AN ALL-GIRLS COLLEGE PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY
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
Welcome!
St. Joseph Hill Academy has always had a history of academic excellence while incorporating programs and activities that are spiritually and socially stimulating A freshman enters as a young lady, and a senior graduates ready to tackle the world’s challenges with tools of leadership, confidence, and empathy
As a 1994 graduate, I am pleased to see that many of the traditions and values I encountered as a student are still in place This values-based curriculum sets a Hilltopper apart from any other high school student.
Once a Hilltopper, always a Hilltopper
Every Hilltopper receives an academically rigorous education rooted in spirituality, socialization, and physical growth It is imperative to ensure the education of the whole woman and offer opportunities allowing for personal growth. A Hilltopper learns about herself and her community through our various activities She will also experience masses, retreats, and social events giving her the chance to strengthen her relationship with God, build lifelong friendships, and experience the world around her Guiding a Hilltopper from beginning to end is our incredible faculty–understanding that the demands of academy-life can be both challenging and overwhelming Our flexible faculty coordinates test scheduling to ensure a manageable experience for our Hilltoppers. In addition, our athletic program focuses on building bonds between students across grade-levels, and in some cases, with our elementary school students Mind, body, and spirit are exercised refreshing and revitalizing our Hilltoppers. Opportunities for service in and around our community nourish a Hilltopper’s natural instinct to do for others By the time a Hilltopper graduates and “leaves these old familiar halls”, she is well prepared for college and beyond having learned how to learn, being intellectually curious and ready to make a difference in the world.
Paramount to success is consistency, structure, and support–all provided at St. Joseph Hill Academy, while incorporating relaxing and fun times in a safe environment. We are all committed and dedicated to making sure our Hilltoppers discover their highest good, “Summum Bonum”
Ms Elizabeth A Esposito ‘94
St Joseph Hill Academy High School Principal
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 provide a challenging and enriching experience for all students.
At Hill, every student embarks on a comprehensive four-year journey through core academic subjects, culminating in an Advanced New York State Regents Diploma. Beyond these foundational courses, students have the opportunity to specialize their education by choosing between our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Pathway or our Humanities Pathway. These pathways serve as the cornerstone of each student's academic program, fostering depth of knowledge and passion in their chosen field.
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
ENGLISH
Survey of Literature
Honors Survey of Literature
MATHEMATICS
Algebra I
Geometry
Sophomore Year
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Religious Studies II
ENGLISH
British Literature
Honors British Literature
MATHEMATICS
Geometry
Algebra 2
WORLD LANGUAGES
Italian II or Spanish II
WORLD LANGUAGES
Italian I or Spanish I
SOCIAL STUDIES
Global History I
Honors Global History I
SCIENCE
Biology
Honors Biology Chemistry
SOCIAL STUDIES
Global History II
AP World History:
Modern
SCIENCE
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry Physics
Honors Physics
HUMANITIES
Classics
AP Human Geography
HUMANITIES
Communication Arts
Theater Arts
STEM Robotics
THE ARTS
Fine Art I
Performing Arts
Physical Education
Academic Guidance
STEM
AP Computer Science
Principles
College Digital Electronics
THE ARTS
Performing Arts
Health Education
Physical Education
Academic Guidance
AP Capstone: AP Seminar
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Junior Year
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Religious Studies III
ENGLISH
College American
Literature
AP English Language & Composition
MATHEMATICS
Algebra 2
AP Precalculus
WORLD LANGUAGES
Italian III or Spanish III
Senior Year
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
World Religions
Catholic Social Justice
ENGLISH
College World Literature
AP English Literature & Composition
MATHEMATICS/BUSINESS
College Algebra/Precalculus
College Calculus
AP Calculus AB
Economics
Honors Economics
College Business
WORLD LANGUAGES
Italian IV
College Italian I & II
Spanish IV
College Spanish I & II
SOCIAL STUDIES
United States History
AP United States History
SCIENCE/STEM
College Anatomy & Physiology
College Introduction to Engineering & Design
College Environmental
Sustainability
Physics
Honors Physics
SOCIAL STUDIES
Government
AP United States
Government & Politics
College Law
SCIENCE/STEM
AP Biology
College Anatomy & Physiology
College Chemistry
College Cybersecurity
AP Computer Science
Principles
Honors Forensic Science
HUMANITIES
College Psychology
Honors American Sign
Language
HUMANITIES
AP Psychology
College Psychology
THE ARTS
Fine Art I
Music
Performing Arts
Physical Education
Academic and College Guidance
THE ARTS
AP 2-D Art & Design
Fine Art I
Music
Performing Arts
Physical Education: Fitness for Life
Academic and College Guidance
AP Capstone: AP Research or Senior Capstone
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
Hill High School has been named a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School for 2023-2024. Hill has now received national recognition for our commitment to empowering students with our STEM Pathway Program for two consecutive years. We are one of just a few hundred high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students We also received College Board's AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for the third year in a row.
