St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Magazine

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY

under the direction of the daughters of divine charity

An All-Girls Catholic College Preparatory High School

There is something about a Hilltopper!

850 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, New York 10305 (718) 447-1374

Admissions@stjhill.org www.StJosephHillAcademy.com

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

& leadership qualities, who stand ready

to meet society’s challenges.

find your voice at hill St. Joseph Hill Academy High School is a school for girls. Hill offers a curriculum tailored to young women.

Hill students develop leadership skills by occupying all key leadership roles in every position throughout student life. Hilltoppers become leaders whether in the classroom, on the stage, in their activities, or on the athletic field.

Hill is a safe and nurturing environment for girls to learn, grow, and develop academically, spiritually, and socially.

Girls find their voices at Hill and are empowered to use them.

hill offers choices St. Joseph Hill Academy is a place where girls have choices: of pathways; of learning styles; of courses; and of activities. Hill has individualized academic pathways that are unique to every student’s journey.

Hill brings out the gifts and talents of all students.

Founded by the Daughters of Divine Charity, we value our Catholic background at St. Joseph Hill Academy. We embrace our differences and learn from them. Our students become independent thinkers in a global context.

Hill students learn through the independence of academic choice; they gain confidence through the richness of their education, service, and spiritual life; they become leaders in their communities and in their careers; and they are empowered to impact society in a positive way.

"St. Joseph Hill Academy's faith and value-based curriculum educates the whole woman: academically, spiritually, and socially. It produces articulate, compassionate, "confident independent thinkers with strong character and leadership qualities" ready to face society's challenges.

Mrs. Maria Molluzzo Principal

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 customizable experience. With a selection of Honors, College, and AP Courses, Hill is equipped to challenge students of varying abilities.

Every St. Joseph Hill Academy 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 realizes the importance of technology as a vital tool to learning. As a technologysavvy high school, we believe in equipping our students for "anywhere, anytime learning."

the core six English

religious studies

Social Studies

Science

Mathematics

World Language

program of study freshmen year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies I ENGLISH Survey of Literature / Honors MATHEMATICS Algebra I Geometry

WORLD LANGUAGE Italian I or Spanish I Latin Honors

HUMANITIES Communication Arts Theater Arts

SOCIAL STUDIES Global History I / Honors

STEM Robotics

SCIENCE Biology/ Honors Chemistry

THE ARTS Fine Art I Physical Education Guidance

sophomore year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies II ENGLISH British Literature / Honors MATHEMATICS Algebra 2 Honors Geometry WORLD LANGUAGE Italian II or Spanish II

SOCIAL STUDIES Global History II / Honors AP World History: Modern

STEM AP Computer Science Principles College Digital Electronics

SCIENCE Chemistry / Honors Physics / Honors

Health Education

HUMANITIES Classics

Guidance

Physical Education

program of study junior year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies III ENGLISH College American Literature AP English Language & Composition MATHEMATICS Algebra 2 PreCalculus / Calculus Honors WORLD LANGUAGE Italian III or Spanish III

SOCIAL STUDIES United States History AP United States History

HUMANITIES AP Art History AP Psychology College Psychology

SCIENCE/STEM College Anatomy & Physiology College Biomedical Engineering College Chemistry College Introduction to Engineering & Design College Environmental Sustainability Physics / Honors AP Physics

THE ARTS Fine Art I Music

WORLD LANGUAGE Italian IV College Italian I & II Spanish IV College Spanish I & II

HUMANITIES College American Musical Theater AP Art History College Psychology

SOCIAL STUDIES Economics / Honors Government AP United States Government & Politics College Law

THE ARTS AP 2-D Art & Design Studio Art

SCIENCE/STEM College Anatomy & Physiology AP Biology College Biomedical Engineering College Chemistry Forensic Science

College Guidance

Physical Education College Guidance

senior year RELIGIOUS STUDIES World Religions Catholic Social Teaching Theology ENGLISH College World Literature AP English Literature & Composition MATHEMATICS College Algebra / PreCalculus College Calculus AP Calculus AB AP Computer Science Principles

Physical Education: Fitness for Life

STEM PATHWAY The STEM program of study 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 projectbased learning. This forms the foundation for selecting higher-level coursework detailed below.

The program may be supplemented with a 2-year sequence in fine arts and/or music appreciation and balanced with a range of Humanities Pathway electives.

