Friday, February 17, 2023 | Deseret News Weekend
SPECIAL SECTION
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E Private & Charter School Senate gives final passage to school choice scholarships, teacher raises
Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Riverton, walks through the Senate smiling after the school voucher bill passed at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Jan. 26.
Laura Seitz, Deseret News
HB215 passes Utah Senate, House by more than two-thirds margin, which means the bill cannot be challenged by referendum
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By Marjorie Cortez Deseret News
he Utah Senate gave final passage to legislation that will provide $8,000 scholarships to qualifying families for private schools and other private education options and give licensed educators a $6,000 pay raise. The Senate voted 20-8 on Jan. 26 to approve the bill, which was then signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on Jan. 28. On HB 215, Gov. Cox issued the following statement: “This bill strikes a good balance. More than 90% of parents support Utah schools and so do we. Our top priority this session has been a significant increase in teacher compensation and education funding. We commend the Legislature for supporting our teacher pay proposal which will help address the state’s teacher shortage and give Utah teachers the muchneeded pay raise they deserve. We also appreciate that HB 215 gives Utah parents additional options to meet the needs of their families. School choice works best when we adequately fund public education and we remove unnecessary regulations that burden our public schools and make it difficult for them to succeed. We are especially appreciative of our teachers and education leaders who helped push for more accountability measures which were not included in the original bill.” The bill passed by a two-thirds margin in each legislative house, which means it cannot be challenged by referendum. In floor debate, Senate Majority Assistant Whip Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, Senate floor sponsor of HB215, said the vast majority of school-aged children in Utah attend public schools and the Utah Legislature will continue to support educators and the public education system. “With nearly 97% of our school aged kids participating in public education in some fashion, I really do believe that this is a good scholarship program that will serve those kids that need unique and individualized education and is not really going to have a very strong or meaningful effect on the public education system,” he said. The Utah Senate Democrats, in a statement issued after the vote, disagreed.
“As Democrats, we oppose all efforts to divert taxpayer dollars away from our public school system, our educators, and children. HB215 fails to support students and weakens public education by redirecting public funds to private institutions without any safeguards, protections against discrimination and transparency,” it said. The statement went on to say that Senate Democrats “are extremely disappointed in the policy tactic to entangle teacher salaries with vouchers — two issues that deserve separate consideration and meaningful input from taxpayers, educators, and parents.” The bill creates the Utah Fits All Scholarship, which can then be used for education expenses like curriculum, textbooks, education, software, tutoring services, micro-school teacher salaries and private school tuition. State funding for the program’s inaugural year is capped at $42 million, Cullimore said. Under the bill, the Utah Legislature will appropriate $196.9 million for the educator salary adjustment, which will be offered to teachers who hold Utah State Board of Education licenses or other professionals licensed by the Division of Professional Licensing such as social workers, psychologists or audiologists. “More than 95% of our kids are still participating in public education and the Legislature needs to do what it can to continue to support our teachers and support the education system. I anticipate that that will be the case as is also demonstrated in the $200 million appropriated in this bill,” he said. Following the vote, Cullimore said he was “ecstatic” over the bill’s passage. “To get this kind of support we did both in the House and the Senate is really thrilling.” Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, who is a public school teacher, said the bill needed more accountability and transparency measures. In the short term, Utah educators are going to enjoy the pay raise, she said, “but I think the long-term impacts to our education system are really alarming to me.” A statement by the Utah Education Association, which opposed HB215 largely because it tied the voucher-like program to teacher raises, said it is “exploring every
option available to overturn this damaging legislation that jeopardizes the future of public education.” It noted an outpouring of emails, calls and text messages from educators and the public, yet lawmakers “fast-tracked” the bill in less than two weeks. “It is clear that this was a well-coordinated effort that began before the session started,” it said. “As Utah’s largest professional educator association, our strength is our members. Together, we are powerful. United, we are strongest. With six weeks left in the legislative session, there are still many opportunities to pass critical legislation. Increased education funding is our top priority.” The bill was also opposed by the Utah State Board of Education, Utah PTA, school superintendents, business administrators and school boards. The Alliance for a Better Utah was pointed in its reaction to the passage of HB215, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Riverton. “Conservative lawmakers just robbed our neighborhood schools of $42 million. Private school vouchers have been and continue to be opposed by Utahns but these lawmakers are instead pursuing a national agenda to ‘destroy public education.’ As a result, our children, parents, and teachers will suffer as a foundational institution of our society is deprived of much-needed resources,” it said in a statement. The alliance urged the governor to reconsider his support for HB215. “Even with teacher raises, our public education system continues to be severely underfunded. We need to invest even more in our public schools and children’s futures, not siphon off taxpayer funds to private schools.” HB215 represents a sea change in Utah education policy in that it expands the use of public money for private education choices far beyond existing programs for families of children with disabilities. The Utah Fits All Scholarship program will serve close to 5,000 students its first year. In 2007, 62% of Utah voters repealed a school voucher law enacted earlier that year. The multimillion-dollar political campaign pitted teachers’ unions nationally against school choice advocates. No universal choice legislation had passed the legislature in succeeding years until lawmakers approved HB215.
Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 | Deseret News Weekend
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GRACE IS THE PLACE
...for Academic Excellence in a Nurturing Environment • • • •
Grace Lutheran School:
All Faiths are Welcome Preschool - 8th Grade Rigorous Core Curriculum in Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies and Religion Co-Curricular Classes: Technology, Art, Music, Spanish, PE/Health
• • • • •
STEM Education in All Grades Small Class Sizes, Student:Teacher Ratio 8:1 Before & After School Childcare On-Site Athletic Program: Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country Home-School Program
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1815 East 9800 South Sandy, UT 84092 www.gracesandy.org
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Judge Memorial Catholic High School Builders of a More Just Society
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# HIGH SCHOOL IN UTAH
Judge Memorial Catholic High School
JUDGEMEMORIAL .ORG | 801-517-2129
THE JUDGE DIFFERENCE – 100 YEARS AND THRIVING
2021
2021 National Blue Ribbon School Only Utah School to be a
FOUR-TIME RECIPIENT Top 300 High Schools in the U.S. THE CHALLENGE INDEX
by Jay Mathews, Columnist for
Positioned in the urban heart of Utah’s capital city, Judge Memorial Catholic High School proudly holds a 100-year history of inclusive academic excellence, embracing a widely diverse student body whose focus on the exploration of their full potential empowers graduates to become Builders of a More Just Society. Founded by immigrants-turned-entrepreneurs, Judge combines Catholic faith tradition with 21st-century innovation, to foster a vibrant student community dedicated to scholarship, service and spiritual growth. Our award-winning liberal arts curriculum encourages students to explore, take risks, make discoveries — and connections. We believe developing a child’s conscience is just as important as honing their academic skills. Our commitment to Cura Personalis or “care for the whole person” means we take a holistic approach to invest in our students’ intellectual, social, physical and spiritual growth, so they can thrive as agents of change. Judge is recognized and respected for challenging students of many races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds to strive for purpose, to prepare for the rigors of a university education, to participate in community service, and ultimately, to return a full measure of value and character to society.
Accepting applications on a rolling basis at judgememorial.org 801.517.2129 650 S. 1100 E., Salt Lake City
LEARN MORE
Juan Diego Catholic Schools WWW.BE-INCLUDED.COM | 801-984-7650
The beautifully designed 57-acre Skaggs Catholic Center in Draper, Utah is home to Guardian Angel Daycare, Saint John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School, Saint John the Baptist Catholic Middle School, and Juan Diego Catholic High School. Whether your child is starting preschool or closing in on high school graduation, Juan Diego Catholic Schools will have a positive impact on your child’s life. Saint John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School has been educating students in Pre-K to 5th grade since 1999, giving parents and young children a strong foothold. Students receive a well-rounded education by addressing the spiritual, academic, social, psychological, and physical development of each child. Students at Saint John the Baptist
Catholic Middle School (SJBMS) are part of a close-knit 6-8 grade community with ideal class sizes, which makes for a successful and productive student body. SJBMS has a one-of-a-kind program that develops advanced seventh and eighthgrade students through Saint John's Academy (SJA). Unlike most middle schools in the valley, SJA allows its students to enroll in accelerated classes, allowing for more advanced and concurrent classes in high school. Juan Diego Catholic High School (JDCHS) places emphasis on academics and the success of its students. Juan Diego students consistently surpass their statewide peers by an impressive four points in college entrance exams (ACT),
while Juan Diego Academy students score a notable eight points above the statewide average. JDCHS is expanding its campus to include a virtual reality lab, eight new cutting-edge science labs and classrooms, an engineering lab, four collaborative classrooms, and a newly renovated computer lab. However, JDCHS goes beyond academics by fostering well-rounded students. Faculty and staff believe in the importance of seeing, hearing, and encouraging students throughout the day, as well as instilling the school's motto, "Spiritus Donorum," or spirit of giving. Juan Diego Catholic Schools invites you to schedule a tour today to find out how growth and opportunity are all… included. Students of all faiths are welcome. Tuition assistance is available go to be-included.com for more information.
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Committed to small class sizes, Judge offers 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, while 75 percent of the school’s faculty hold advanced degrees, seven with PhDs. More than 85 percent of students participate in a sport or activity. And Judge has 28 registered student clubs, including Black Student Union, Allies, Latinos
Unidos and Female Alliance. There truly is a path for everyone at Judge. More than 66 percent of students receive tuition assistance and nearly 40 percent identify as students of color. Our graduating classes, on average, are accepted to more than 150 collective colleges and universities in 40-plus states. And Judge is the only school in Utah to win the prestigious Blue Ribbon award more than once — earning the designation four times. We strive to create a safe and loving environment where students can become vulnerable to learning and open to growth. In turn, our diverse and comprehensive curriculum is transformative and powerful. By emphasizing critical thinking, communication and technology integration in a stimulating environment, Judge Memorial creates a future of possibility for every student — no matter their background or circumstance — to position them to succeed in the global economy. For 100 years, Judge has built a proud legacy of preparing students for college and making a meaningful mark on the world. The school remains dedicated to offering a rigorous curriculum and supportive environment, while ensuring that the doors are open to students of all backgrounds. The threads of Judge’s past and present are inextricably linked, empowering the vision for the school’s second century. With the present-day guidance of a committed administration, faculty and staff, the school continues to build upon the legacy of Catholic education started by founders John and Mary Judge. As Judge embarks on another 100 years, the institution remains invested in Cura Personalis and empowering Builders of a More Just Society.
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Carden Memorial School WWW.CARDENMEMORIALSCHOOL .COM | 801-842-9539
What makes Carden Memorial School the right choice for your child? In a rapidly changing world, we believe some things should stay the same. At Carden, we believe in honoring and preserving childhood. Carden is a nondenominational Christian private school, educating children in Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade. With over 50 years of experience, we help children pursue academic excellence and develop strong character in a joyful learning environment. The Carden approach to learning is incorporated in a traditional, classically based curriculum. Carden teaches patriotism and love for America and its history. Our small class sizes and calm environment allow our highly trained faculty to work with small groups around the teaching table, giving individualized reading, language arts, and math lessons based on student needs. This eye-level interaction holds the students’ attention and allows the teacher to understand how each child learns. Our goal is for each child to take pride in doing their personal best and become independent thinkers and contributing citizens. Our unique phonetically-based reading program, developed by Mae Carden, helps students discover the joy of books early on. By reading aloud daily, children gain fluency and rhythm and become confident, capable readers. By learning from the best in classical literature and poetry, they learn important values and life-long lessons. In addition to our reading program and strong emphasis on math, our core curriculum also includes science, history, Latin, art, music, drama, and P.E.
