BERCHMANS ACADEMY - EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
As a member of a worldwide network, the Academy of the Sacred Heart offers an education marked by a distinctive spirit, deeply concerned for each student’s total development - spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical. It is of the essence of a Sacred Heart school that it emphasize serious study, that it educate to social responsibility, and that it lay the foundations of a strong faith.
-Preamble, Goals & Criteria (1975)
GOALS & CRITERIA
As one of 25 institutions comprising the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, U S -Canada Province, and among the nearly 150 Sacred Heart schools in countries around the world, the Academy of the Sacred Heart upholds and practices the values and principles articulated in our educational philosophy, the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education This unique document emerged from a “plan of studies” that guided the educational enterprise developed by our founder, St Madeleine Sophie Barat, and entrusted to the Society of the Sacred Heart more than 200 years ago First published in 1975, the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education is a dynamic philosophy that is evaluated and periodically updated by the Network of Sacred Heart Schools.
Goal I: A personal and active faith in God
Goal II: A deep respect for intellectual values
Goal III: A social awareness which impels to action
Goal IV: The building of community as a Christian value
Goal V: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
Les Enfants du Sacré Coeur (One-Year-Old
and Two-Year-Old)
One-Year-Old Program
A one-year-old is ready for daily activities that are designed to give them support and practice during what can be considered their largest developmental growth period. They are engaging in more difficult gross motor activities, developing their fine motor skills, expanding their language and experimenting with social relationships. Our program is designed to offer the one-year-old child all these opportunities through orchestrated and free play.
By building a positive and trusting relationship with each child, we provide a gentle and nurturing introduction to school while facilitating their emerging independence As the children become comfortable in the environment and with their peers, we incorporate increasingly complex learning experiences and opportunities to develop oral and receptive language skills The children also participate in a range of sensory experiences through play and small group work
Each day our one-year-old children engage in free play and exploration of materials Our program includes receptive and expressive language development, classroom math/science and fine-motor activities, imaginative play and outdoor recreation, enrichment classes in religion, art, music and physical education
Other activities include use of manipulative materials and games to enhance readiness skills and coordination, group experiences to promote sociability and concern for peers and the environment, and informal introduction to pre-reading and math skills
Two-Year-Old Program
At two years old, children are developmentally ready to engage in activities that leave them questioning ideas and wondering about new ones. They are expanding their self-help fine motor skills, leading to future independence, and utilizing their gross motor skills to safely take risks and interact socially during play time. At two, children are seeing the world through new eyes and are ready to experiment and explore. By providing hands-on and open-ended activities, we foster the students’ creativity and imagination and emphasize the discovery process of learning.
Our two-year-old program allows students to explore, imagine, problem solve and create Over time, they play in increasingly complex ways, developing their cooperative communication and problem-solving abilities Our small group approach is designed to encourage independence skills and collaboration while supporting the social-emotional needs of toddlers. During small group work, children participate in active, engaging learning activities. Our focus is to teach children how to think, not what to think.
Each day our two-year-olds engage in free play and exploration of materials as well as work on projects of interest Our program includes receptive and expressive language development, classroom math/science and fine-motor activities, imaginative play and outdoor recreation, enrichment classes in religion, art, music, and physical education
Other activities include use of manipulative materials and games to enhance readiness skills and coordination, group experiences to promote sociability and concern for peers and the environment, and informal introduction to pre-reading and math skills
LOWER SCHOOL
PreK3
The PreK3 program provides a safe and nurturing environment that addresses the developmental needs of the total child. The spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child is promoted through a concrete, play oriented approach to early childhood education The curriculum is designed around thematic units with materials and activities chosen for their relevance to the young child’s world
In PreK3, the classroom environment, rich in materials to stimulate the child’s natural sense of wonder, encourages learning as a whole - integrated and meaningful The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, Spanish, and religion and also includes physical education where the concepts of body awareness, motor coordination, strength, and hand-eye coordination are introduced PreK3 students foster genuine relationships built on mutual respect and kindness, and they engage in a love of learning and each other that extends beyond the classroom
PreK4
The PreK4 program provides a safe and nurturing environment that addresses the developmental needs of the total child. The spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child is promoted through a concrete, play-oriented approach to early childhood education. The curriculum is designed around thematic units with materials and activities chosen for the relevance to the young child’s world Our literacy program is developmentally appropriate and provides students with foundational skills such as print concepts and phonological awareness which supports emergent readers
KINDERGARTEN
In Kindergarten, children begin in earnest to be readers, writers, and mathematicians. They grow daily in these areas as they become active learners in the school community The classroom environment, rich in materials to stimulate the child’s natural sense of wonder, encourages learning as a wholeintegrated and meaningful The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, religion, art, music, Spanish, and library These subjects are integrated through unifying themes that spark curiosity and engage the child in active exploration