STEM College and Advanced Placement Courses: College Algebra & PreCalculus, College Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, AP Calculus, College Calculus, College Chemistry, AP Computer Science Principles, College Digital Electronics, College Introduction to Engineering and Design, College Biomedical Engineering, College Environmental Sustainability, and AP Physics.

HUMANITIES PATHWAY The Humanities program of study 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 detailed below.

The program may be supplemented with a 2-year sequence in fine arts and/or music appreciation and balanced with a range of STEM Pathway electives.

Humanities College and Advanced Placement Courses: College American Literature, AP Art History, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Government and Politics, College Italian I and II, College Law, College American Musical Theatre, College Psychology, AP Psychology, College Spanish I and II, AP US History, AP World History: Modern, and College World Literature.

SPIRITUALITY “Try first to do yourself whatever you expect others to do.”

Mother Franziska Lechner, Foundress of the Daughters of Divine Charity

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. Students also choose to interact personally with the Sisters by becoming Junior Associates. All students attend annual off-campus retreats for each grade level.

Unique to high schools on Staten Island, Hill offers several separate four-day offcampus Kairos retreats for juniors and seniors. Kairos retreats are known as “God’s Time.” They are grounded in the Catholic faith but students of all faiths are welcome. Kairos retreats are led by senior student leaders and adult leaders including Hill faculty and alumnae who have experienced a Kairos retreat. It is a way to build community with others and grow in your relationship with God.

SERVICE

Hill takes Catholic Social Teaching beyond the classroom and into the 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. Known as Hill’s Angels, our students actively volunteer their time and talents to numerous charitable endeavors including: American Cancer Society, Friends of Staten Island (FOSI), Habitat for Humanity, Kids for Kids, Project Hospitality, Seton Foundation for Learning, Special Olympics, Tunnel to Towers, St. Joseph Hill Convent, and so much more.

The sense of purpose and maturity the students gain from these endeavors is invaluable.

Covid-19 changed how Hill's Angels served their community but it never stopped them.

In May 2021, Hill's "Sandwich Angels" won the Sophie Matthew's Memorial Award for supporting Project Hospitality's feeding ministry by "sending gifts of food" (Esther 9:22). For over a year, they have organized 600 sandwiches per week coordinating 3 drop-offs per week for different outreach sites.

Julia Lalla '23 (pictured top right) started the Caring Cards program in January 2020 to brighten the days of senior citizens living in nursing homes. Our Caring Cards volunteers are hopeful their cards bring recipients joy in difficult times.

ATHLETICS Hill Athletic Teams compete in the New York Archdiocese Catholic High School Athletic Association. Our interscholastic program provides our students with the opportunity to develop physical, emotional, intellectual, and social skills.

FALL Cheerleading Cross Country Soccer Tennis Volleyball

WINTER Basketball Bowling Indoor Track & Field Swimming

SPRING Flag Football Golf Lacrosse Outdoor Track & Field Softball

In the past several years, over 15 students received Division I and II scholarships in swimming, basketball, track, soccer, and golf, adding to Hill's strong athletic history that includes Varsity Club and Jaques Award Winners.

Hill prides itself on our exceptional dedication and sportsmanship in addition to our athletic accomplishments. LET'S GO KOALAS!

STUDENT LIFE Hill has 40 student clubs moderated by faculty members spanning an array of student interests and hobbies. Some examples include:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- Girls Who Code, Robotics Team, and Science Club

ARTS - Art Club, Dance Team, Drama Club, “Hill Singers," Music Club, and Photography Club

CULTURE - Spanish, Italian, and Asian Clubs

STUDENT GOVERNMENT Hill Student Council

WRITING - "The Hilltopper" (yearbook), “The Peak” (literary magazine), and "The Summit Newspaper” (studentled newspaper)

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Girls Learn International Club

PUBLIC SPEAKING - Mock Trial Team, Speech and Debate Team (Forensics), and the Student Ambassador Program COMMUNICATION - The American Sign Language Club, Hill TV Studio, and Video Yearbook Club

SERVICE- American Cancer Society Club, Koalas for Kids (Kids for Kids Chapter), Friends of Staten Island, National Honor Society, Project Hospitality Club, Special Olympics Club, and Tunnel to Towers Club SPIRITUALITY- Campus Ministry and Junior Associates

STUDENT LIFE Hilltopper traditions Color Wars and Airbands Christmas Coffeehouse Easter Break Trip Fall Musical / Spring Concert Freshman Tea Green Fashion Show Harvest Happening Junior and Senior Proms