Field trips enhance classroom learning in all grades, including an optional ski program for 6th – 8th grade. Additionally, students in 7th grade have a summer opportunity to explore Utah’s natural history and 8th grade students backpack through Yellowstone National Park to learn about the unique geographic features and observe wildlife. The culminating experience of 8th grade is the ten-day American History Tour where students visit historical sites, monuments, battlefields, and our nation’s capital. Carden Memorial School provides a unique and excellent educational opportunity where students develop a love of learning; where they hone the skills to read, write, speak, listen, think, and understand; where children grow into wise, contributing citizens, and leave prepared to face their future education and life with confidence and joy. What makes Carden Memorial School the right choice for your child? In a rapidly changing world, we believe some things should stay the same. At Carden, we believe in honoring and preserving childhood. Carden is a nondenominational Christian private school, educating children in Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade. With over 50 years of experience, we help children pursue academic excellence and develop strong character in a joyful learning environment. The Carden approach to learning is incorporated in a traditional, classically based curriculum. Carden teaches patriotism and love for America and its history. Our small class sizes and calm environment allow our highly trained faculty to work with small groups around the teaching table, giving individualized reading, language arts,
and math lessons based on student needs. This eye-level interaction holds the students’ attention and allows the teacher to understand how each child learns. Our goal is for each child to take pride in doing their personal best and become independent thinkers and contributing citizens. Our unique phonetically-based reading program, developed by Mae Carden, helps students discover the joy of books early on. By reading aloud daily, children gain fluency and rhythm and become confident, capable readers. By learning from the best in classical literature and poetry, they learn important values and life-long lessons. In addition to our reading program and strong emphasis on math, our core curriculum also includes science, history, Latin, art, music, drama, and P.E. Field trips enhance classroom learning in all grades, including an optional ski program for 6th – 8th grade. Additionally, students in 7th grade have a summer opportunity to explore Utah’s natural history and 8th grade students backpack through Yellowstone National Park to learn about the unique geographic features and observe wildlife. The culminating experience of 8th grade is the ten-day American History Tour where students visit historical sites, monuments, battlefields, and our nation’s capital. Carden Memorial School provides a unique and excellent educational opportunity where students develop a love of learning; where they hone the skills to read, write, speak, listen, think, and understand; where children grow into wise, contributing citizens, and leave prepared to face their future education and life with confidence and joy.
“Life is a joy, so should be learning.” Mae Carden
Classical Christian education with a Carden approach for grades Jr. Kindergarten to 8th. Small group instruction, classic literature, Latin, proven math curriculum, patriotism and a focus on character development.
Carden Memorial School 1452 East 2700 South Salt Lake City 801-842-9539
www.cardenmemorialschool.com @cardenmemorialschool
Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 | Deseret News Weekend
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The Heartbeat of Kimber Academy KIMBERSCHOOL .COM | 801-382-7158 By Tamara S. Mullen
LINDON, UT. Every place of learning needs a center - that one space where the entire community can gather, and from which everything else emanates. The heartbeat, if you will. But never did Kimber Academy Director Jessica Bianco dream that the ‘heartbeat’ of her Academy would begin with a special gift from a young man named Zach whom she had never met. Zach had stored in his garage a collection of stately furniture in need of a home. But not just any home - it had to be a place where God-given freedoms would surround every sofa, table and chair of his much loved treasure trove. So, it was with a dash of destiny and luck, that Jessica found Zach and procured the pieces that jump-started the Academy’s heartbeat - a soon to be bright and happy lobby where students and families and friends would begin and end each day, with conversation and joy and purpose. Jessica shared what it all meant… “I have always envisioned the lobby at Kimber Academy as an uplifting space where students would feel important and loved, and learn how to care for valuable things, and parents would feel right at home. The furniture we were given by Zach was the launching point in designing this environment. Each piece was artfully covered in fabrics of blues and yellows which happen to be the Academy’s colors, so having this gift was meant to be and we are ever grateful.” “Zach’s furniture is now in great company, as our most powerful symbol of God-given freedoms extends directly from the lobby - it’s called the Hall of Freedom and it forms the central corridor where many of the glorious brave men who fought, sacrificed and often died for our freedoms adorn the walls. Some of these men were Founding Fathers, but others such as Martin Luther and William Tyndale were central figures in the battle to bring the Bible from the Church into the hands and homes and schools of the people. The Hall of Freedom literally inspires the first weeks of our history lessons, and provides a constant reminder of the importance of our Republic.”
Now every morning at the Academy brims with excitement and a sense of calm as students gather to chat with friends before heading to class where their voices will shine in a Devotional of song, prayer, scripture and the Pledge of Allegiance. With time, each classroom has grown in character and style, inspired by the comfort and coziness of the lobby, and shaped by the student body, the mastery of a richly layered curriculum founded in service to God, family and Country, and last but never least, the nooks and crannies that form creative hubs for music, art, reading, and simple play… Jessica imparts… “Take Freedom Hall for example, where seniors can engage in a game of pool, practice a play on stage or sit down for a serious game of chess, all bordered by comfy couches for studying or reading a favorite book. Or Action Hall, where middle schoolers can be found painting in the artist’s corner, playing a tune in the music center, or sinking in huge soft chairs to enjoy a book. Or even Assembly Hall, where elementary students thrive in a world of legos, purple chairs and the most creative science and art projects on planet earth.” “There is even a computer lab where we can teach ethical online behavior, and a soon to be hydroponics lab where students will learn to grow their own food with limited resources. It’s all about creating experiences that encourage self-governance, self-reliance and self-confidence; and helping every student become a responsible steward of our great nation.”