GRADES 1-4
The academic program in grades 1-4 is geared to provide a solid foundation in basic processes and skills that students are encouraged to integrate into their lives Particular emphasis is placed on the developmental stages of growth at each level and preferred learning and presentation styles of young students The primary students are encouraged to be independent and responsible learners, experiencing the Sacred Heart Goals in their academic lives The following areas of studies are experienced by the students in these grades
RELIGION
The religion program focuses on our Catholic heritage and provides prayer experiences in class, in chapel, in liturgies, and in celebration of the feasts of the church year Direct service projects play an internal role in the formation of students and are done so in ways that are age appropriate
LANGUAGE ARTS
In the Lower School language arts program, the students actively engage in reading, writing, speaking, and listening The writing process develops from early phonetic spelling and journal writing to narrative stories, poetry, opinion-based persuasive essays, and research driven-expository text Students grow as readers through exposure to literature, individualized and small group reading instruction, silent sustained reading, and whole group discussions
MATHEMATICS
Mathematical literacy for students at the Berchmans is a priority. By today’s definition, mathematical literacy is having a range of sophisticated mathematical knowledge and skills that extend beyond basic calculation skills. This is achieved through mathematical discussions, real-world problem solving, and developmentally appropriate studies of mathematical concepts and practices, such as numeration, patterns, functions, and sequences, operations, spatial sense, and geometry
SOCIAL STUDIES
Through social studies at the Berchmans, students acquire knowledge and the skills to enable them to live in today’s society with an understanding that history is an ongoing process Students explore topics through discussions, field trips, guest speakers, literature, internet research, and projects
SCIENCE
The science program at the Berchmans capitalizes on the child’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder. The curriculum is experiential in nature, fostering student observation and inquiry. The program stimulates the imagination and develops logical thinking skills Children experience the importance of science in their daily lives through investigations and hands-on activities that encourage exploration and discovery of fundamental scientific concepts and develop the skills and mindset of scientific inquiry
Our 255-acre campus provides a natural laboratory for the boys to explore the flora and wildlife native to this area of Louisiana
ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Classes in art, Spanish, library, music, and physical education provide opportunities for personal expression, creativity, and appreciation of skills in each area
GRADES 5-7
The Sacred Heart philosophy of education mandates that learning take place in a flexible, child-centered community, that it engages the total child in the process of growth and development, and that, on all levels, it be intellectually challenging Learning is a developmental process of interrelated elements involving the senses, imagination, and curiosity Each student is respected for his unique abilities, qualities, and style of learning and is expected to be motivated by intrinsic rather than extrinsic factors He is given the opportunity to assume responsibility for his own learning, and he is challenged academically and intellectually
LANGUAGE
ARTS
The Berchmans language arts program is continuous and integrated, building and expanding each year on the skills taught previously The program combines the study/practice of grammar, research, composition, vocabulary development, communication skills, critical thinking, and public speaking
LITERATURE
The Berchmans literacy program focuses on reading for knowledge, information, and entertainment by offering an extensive genre selection Analysis of characterization and motivation and an expanded vocabulary are encouraged through the reading of literature chosen for its appeal to the interests of girls
SOCIAL STUDIES
The social studies program centers on the study of regions of the United States, ancient history from earliest humanity to the dawn of the Renaissance, and on the history of the United States through the American Revolution. Geographic concepts are reviewed and note-taking skills are emphasized. The study of history comes alive for the students through discussions, field trips, guest speakers, literature, internet research, and projects.
SCIENCE
The Berchmans science program builds on the students’ natural sense of wonder and desire to explore. The program utilizes technology to organize and present research findings Students sharpen their skills of observation and prediction, and in attempting to offer explanations, they learn to communicate in scientific terms Students explore topics in life, physical, and earth science, with an in-depth study of scientific reasoning
Our 255-acre campus provides a natural laboratory for the students to explore the flora and wildlife native to this area of Louisiana
ROBOTICS
Using NAO Robots, students design, construct, program, and control fully functioning robots through a series of real-life activities, covering topics in science, technology, engineering, and math Students use software to plan, test and modify sequences of instructions for a variety of behaviors as well as learn to collect and analyze data from sensors, using data logging functionalities embedded in the software
ART
Instruction in the elements of art and the use of various media become more sophisticated in the preparatory art program Aesthetic perception, creative expression, and aesthetic valuing are encouraged as students explore the principles of art
MUSIC
The preparatory music curriculum is based on the study of the basic elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and tone Students experience these elements through singing, listening, and analyzing music Students are provided with the opportunity to perform in choral concerts and yearly musicals Private lessons for a variety of musical instruments are offered
SPANISH
Spanish instruction balances the four elements of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students increase and expand mastery of everyday vocabulary while focusing on the use of idiomatic expressions.
