistance
8th Grade applicants can register for Hill's Scholarship Exam (no preparation required) on Wednesday, November 30th from 3:305:00 pm at stjosephhillacademy.com/scholarshipexam/. Hill awards multiple full and partial scholarships for qualified students. In order to be eligible for a full scholarship, a student must select Hill as her first choice school on the TACHS. If they choose Hill as a second choice they are eligible to receive a partial scholarship. In January, accepted students are invited to review applications for our five named scholarships. If they determine they qualify based on the criteria set by each scholarship, they can complete the application process. All recipients are notified before March registration. The five scholarship opportunities are currently: Mary Alice Lucey O'Malley Scholarship (3 recipients) Jeanine R. Khoury Scholarship (1 recipient) The Costa Family Scholarship (1 recipient) The Sister M. Charlotte Gulban Memorial Scholarship (1 recipient) The Sister M. William McGovern, F.D.C. Scholarship (1 recipient) Enrolled students may apply for limited financial aid through FACTS. The application process involves submitting documentation such as IRS Federal Tax Returns and W-2 Wage and Tax Statements.
ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 850 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10305 (718) 447-1374 admissions@stjhill.org stjosephhillacademy.com MEET ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. President
Mrs. Danielle Holst Dean of Academics
Mrs. Maria Molluzzo Principal
Mrs. Virginia Mayrose Dean of Students
Mrs. Kerry Sullivan '81 Director of College Counseling
Discover Your Highest Good! HILL'S TACHS CODE IS 223! STAY CONNECTED TO HILL! Follow us on Instagram @stjhill & @stjhs_athletics
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