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I have always envisioned the lobby at Kimber Academy as an uplifting space where students would feel important and loved, and learn how to care for valuable things, and parents would feel right at home. The furniture we were given by Zach was the launching point in designing this environment. Each piece was artfully covered in fabrics of blues and yellows which happen to be the Academy’s colors, so having this gift was meant to be and we are ever grateful.”
So as every day comes to a close, Jessica sits in the lobby with even more plans in store. She envisions a Tree of Life carved in wood to recognize and celebrate all who have given to Kimber Academy in service of its mission as the place where one’s faith, family and freedom centered values are applied in the education of children to prepare them for their life’s mission. As she ponders the possibilities of the Tree and all the promise it holds, her thoughts go to those in the Hall of Freedom, “I bet they are smiling.”
This is the place where your Freedom, Family and Faith centered values are applied in the education of your children to prepare them for their life’s mission. Glenn J.
Kimber Academy Aiming Aiming to Serve God, Family & Country
SCHEDULE A TOUR! Call or Scan for tour
135 S State St. #12, Lindon, UT | (801) 382-7158 | KimberSchool.com
Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 | Deseret News Weekend
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ROWLAND HALL ROWLANDHALL .ORG | 801-355-7485 SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Rowland Hall has long provided students of all ages with flexible, transformative educational experiences that equip them with the skills they need to thrive in our dynamic world. As an independent school leader, we are committed to building on our legacy of excellence to shape the future of education—to Develop People the World Needs. We believe students of all ages can create knowledge, not just learn knowledge. And with investments in areas such as applied mathematics, engineering, environmental and research science, technology, and entrepreneurship, we’re preparing students to find solutions to realworld problems. We believe students are the problem solvers, communicators, critical thinkers, and creators the world needs, and we’re expanding opportunities for deep learning that will continue to build these identities. We believe in the benefits of coming together in partnership. By embracing collaboration, we enable meaningful learning and connections that expand perspectives, foster understanding and creativity, build and strengthen community, and shape empathetic, ethical global citizens. Learn more about the future of education, and how our vision is positively impacting both today’s students and generations to come, at rowlandhall.org. ROWLAND HALL STUDENTS IN ACTION
Rowland Hall equips students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive, and many take on real-world problems before they even get to college. The Ninth-Grade Jet Engineers What happens when you’re a group of aviation enthusiasts concerned about the impact of air travel emissions on climate change? For Aiden Gandhi ’25, Eli Hatton ’25, and Evan Weinstein ’25, the answer is: you design a new jet engine. The Budding Water Researcher Upper schooler Ruchi Agarwal ’23 didn’t set out to learn about protecting US water resources, but when the topic was examined by policy debaters, she wanted to dig deeper. Little did she know her journey would lead her to the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. The Research Scientist in the Making Picking a career path can be daunting, especially when your area of interest requires major commitment. That’s why Max Smart ’22 embraced an opportunity to assist Rowland Hall science teacher Dr. Padmashree Rida with research for the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. But this wasn’t just an opportunity to try out a career— it was also a chance to make a difference for patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Read the stories at rowlandhall.org/fineprint.
SAINT SOPHIA SCHOOL Discover, Explore, Imagine, Creat e
Enrollment open for 2023-2024 Toddlers (18 mo. - 2 1/ 2 yrs.) Early Three PreK-3
PreK-4 Kindergarten (Half and Full Day)
Come join us f or a wonderf ul school year! Email: direct or@saint sophiaschool.org
Phone: 80 1-424-1297 5341 S. Highland Drive, Holladay Ut ah
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BYU ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL HIGHSCHOOL .BYU.EDU | 801-422-6058 ONE FAMILY’S PERSPECTIVE: SHIFTING TO ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL
With more high school students taking online courses than ever before, many parents are considering new ways to customize their teens’ education. But uncertainties can make the choice a difficult one. A few years ago, the Thompson family found themselves in this position, and they decided to research options and find a new school for their son, Trent. “We started to broaden our horizons and look at all the different programs,” explains Eric, his father. “We took this as a very serious decision for our family—to make sure that he had the education that he needed,” adds Dee, Trent’s mother. In the end, the Thompsons chose BYU Online High School’s Flex program. “One important thing about BYU is its outstanding reputation. It’s competitive. It’s challenging. It prepares students. It’s tight. It’s been tested to be a good program.” The transition to full-time online school was a growing experience that has brought benefits to the whole family. As Dee describes, “Through the program embracing us and welcoming us, giving us all the tools to let Trent be successful, he learned how to be more independent.” As Eric recounts, “We gave it a year, and Trent came to us and said, “You know what? I want to stick with this program. I really like it. I want to finish my high school education with BYU’s Flex program.” That commitment led to a full-family dedication to maximizing Trent’s education. “We encourage Trent to use the program with all the resources,” says Dee. Periodically students meet with an advisor to talk about their goals and choose their courses from BYU’s large catalog—more than 200 courses for grades 9-12. Trent says, “My favorite thing about the program would definitely be the custom classes. I want to be a firefighter, so I can take classes to introduce me to that. I’m taking an emergency medical responder course, whereas I would not be able to do anything near that in my public school.” In addition to career exploration and college preparation in their coursework, full-time online students also have more scheduling flexibility to develop new talents. While other BYU Online
High School students pursue interests like golf, construction, or music performance, Trent prefers mountain biking. “It kind of just checks off everything I love, you know, being in nature, getting away from everything, and just giving your mind a break…. I’ve been able to meet more people that I actually relate with more—just because I met them doing something that I love.” Pausing, Trent adds, “Actually, mountain biking has related to my school…. Through mountain biking, I could really focus on problem solving. There could be a certain part on a trail that I used to hate, and now I can do it just fine—a subject in school I used to really not like, and now I like it. They can really compare in that way.” With certified, proactive teachers, peer mentors, and free tutoring included in their tuition, BYU Online High School students have access to excellent course support services. “The Student Success Center is a fantastic resource for Trent…. They’re so warm and welcoming, and they customize how you learn and how they can help you be successful,” says Dee. Students like Trent serve as living proof that personalized online learning can yield many positive benefits such as critical thinking, selfreliance, motivation, and accountability. “He feels an excitement when he gets good grades, seeing what his grades are, what his coursework is, what’s expected. And he feels like he has more command of his time,” says Dee. As other Online High School students have reported, Trent feels a strong sense of accomplishment in what he is achieving and who he is becoming. “It really showed me who I was as a person, and it helped me grow educationally,” he says.