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.
Spotlight on Hill’s Educational Leadership in Medicine (HELM) Institute
St. Joseph Hill Academy High School, in partnership with Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, offers the HELM Institute, a comprehensive program for junior and senior students interested in healthcare careers. HELM provides hands-on learning experiences, career panels, and executive lectures allowing students to explore various healthcare professions while earning certificates and participation credits that enhance their involvement in the medical field
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 Human Geography
Junior Year College Psychology* or AP Psychology*
*Available for college credit
THE ARTS
At Hill, we believe education in the Arts is a crucial component of a student's education. Through the Arts, students are able to tap into their creative pursuits and build skills including confidence, collaboration, problem solving, perseverance, and dedication. Students develop an awareness of communication and learn to speak confidently and perform, gaining invaluable life skills.
Students have access to our Fine Art Studio in Madonna Hall and the Performing Arts Studio on the 3rd Floor.
Student life at Hill is also enriched by clubs that focus on the Arts:
Art Club
Dance Team
Drama Club
Hill Singers
Music Club
Photography Club
Bye Bye Birdie 2024
Bye Bye Birdie 2024
Fine Art Studio
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, Associate Director of College Counseling.
College guidance begins in freshman year and becomes a dedicated class in junior and senior year. Students and parents are invited to a personal meeting to develop 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, II, and III 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 109 Graduates of the Hill Class of 2024:
$54.3 million in academic merit money from colleges and universities. 219 universities and college acceptances throughout the United States
7 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 Business, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Physician Assistant, Studio Art, and Physical Therapy
17 students participate in Honors, Research and Scholars programs
4 students were offered NCAA Division I, II, or III athletic awards in Bowling, Softball, and Track and Field
Fall Season
Cheer (Varsity)
Cross Country (Varsity)
Soccer (Varsity & JV)
Swim (Varsity)
Tennis (Varsity)
Volleyball (Varsity & JV)
Winter Season
Archery
Basketball (Varsity & JV)
Bowling
Cheer (Varsity)
Swim (Varsity)
Indoor Track and Field (Varsity)
Chelsea Pabey '24 Adelphi University DII Bowling Team
Natalie Bala ‘23 Stony Brook University
Spring Season
Flag Football (Varsity & JV)
Golf (Varsity)
Lacrosse (Varsity)
Outdoor Track and Field (Varsity)
Softball (Varsity & JV)
Varsity Cheer
2024 CHSAA Small Varsity State Champions
Varsity Tennis
2023 CHSAA Staten Island Champions
2022 CHSAA Staten Island Champions
Varsity Golf
2023 CHSAA Staten Island Champions
JV Basketball
2022-23 CHSAA Tier 2 New York City Champions
Bowling
2023 SICHS Division B Champions
Varsity Soccer
2022 CHSAA Staten Island Champions, Archdiocesan Champions, & New York City Champions
Ava Gumb ‘24
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Elizabeth Bennett ‘23 University of Scranton
COLLEGE SIGNINGs
Caitlin Keating '24 Wagner College Cheerleading
Julia Rimshnick '24 Springfield College DIII Softball Team
STUDENT CLUBS
STEM - Environmental Club, Girls Who Code, HELM Institute, Math League Team, and Robotics Club
CULTURE - Albanian Club, Baking Club, Book Club, Crochet & Knitting Club, Eastern European Club, Fashion/Sewing Club, Film Club, Gardening Club, Italian Club, Middle Eastern Club, Spanish Club, and Yoga Club
WRITING - "The Hilltopper" (Yearbook Club), “The Peak” (Literary Club’s Magazine), and "The Summit Newspaper” (Student Newspaper)
PUBLIC SPEAKINGForensics (Speech and Debate Team), Mock Trial Team, and the Student Ambassador Program
COMMUNICATIONAmerican Sign Language Club, Hill TV Studio, and Yearbook (Print and Video)
ARTS - Art Club, Dance Team, Drama Club, Film Club, “Hill Singers," Music Appreciation Club, Photography Club, and Video Game Club
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
- Hill Student Council
INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS - Girls Learn International Club
SERVICE - Animal Advocacy / Near and Far Animal, American Cancer Society Club, Caring Cards Club, Diabetes Awareness Club, Friends of Staten Island (FOSI), Habitat for Humanity, Harmonies for Happiness, National Honor Society, Operation Fairy Dust, Project Hospitality Club, Protectors Club, Seton Foundation for Learning, Special Olympics Club, and Tunnel to Towers Club
SPIRITUALITY- Campus Ministry, Kairos Retreat Program, Junior Associates, and Rosary Club