RELIGION
Students explore the dimensions of their own faith and are challenged to live a life of faith in today’s secularized world Studies of church history, old and new testament, and direct service projects are an integral component of our program of forming young minds and hearts in attitudes of social and global responsibility Weekly chapel, liturgies, celebrations of special feasts, reconciliation services, retreats, and campus ministry are included in the religious education program
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is designed to ensure physical fitness and to teach the fundamentals of team games and individual sports. The activities for students improve motor skills, coordination, balance, and agility. Fair play and good sportsmanship are stressed.
UPPER SCHOOL (Grades 8-12)
Berchmans Academy has long met and exceeded the TOPS requirements. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad-based liberal arts education. Our primary goal is to honor the integrity of our Sacred Heart academic program while also meeting the requirements of external programs such as TOPS and the Louisiana Department of Education Core Four curriculum. Curriculum decisions are based on a blend of the traditional liberal arts curriculum and the educational needs of the twenty-first century. The Upper School operates on a semester basis. Seniors are required to complete a IV Academic (Senior) project.
Required Courses:
● English - 1 unit each
● Religion - 1 unit each year
● Mathematics - 1 unit each year
● Social Studies - 1 unit each year
● Science - 1 unit each year
● World Languages - 3 units (of the same language)
● Fine Arts - 1 unit
● Health/Physical Education - 2 units
● Electives - 2 units
Total Credits for Graduation: 28
HONORS PROGRAM
During their first year in the Honors Program, students have a class period in their schedule devoted to Honors Program work As students advance, they may not have an Honors Program class in their schedule, but will have class time, unstructured time, and activity period time during the school day to devote to their work
Each year, a lead Upper School faculty member will teach the Honors Program class and guide older students in their independent study, even so evaluation of Honors-bound students is a collaborative decision among all faculty. All Upper School faculty will work with students during the year through direct instruction, formal and informal individual conferences, online feedback, and guided practice opportunities, and all faculty will participate in evaluating students’ work and progress. Additionally, students are required to complete performance assessments in core content areas that challenge them to demonstrate mastery of key content standards through research application and synthesis
The Honors Program is an individualized course of study that allows students to explore a topic of interest and to demonstrate their understanding through an authentic capstone project. The Honors Program was designed by a cross-curricular team of teachers to create meaningful differentiation of Honors-credit work and to provide a uniform and clear set of Honors expectations rooted in the Goals of Sacred Heart education. Instead of selecting an Honors course or a Regular course of study, all students schedule the courses they need or want, and all students in each course receive the same credit. In order to receive Honors distinction and weighted GPA credit at the end of the year, a student must pass a cross-curricular evaluation of his Honors project and overall academic performance on the following standards:
● Growth Mindset: Willingness to learn from mistakes and to work to improve in learning, understanding, and character.
● Active Learning: Genuine curiosity about learning that causes one to seek opportunities to grow in knowledge and understanding of a topic through independent reading and research.
● Global Learning: Working to understand a topic from multiple points of view and to discover multiple possible solutions to a problem; demonstrated respect for the views of others and willingness to learn from them.
● Academic Integrity: Student demonstrates respect for her/his own learning, the learning of others, the teacher, and the learning environment
UPPER SCHOOL COURSE OFFERINGS
English Fine Arts
English 8 Art 8
English I*, II*, III*, IV*
Film and Media Studies
Media Arts I, II, III, IV (Photography)
Studio Art I, II
Creative Writing Chorus
Fine Art Survey
Desktop Publications, I, II
AP Art History^
AP Art & Design
AP Music Theory^
Mathematics Social Studies
Pre-Algebra Civics*
Algebra I*, II* US History*
World Languages
French I, II, III>, IV>
Spanish I, II, III>, IV>
Latin I, II, III, IV^
AP French Language & Culture
AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP Latin^
AP Chinese Language & Culture^
Science
Biology I*, II*
Environmental Science* Geometry * European History*
Pre-Calculus* Louisiana History
Calculus* Psychology*
Advanced Math* Sociology*
AP Calculus AB^
AP Calculus BC^
AP Statistics
Western Civilization*
Pre-AP World Geography/History*
AP US History
AP European History
AP Macroeconomics^
AP Microeconomics^
AP Human Geography^
AP US Government & Politics^
AP Psychology
Chemistry I*, II*
Physical Science*
Physics*
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science^
AP Computer Principles^
AP Computer Science^
AP Physics I^
AP Physics C - Mechanics^
Mathematics Dual Enrollment
Math 1021 (Algebra)~
Math 1022 (Trigonometry)~
Math 1530 (Differential Calculus)~
Math 1540 (Integral Calculus)~
Physical Education Religion
Physical Education 8 Religion 8
Health/Physical Education Old Testament and Gospels
Equestrian
Church History and Sacraments
Apologetics and Liturgy
Social Justice and Morality
World Religions
Campus Ministry
*Denotes courses that can receive Honors credit
^Denotes online courses through One Schoolhouse. Additional courses may be available, dependent upon provider offerings.