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We took this as a very serious decision for our family—to make sure that he had the education that he needed,” adds Dee, Trent’s mother. In the end, the Thompsons chose BYU Online High School’s Flex program. “One important thing about BYU is its outstanding reputation. It’s competitive. It’s challenging. It prepares students. It’s tight. It’s been tested to be a good program.”
His parents agree. “His self-reliance is increased, as well as his self-image and self-motivation. We couldn’t have asked for these qualities and gifts to be so highly preparing him for college,” Eric says. “And that’s kind of quality education that we want for our son,” Dee says. “BYU has always been so warm and welcoming and wanting our whole family to succeed. Not just Algebra 2 to succeed, not just “trying” to succeed. They see education as it impacts the entire family. And when you participate, and you are genuinely committed to it, thriving is natural.”
Bringing Education Home Be part of a worldwide online high school that excels at personalized education! • Faith-friendly environment • Flexible enrollment options • Global student community across 44 countries
Info sessions are held weekly.
Join us!
Learn more at
highschool.byu.edu
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
L.A. Catholic schools are growing after years of decline. But is it enough? By Andrew J. Campa Los Angeles Times (TNS)
LOS ANGELES — When the time came to select her daughter’s elementary school, Inglewood, California, resident Nichole Celistan searched for a campus that fostered community, a school where her child would thrive. Class size, quality instruction and extracurricular activities were important. But more than a year into the pandemic that upended education, Celistan, who was raised Baptist and considers herself non-religious, turned in a direction she hadn’t expected. In 2021, her daughter Akira started first grade at St. Eugene Catholic school in South Los Angeles. “When I researched local public and private schools, I of course checked the academics and test scores, but I also asked about the campus community,” Celistan said. “I just didn’t want my daughter to attend school but to feel welcomed, to grow spiritually and to develop special bonds that were broken during the pandemic.” Celistan is among the parents of some 3,000 students who have decided to enroll their children in a school within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which takes in 255 elementary and high schools from Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The archdiocese has a modicum of reason to celebrate this academic year after decades of enrollment declines were accelerated by an alarming pandemic-fueled plunge that threatened many schools in one of the largest private education systems in the nation. The archdiocese reported a 2.05% increase for this school year during its October survey, contributing to total growth of 4.58% in enrollment since June 2020. Although the two-year upswing is encouraging, archdiocesan schools are not close to erasing the effects of the massive student exodus during the pandemic — with overall enrollment down 8.9% when compared with that of fall 2019. The plunge prompted the closure of 10 elementary schools and one high school in mostly working-class communities, including Boyle Heights, El Sereno, Hollywood and Pomona. Much is at stake during this winter’s admission season as the pressure mounts on
schools to intensify recruitment efforts in the hopes of regaining enrollment losses to keep teetering schools open. But parochial schools face the same enrollment challenges as public schools in Los Angeles and throughout the state: a smaller school-age population. In 2022, California public school enrollment dropped for the fifth year in a row — a decline of more than 110,000 students. Archdiocese enrollment cratered at the end of the 2020-21 school year to 64,685 students, marking a 12.24% loss of about 9,000 students. Total losses mounted to almost 10,000 students since the pre-pandemic school year of 2018-19, when there were 74,404 students. The pandemic drops were compounded by two decades of a cumulative 25% decline. In 2000, nearly 100,000 students attended Catholic schools. Paul Escala, Los Angeles Archdiocese superintendent, said affordability has been at the heart of enrollment declines for years. But pandemic shutdowns, hardships and layoffs stung many of the school system’s workingclass families — 70% of whom are low-income — forcing parents to pull their children out. Even with scholarships, families have been unable to pay tuition — which ranges from $3,500 to $6,000 for elementary education in most parts of L.A. And free options abound at public and charter campuses as all schools compete for a shrinking number of school-age children. The spiral prompted Catholic schools to reach out to families that had left as well as broaden their outreach. “We saw communities, particularly those hardest hit, rally around their schools,” Escala said. “These were some of the few places during the pandemic where parents and students could connect, where spirituality and faith during a real dark time were cultivated.” The Los Angeles gains were in line with an overall 2.73% private school one-year enrollment increase in Los Angeles County for the 2021-22 academic year, with 145,077 students attending non-public schools. National Catholic schools also gained 3.8% during the same school year, which marked the first enrollment boost in two decades. John Beltramo, a lecturer at Santa Clara University and diocese director of San Jose and Monterey programs that develop Catholic school teachers, credits fast-acting dioceses around the country, including Los Angeles,