American Cancer Society Club
Dance Team
Mock Trial Team
Tunnel to Towers Club
National Honor Society
Special Olympics Club
STUDENT LIFE
For over a century, St. Joseph Hill Academy has woven a rich tapestry of traditions that bridge generations of Hilltoppers. Our cherished customs, both time-honored and newly established, unite alumnae and current students in a shared experience of joy and pride As a future Hilltopper, you'll have the opportunity to participate in these beloved traditions and celebrations that form the heart of our school community:
100 Days to Graduation
Back to School Event
Christmas
Coffeehouse
Color Wars and Airbands
Freshman Tea
Green Fashion Show
Harvest Happening
Junior Prom
Junior Ring
Ceremony
May Crowning
Murder Mystery Night
Performing and
Visual Arts Showcase
Senior Prom
Senior Sunrise
Senior Farewell
Senior Tree Planting
Senior Trip to Disney
World
Spirit Week and Pep
Rally
Spring Break Trip
Abroad
Spring Musical
Green Fashion Show
Color Wars
May Crowning
Freshman Tea
Senior Sunset
Back to School Event
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.
Students from all religious backgrounds are welcome at St. Joseph Hill Academy.
Unique to high schools on Staten Island, Hill has offered two four-day, three-night, offcampus Kairos retreats for juniors and seniors for over 15 years. Kairos means “God’s Time” in Greek 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 retreats give students an opportunity to build community with others and grow in their relationship with God We celebrated our 30th retreat in March 2024.
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.
Kairos Retreat
High School Chapel
Senior 100 Days to Graduation Mass
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 through student clubs including: American Cancer Society, Caring Cards, Friends of Staten Island (FOSI), Habitat for Humanity, Project Hospitality, Seton Foundation for Learning, Special Olympics, Tunnel to Towers, and volunteering at the St. Joseph Hill Convent. Hill students love giving back to their community, something they carry with them through their lives.
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 service every year Service Day is an opportunity to show their commitment to serving the needs of others. We held our 14th Annual Service Day in April 2024.
The sense of purpose and maturity the students gain from these endeavors is invaluable.
Habitat for Humanity Trip
Annual Service Day
Special Olympics Club
Annual Blood Drive
Project Hospitality Club
WHAT'S YOUR WHY? THE ALUMNAE
Katie Golden '06, Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase SJHA Board of Trustee
"I chose St Joseph Hill Academy for its reputation for academic excellence I knew Hill would best prepare me for college and for the challenges of the corporate world I was attracted by the technology, resources, and opportunities that Hill offered which weren't available at other schools. Hill taught me to think critically and to communicate my ideas effectively Its emphasis on volunteering and giving back to the community instilled in me the importance of philanthropy and service "
Naomi Gaggi, Ph.D. '13, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at NYU Langone in Psychiatry
"I attended St. Joseph Hill Academy because of its standout academic curriculum and standards that were very apparent during the school's open house Being a Hilltopper gave me the structure and poise to achieve my academic goals and navigate through college gracefully To this day, I still utilize the organizational skills, composition, and scholastic curiosity that SJHA has instilled in me."
Alison Powers Herman ES '92 HS'96, Partner, Carter Ledyard and Milburn LLP
"I chose to attend St. Joseph Hill Academy High School because I wanted to be a part of a community and tradition of excellence experienced by my mother before me I wanted a wellrounded high school experience where I could explore interests and grow as a person, all within a robust community of motivated peers and caring, dedicated teachers and administrators. I attribute much of my professional success to the skills and work ethic developed during my high school years "
Elizabeth Calleja, MD '81, Vice President, Clinical Development, Taiho Oncology, Inc.
"I attended St Joseph Hill Academy to help me flourish as a young woman, pursuing academic excellence while upholding my Christian values and enhancing my spiritual connection with God. St Joseph Hill Academy empowered me to become a confident, disciplined, and determined women unafraid to pursue challenges while staying true to my Christian values A sense of duty and service was instilled in me in addition to skills and attributes which I use every day: communication, analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity."