Junior Ring Ceremony Murder Mystery Night Performing Arts Visual Showcase Senior / Freshman Sisters Senior Sunrise and Sunset Senior Tree Planting Senior Trip to Disney World Spirit Week

Hill's Educational Leadership in Medicine Institute (HELM) in partnership with Staten Island University Hospital / Northwell Health Seeking to be at the helm of healthcare education, preparation and partnership, this Career Institute for Women in Healthcare provides an opportunity for SJHA students 16 years and older to explore the world of healthcare in real time by becoming immersed in the day-to-day activities of healthcare professionals. HELM consists of juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers in healthcare, including Physician, Physician's Assistant, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, or Hospital Administrator. The Institute consists of a didactic and a clinical component. Among the learning experiences are career panels, executive lecture series, and hands-on activities for members. In addition, HELM will include opportunities to tour SIUH and its facilities.

Pictured below from left to right are September 2021 HELM panelists: Mary Beth Springstead: Associate Executive Director Human Resources; Meagan Sills, MBA (Hill '02): Associate Executive Director Operations; Joanna Pierro, DO (Hill '99): Pediatrician Hematology/Oncology; Nicole Berwald, MD: Associate Medical Director Emergency Medicine; and Katie Condon, RN (Hill '09): Assistant Nurse Manager Emergency Medicine.

15:1 2

Student to Teacher Ratio Pathways STEM and Humanities

12

AP Courses

22

College Credit Courses

ALL

Religious Backgrounds Welcome

24,000 Hours of Community Service

$59.2

99%

14 40

Million in Academic Scholarships for 141 Class of 2021 Graduates Passing Rate on the New York State Regents Exams Athletic Teams Student Clubs

THE HILL ADVANTAGE

COLLEGE COUNSELING & ADVOCACY 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, Esq. ('81) as the Director of College Counseling.

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.

Class of 2021 college acceptances

CLASS OF 2021 141 GRADUATES $59.2 MILLION DOLLARS

CLASS OF 2020 119 GRADUATES $42.3 MILLION DOLLARS

CLASS OF 2019 121 GRADUATES $42.5 MILLION DOLLARS

"We came as strangers, and left as sisters" ALUMNAE

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 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.

"Every Hilltopper has an unrelenting determination about them that is cultivated and nurtured during our time on the hilltop and continues to flow through everything we do thereafter. Whatever it is we choose to do, we do it with full force, fervency, poise, and heart. That fervency and heart is something I will always admire about my fellow Hilltoppers."

Alesha Borbo Kilayko '15 Children's Education Specialist at Middle Collegiate Church

"My education at Hill provided me with the tools to make it through medical school and residency. However, I know for sure it was not the education alone that got me through the all-nighters and 24-hour shifts, it's the friends I found there. The greatest gift from my time at Hill are the women who have become an extension of my family."

Dr. Michelle DiMare '02 Attending Physician, Emergency Medicine Staten Island University Hospital / Northwell Health

Hill Alumnae play an integral role as career mentors to current students. From February-April 2021, the Development and Alumnae Relations Office along with the College Counseling Office launched a Career Conversations: Alumnae Panel Series with a number of speakers covering the professional fields of Construction, Engineering, and Technology; Business and Finance; Mental Health and Wellness; Law and Government; and Nursing. A new Career Conversations Alumnae Panel Series will begin in February 2022.

WHAT'S NEXT? OCTOBER 24- 11:59 pm last chance to register for the TACHS Exam.

Hill's TACHS exam code is 223.

NOVEMBER 5- TACHS Exam

DECEMBER 1- Scholarship Exam (in-person at Hill from 3:30-5:00 pm) Applications are open on stjosephhillacademy.com/scholarships/.

JANUARY 19- Admissions notices shared via email and letter. Named Scholarship applications open for accepted students.

JANUARY 28- Class of 2026 Accepted Students’ Night

FEBRUARY- Class of 2026 responses due

MARCH- Class of 2026 Registration

Introducing the St. Joseph Hill Academy performing arts studio

St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Library and Learning commons coming soon

st. joseph hill academy high school administration president Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C

principal Mrs. Maria Molluzzo

Dean of academics Mrs. Danielle Holst

dean of students Mrs. Virginia Mayrose

director of college counseling Mrs. Kerry Sullivan, Esq. ('81)

For more Admissions Information

VISIT: www.StJosephHillAcademy.com/admissions/ EMAIL: Admissions@stjhill.org CALL: (718) 447-1374 FOLLOW: Instagram (@stjhill) and Facebook (SaintJosephHillAcademy)