for their success in getting “students back into the classroom much quicker than public schools.” He said those actions made Catholic schools “attractive to families that haven’t considered them.” Yet that good news is not enough, he said. “The questions shifted to, ‘OK, now what?’ and ‘How do we keep this going?’ “ Beltramo said. “This is still a very critical time for schools, and they need to take advantage of this opportunity.” Only Catholic elementary schools experienced enrollment gains; the archdiocese’s 50 high schools lost about 500 students over the last two years. Some of the elementary schools with the highest increases are in working-class communities, including St. Jerome School in Westchester (36%), Holy Spirit STEM Academy in Mid-City (27.74%), St. Eugene (23.2%) and St. Odilia (21.67%), both in South Los Angeles, and Sacred Heart Elementary School in Lincoln Heights (17.32%). Celynda Kingsby, principal at St. Eugene, said her school, which charges $3,900 tuition for the first child, crashed from 207 students during the 2019-20 school year to 162 the following year. Kingsby doubled down on efforts to promote “belonging, family and community” to families hit by the pandemic. Kingsby gave her cell number to parents, posed for selfies with students and welcomed community members. She promotes weekly Mass and prayer discussions on a campus that is 60% non-Catholic. She has invited alumni to enroll their children and plans to speak about her school to community parent groups, such as the Mocha Moms organization, where Celistan served as a previous chapter president. As of October, the efforts paid off as St. Eugene erased its deficit and now has 211 students enrolled. Kingsby said she’s “happy, but not satisfied.” “We have to let the community know we’re here and we have something great to offer,” she said. “Otherwise, we may not be here one day.” At St. Jerome in Westchester, a prekindergarten through eighth-grade school, fifth-year Principal Tom MacDonald said his campus bounced back from its 202021 enrollment of 94 to 147 at the October enrollment check.
MacDonald pitches the school’s ratio of 12 to 14 students per class, which is difficult to find elsewhere. While the numbers were attractive, he said, bonding and spirituality resonated more with parents, who pay about $6,000 in tuition per child. “Families tell me they feel isolated and broken from the pandemic and they want to reconnect,” MacDonald said. “We’re letting them know St. Jerome is the place to heal and feel this sense of family. If we can’t be that place, we’re in trouble.” Although many of the biggest enrollment successes have taken place in Los Angeles Unified territory, where only 30% of likely voters polled in March thought positively of the 500,000-plus-student school district, there were also gains in highly competitive areas. St. Bede is located in affluent La Cañada Flintridge, where La Cañada Unified was just ranked the fourth-best school district in California by Niche. Since June 2021, the campus has grown 14% to its current total of 265 students. During that time, St. Bede opened a transitional kindergarten classroom and expanded foreign language classes from only two grades to a curriculum now spanning transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. While each grade averages about 32 students, core subjects such as literature, math and science are split into two classes that serve 16 students each. Although the academic push was important in enticing La Crescenta parents Krista and Justin Pagliuso, who enrolled their two school-age children in St. Bede from nearby high-performing public schools, community and faith were paramount. “The religious component was ... important and getting to know most classroom parents was really special,” Krista Pagliuso, 36, said. She added, “When we looked at the public schools around us, they were very nice, but they were twice as big.” Beltramo said the last 18 months offer Catholic schools a road map for recruitment success. Rather than compare campuses with public schools, they should promote what a public school can’t offer: faith and spirituality. “Schools shouldn’t focus as much on secular goals but, rather, on building this sense of belonging,” he said.
Senate panel OKs bill to build on teachers’ $6,000 salary bump By Marjorie Cortez Deseret News
A bill unanimously endorsed by the Senate Education Committee Friday will add value over time to the $6,000 teacher supplement granted to licensed educators under the Utah Fits All Scholarship bill. SB183, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, will index the $6,000 supplement to the same percentage that lawmakers increased the value of the weighted pupil unit the previous fiscal year. The WPU is the basic building block of public education funding in Utah. “This bill is actually quite simple but it’s very profound in the policy that we’re proposing to change,” Vickers told members of the Senate Education Committee. Jay Blain, director of policy and research for the Utah Education Association, urged the committee to give HB183 a favorable recommendation. “The changes here are very positive and will benefit educators in the state. We give appreciation here to the sponsor and would encourage everyone to support this bill,” he said. The bill also eliminated language that said any teacher who received a negative evaluation would be ineligible for the supplement. HB183 amends that language to say an educator would have to receive three consecutive unsatisfactory evaluations to lose the supplement. Vickers said the language was changed at the suggestion of Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton. Adams’ daughter, who is a public school teacher, brought the existing language regarding teacher evaluations to his attention, Vickers said. Vickers said the bill’s effects will be profound “especially on our teachers that are working so hard in the education community.” HB183 is a companion bill to the HB215, which created a state-funded scholarship program allowing eligible parents to use $8,000 for private school, home schooling or other private educational options. The bill, which also established a $6,000
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Elissa Ludlum, right, and others give a thumbs-up after hearing a public comment during a House Education Committee hearing concerning HB215 at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. The bill would create the Utah Fits All Scholarships, which would link a teacher salary increase to a “school choice” program.
compensation increase for educators, was controversial because it tied the educator supplement to the choice scholarship, which is a significant change in education policy. The Utah Fits All Scholarship can be used for private education expenses such as curriculum, textbooks, education, software,
tutoring services, micro-school teacher salaries or private school tuition. State funding for the program’s inaugural year is capped at $42 million. One lawmaker who is a public school teacher said the teacher salary boost was akin to a “bribe,” but he voted for HB215
nonetheless. The educator salary adjustment created under HB215 is for teachers who hold Utah State Board of Education licenses or other education professionals licensed by the Division of Professional Licensing such as social workers, psychologists or audiologists.