~Denotes LSU Dual Enrollment courses for college credit.
>Denotes opportunities for college credit through CLEP exam.
EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM
The Equestrian Center offers lessons for riders who wish to ride recreationally, as well as those interested in competing at the national level. Trained and qualified instructors teach mounted and in-hand classes so that the students gain a strong foundation not only in riding, but in all aspects of horsemanship. Responsibility, discipline, compassion, self-confidence, and adaptability are just a few of the life lessons learned through the riding program. The Equestrian Center is designed to teach riders important life skills while giving them a strong foundation in the art of riding and horsemanship. This unique program offers students the opportunity to participate in the riding program as part of their academic curriculum
STUDENT NETWORK EXCHANGE
The Network of Sacred Heart Schools offers a program of both domestic and international exchange to its students The Sacred Heart exchange program has existed for over 40 years and has engaged more than 2,500 students from 24 Sacred Heart Schools in Canada and the United States along with a multitude of international students
Students have the opportunity to experience a Sacred Heart education from a different perspective and discover the local customs and traditions of the region in which they are traveling. This program ensures a consistent flow of visiting students at Berchmans, yielding a genuine and effortless global experience for all. Students, faculty, staff, and parents, enjoy the opportunity to grow in a culturally rich environment The exchange experience contributes to building cultural empathy and a broader perspective on life
ATHLETIC PROGRAM
● Students may compete in football, baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, powerlifting and track and field
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
● Community Service – In grades 9 – 12, students must complete direct and indirect service or advocacy
● Advisory Group – Students are assigned an advisor Students and advisors meet during designated Activity Periods to discuss grades, overall academic progress, school and class business
● Travel - The school sponsors international travel during the school year. Students can also participate in summer network projects sponsored by schools within the Society of Sacred Heart, as well as mission trips.
● Private Music Lessons - Private music instruction is available for students in PreK4 through 12th grade. Lessons are taught before, during, and after school, depending on the division in which the student is enrolled. Private lessons are offered in piano, voice, guitar, violin, ukulele, bass guitar, Cajun accordion, 5-string banjo, and drums.
ADMISSION PROCEDURES
Berchmans Academy is open to academically qualified students without regard to race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin
To begin the admissions process, please complete and submit an online application The non-refundable fee can be paid during the online process
APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS
● Completed online application with appropriate fee:
Les Enfants du Sacré Coeur $ 50
PreK3 - Grade 1
Grades 2 - 12
International students
● Academic and Behavioral records
● Standardized test scores
● Teacher recommendation form(s)
● Birth certificate
● Any professional diagnostic evaluations
TESTING
$100
$150
$250
Upon receipt of the completed online application, the Admissions Office will contact you to set up a testing date.
Entrance exams are scheduled on an individual basis
● PreK3 - 1st grade assessments are conducted in house, by appointment
● Applicants for grades 2 – 12 will take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) for admission and placement purposes
DEADLINES
Berchmans follows the process of rolling admissions. We encourage you to submit your online application with consideration for the time required to test, as well as to receive academic records and completed recommendation forms. We recommend that you apply early to ensure sufficient time to complete the admissions process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAMILY INDIVIDUALIZED TUITION (FIT)
Family Individualized Tuition, or FIT, is a flexible tuition model designed for students in Kindergarten - 12th grade to remove barriers for families seeking a Sacred Heart education at Berchmans Academy. With FIT, your tuition depends on your individual situation. FIT enables families across the economic spectrum to attend the Academy. FIT is a part of our Sacred Heart Mission and allows us, in partnership with our families, to build a school community that reflects the socioeconomic diversity of the greater Acadiana area. For additional information on the FIT program, contact the Admissions Office.
LATE LEAVERS (AFTER SCHOOL CARE)
After school supervised care is provided five days a week, from 3:15pm to 5:15pm for a fee, for one-year olds through 7th grade. During this time, younger students engage in play while older students use this time to complete assignments.
HOURS
Students can be dropped off beginning at 7:30 am. School begins at 7:55 am with morning assembly and dismisses at 3:00 pm. Exceptions include dismissal for holidays, exam schedule and parent/teacher conferences. These times are communicated with the families.
BUS INFO – LATE BUS
Berchmans Academy provides bus service to Lafayette, Crowley, Rayne, Broussard, Opelousas, and Eunice. There is also a “Late Bus” available, departing school at 5:15 pm and arriving at Rouses Supermarket, 601 Bertrand Drive, in Lafayette at 5:45 pm.
ACCREDITATIONS
Cognia
Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS)
AFFILIATIONS
Cognia
Louisiana Association of Independent Schools (LAIS)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC)
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Revised 9/4/2024