Charlotte Curlin '23, Duke University Majoring in Environmental Sciences and Policy
"Hill offered me academic support and athletic opportunities that could not be paralleled anywhere else. Attending St. Joseph Hill Academy means becoming an active participant in a tight knit collective of elite young women Through classmates and teammates who became my closest friends, I learned the importance of caring deeply for others Before sending off graduates with the opportunity to better the world around them, Hill teaches its student body to create their very own dependable community of confident, passionate women."
HILL'S HIGHEST GOOD: THE SISTERHOOD
The impact of a St. Joseph Hill Academy education extends far beyond graduation. Our alumnae join a distinguished legacy of confident, empowered women who have emerged from our "hallowed halls" equipped with strong leadership skills and an enduring passion for learning. The Hilltopper bond is uniquely characterized by mutual respect and admiration, fostering a supportive community that transcends time As Hill sisters, our students forge deep, lifelong friendships rooted in shared experiences and values. This powerful network of accomplished alumnae continues to inspire and uplift one another long after their days on campus, embodying the lasting value of their Hill education
Career Conversations: Alumnae Panel Series
Hill connects current students with accomplished alumnae from diverse professional fields in virtual sessions. This innovative program covers a wide range of careers - from medicine and finance to engineering and the arts - providing students with invaluable insights, inspiration, and networking opportunities as they explore their educational and career aspirations, while showcasing the power of the Hill alumnae network in shaping the next generation of ambitious, determined women.
“I am proud to support St. Joseph Hill Academy and will always be grateful for the skills developed during my years there. Once and always a true “Hilltopper”, I was fortunate to attend from grades K-12. The support and guidance I received during those formative years have greatly contributed to my personal and professional successes. The knowledge, friendships, memories, and experiences have endured, and the virtues created continue to brighten the path ahead.”
Hill proudly offers the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma Program, now in its third successful year As the only Catholic high school on Staten Island with AP Capstone, and the only high school in the area offering it to all students, we're at the forefront of innovative education. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to explore questions that truly matter to them, developing crucial academic skills for college and beyond. Through AP Capstone, students stand out in college applications, showcasing their readiness for higher education.
Enhancing the AP Capstone experience, we host an annual AP Capstone Symposium where exceptional students showcase their AP Seminar and AP Research projects to external audiences. This event not only allows students to demonstrate their newly acquired skills but also provides a platform for them to share their in-depth research and insights with the wider community.
BUSINESS PROGRAM ADVANCEMENTS
At Hill, we're excited to introduce our innovative business program designed to inspire and prepare young women for success in the professional world Students will gain real-world experience through events like the World of Accounting, develop crucial financial literacy skills in our College 12 course, and explore diverse career paths through our engaging Leaders in Business speaker series Our program will offer unique opportunities to discover exciting professions and acquire the skills essential for thriving in tomorrow's business landscape.
CAMPUS UPGRADES
Hill has completed two major campus upgrade initiatives in recent months.
We are thrilled to begin utilizing the newly transformed Gerardi Athletic Field Complex. It is an incredible state-of-theart outdoor athletic facility that will be used on a daily basis for Physical Education classes, student clubs, athletics, and other activities. The athletic complex features the installation of a regulation-size basketball court, a turf base, and multi-sport enhancements.
We also completed a Network Refresh Project to update our switching, wireless infrastructure, and firewalls This upgrade ensures Hill’s technology environment remains secure, efficient, and innovative, supporting our needs while maintaining our position as an educational leader.
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
October 7 , 2024
Benefactor Scholarship Applications Open
October 27-November 7 , 2024
Last Week of 8th Grade Shadowing
November 8, 2024
TACHS Exam
December 4 , 2024
Merit Scholarship Exam
December 16, 2024
Benefactor Scholarship Applications due and Financial Aid Applications due
January 22 , 2025
Admissions news!
St Joseph Hill Academy High School proudly offers two exceptional scholarship programs for incoming freshmen: our prestigious Merit Scholarships and our generous Benefactor Scholarships
Why do we do this? Because we believe in you! We're committed to recognizing outstanding academic achievement and ensuring that bright, motivated students have access to a top-tier Catholic education. We offer multiple full and partial Merit Scholarships to qualified students and we have 10 Benefactor Scholarships.
Scan here to register for the Merit Scholarship Exam and check out the criteria and applications for our Benefactor Scholarships!