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Utah Connections Academy UTAHCONNECTIONSACADEMY.COM | 800-382-6010
Utah Connections Academy has officially opened enrollment for the 2023-24 school year, and interested families are welcome to learn more about the school. Families that learn about what makes UCA different are the very ones that enroll. Since 2011, families throughout the state have turned to Utah Connections Academy, a tuitionfree statewide online public school for students in grades K-12, for its high-quality learning experience in a safe, virtual learning environment. Each year, Utah Connections Academy parents provide feedback in a Parent Satisfaction Survey and in 2022, 95% of parents agree the program provides more involvement in their students education “The flexibility of Utah Connections Academy is important for us” said Talene Spangler, a Parent / Learning Coach at Utah Connections Academy whose daughter is a 9th grader. “I appreciate the fact that there is more one-on-one time with my daughter’s teachers. She’s the type of student that if she has a question, she’ll ask her teachers directly and the teachers at Utah Connections Academy fully explain what she needs to know offering her full support,” she added. Utah Connections Academy’s statecertified teachers receive specialized training in online teaching techniques and virtual classroom learning, which allows them to provide the attention needed to help students succeed academically. UCA’s teachers are dedicated to the learning of every student and they cite being able to build relationships with their students and interact with them like they never had time for in an in-person school environment. Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Utah Connections Academy students
are diverse and come from all different backgrounds and educational histories. Some students are academically advanced and struggle in a brick-andmortar setting, while some prefer to learn at their own pace. Other students may be experiencing health challenges or bullying, while others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule. High School students are able to take Concurrent Enrollment courses and AP / Honors courses and earn college credit. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions, clubs and field trips. Students and parents often ask, “how will my student be connected to their peers?” UCA offers in person field trips, social events and volunteer opportunities, all with the goal of bringing young people together in a monitored environment. Connecting with other students at school and in the local community is a big part of what makes Utah Connections Academy such a perfect choice. UCA is committed to offering students a wide range of clubs and activities throughout the school year. From technology/STEM, to theatre and leadership, a student led News Team, Esports, Anime, Baking Clubs and Career based programs.
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The flexibility of Utah Connections Academy is important for us” said Talene Spangler, a Parent / Learning Coach at Utah Connections Academy whose daughter is a 9th grader. “I appreciate the fact that there is more one-on-one time with my daughter’s teachers. She’s the type of student that if she has a question, she’ll ask her teachers directly and the teachers at Utah Connections Academy fully explain what she needs to know offering her full support,” she added.
Utah Connections Academy students learn in a variety of ways. Students cite Live Lessons, course work, discussions and small group work as the many different ways they enjoy learning. Students appreciate that they can still do science experiments, watch plays, participate in music and art. Families interested in Utah Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover how UCA is the right fit for their student. To learn more visit www. UtahConnectionsAcademy.com/events or call 800-382-6010.
Built to help students
THRIVE
Utah Connections Academy is a tuition-free online public school that teaches K–12 students the skills and confidence to adapt and thrive in today’s changing world. Families at Utah Connections Academy benefit from: Flexibility: Set a daily school schedule that works for your family. State-Certified Teachers: Our caring, supportive teachers are specially-trained to teach online. Accreditation*: Our high-quality curriculum meets state standards and is designed by experts to give students the knowledge and skills they need to thrive after graduation. Proven track record: Every day, we draw on 10+ years of experience teaching students online.
Enrollment for the 2023–2024 school year is open! Learn more at UtahConnectionsAcademy.com.
*Utah Connections Academy is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), which are accrediting divisions of Cognia.
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Mountain Heights Academy CONTACT: EMAIL: WWW.MOUNTAINHEIGHTSACADEMY.ORG | PHONE: 801.721.6329 Contributed by Mountain Heights Academy
Maybe it’s because of how they learn, the distance to get to school, or because a student is participating in extracurriculars that just don’t line up with brick-and-mortar schooling. The fact is, traditional school just doesn’t work for every student. Since 2009, Mountain Heights Academy has worked hard to provide a better solution for Utah students in grades 7-12 that need something different. Our mission is to develop connected, successful learners through online education. INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED DIGITAL LEARNING.
At Mountain Heights Academy, digital education is not regular school via Zoom. It involves thoughtful consideration of curriculum, courses, and teaching methods that maximize student learning. Curriculum is carefully designed and organized to guide students toward learning mastery. As a leader in digital education, we are continually refining our curriculum and teaching methods to stay on the cutting edge of digital learning. Students control the time, place, and pace of their learning. At Mountain Heights students sign up for classes that have assignments and due dates. But they also have the freedom to log in and access learning anytime, from anywhere. They control the control the time, place, and pace of learning This flexibility is consistently recognized by parents and students as the top benefit of Mountain Heights Academy. Some students are early birds and like to get up and get schoolwork done to do other things during daytime. Others are night owls. Still others prefer to break up learning throughout the day. Some pursue things like professional athletics — and even with hectic travel schedules, they can still excel at school. So long as the current class module is wrapped at Friday by 6:00p, the student decides when and how they learn.
COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION.
Beyond academics, a Mountain Heights education equips students with important life
For
skills like time management, self-direction, and technological know-how. These skills transfer directly into modern college and vocational education, and into future careers. RECEIVE UNPARALLELED TEACHER SUPPORT.
Teachers are the cornerstone of a successful learning environment and Mountain Heights Academy. Our teachers assess individual students’ needs and learning styles and customize the curriculum accordingly. Students receive regular one-onone interaction with teachers and can contact them during daily office hours for help through live video call, real-time messaging, or by phone. Students and parents often find that because there are so many ways to connect, our teachers are more available and more in sync with students than those they had in traditional schools.
NOT JUST ONLINE.
Through events such as service-learning activities, field trips, and school dances, Mountain Heights students have many opportunities to meet face-to-face social with peers and teachers. There are also opportunities for leadership, including the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, student government, and a variety of clubs.
EDUCATION IS NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL.
Mountain Heights Academy offers both a full-time and part-time digital learning options. Our full-time students receive a rich, accredited, middle and high school education. We’re also an approved online course provider for part-time students through the Utah Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP). SOEP allows students to mix and match in-person classes at their neighborhood school with online classes by taking up to four credits at Mountain Heights Academy each year. There are many reasons to consider this hybrid format. Students can take classes they can’t fit into their schedule. If they have important morning or afternoon commitments, they can start in-person school a little later or finish a little earlier. They can take a class during the summer
lots
to get caught up, or to work toward an earlier graduation. It’s also a great way to get one-on-one attention from a teacher on a difficult subject. Students can even get a jump on college credits — or try out that elective they never would have been able to try otherwise. GIVE IT A TRY.
With unparalleled teacher interaction, personalized instruction, excellent state
of
reasons. We are a fully accredited,
tuition-free, full- and part-time online charter school for grades 7–12 with a wide range of middle and high school courses. With unparalleled teacher interaction and personalized instruction, we know how to keep students on track and help them succeed.
test scores, and high graduation rates, Mountain Heights Academy is Utah’s top rated, accredited online charter school. Mountain Heights Academy works for all kinds of students, and it just might work for yours too. The school is accepting full-time student applications for the 2023-24 school year and part-time applications for summer quarter.
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Summit Academy WWW.SUMMITACADEMYSCHOOLS.ORG | 801-987-8755
WHAT’S YOUR SUMMIT? WE WANT TO KNOW YOU!
Journey with us to innovatively create a challenging, individualized educational journey for your child! In a day when families aren’t sure what to trust in schools or where their child’s needs will be met, Summit Academy’s educators are here to partner with families on a journey to reach each student’s individual summit. Call today to learn more: 801-987-8755. Principal Cutler will return your call and answer questions about any of Summit’s four campuses serving students in grades K-12 at the south end of the valley in Bluffdale and Draper. TUITION FREE CHARTER SERVING UTAH STUDENTS FOR 18 YEARS
Our Mission: “Summit Academy excites a student’s desire to learn and succeed now and in the future. Our dynamic student-teacher-family community sees each student as a whole person and together creates a challenging individualized educational journey toward intellectual success and personal well-being.” GERMAN AND SPANISH IMMERSION OPTIONS NEW E-SPORT ARENA AND BROADCAST MEDIA COURSES MEMBER OF THE UHSAA
In the fall of 2003, a small group of parents came together to build a charter school that would provide a quality education emphasizing strong academics, dynamic student-teacher interaction, and the discovery of each student’s unique talents and interests. Come and see how we are doing that today!
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SEEING STUDENTS AS INDIVIDUALS
Summit Academy excites a student’s desire to learn and succeed now and in the future. Our dynamic student-teacher-family community sees each student as a whole person and together creates a challenging individualized educational journey toward intellectual success and personal well-being.”
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GO TO HIGH SCHOOL... GRADUATE WITH A CAREER!
Tuition FREE Public Charter School Early College Partnership with Davis Tech Enrolling Grades 9-12 for Next Year
LOCATED ON THE CAMPUS OF DAVIS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
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Mountain West Montessori Academy WWW.MWMACADEMY.COM | PHONE: 801-566-6962 WHY MONTESSORI?
Montessori Schools are uniquely designed to give children the benefit of a close-knit community. In the interest of teaching mutual respect, Montessori educators do not treat children as lesser people to be controlled, but rather as fellow humans to be respected. In a Montessori School, children have an individualized and interdisciplinary curriculum that maintains intellectual curiosity. The Montessori learning experience encourages students to learn to manage their time, become engaged in learning, and pursue their passions.
WHAT MAKES A PROGRAM MONTESSORI?
Multi-Age Groupings Younger children learn from older children; older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered. This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.
UNINTERRUPTED WORK TIME
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2023-2024 Tours held every Thursday at 10 am Working within parameters set by their teachers, students are active participants in choosing their focus of learning. Internal satisfaction drives your child’s curiosity and interest and results in sustainable, joyous learning. www.mwmacademy.com | 801-566-6962 4125 West Foxview Drive, South Jordan, UT 84095
Paradigm Schools WWW.PARADIGMSCHOOLS.ORG | 801-676-1018
I am a Paradigm Patriot. I am a free soul with the capacity to learn and grow. I am a scholar and a servant leader. I have gifts that make me unique and powerful. I engage in the great conversation of ideas. I can overcome hard things and persist in my learning no matter how challenging. I take responsibility for my actions. I live in gratitude. I honor the nobility in every person. I seek the true, the good, and the beautiful. I accept my shared responsibility to create a free society and a better world. This is the Paradigm Declaration, recited every morning by our scholars and staff. This is our way of reminding ourselves about what our values mean to us and of our role in our society. Paradigm Schools was founded in 2006 by a group of families who homeschool their children. They wanted to find a school that was founded on principles of freedom and utilized classical educational philosophies. At Paradigm, we see ourselves as a resource to families. One of our foundational principles is that parents are the primary educators for their children and that schools are to serve as a resource to families, not as experts
over parents. It is our view that parents hold the responsibility to teach their children math, science, reading, and so on, but because parents can’t do it all, this is where a school comes in to assist. A school should be used as a way to help fulfill a family’s educational goals and work in partnership to provide the best learning and growing experience. This is exactly what we do! Our commitment is to be the best resource to families we can be by working with families to provide highquality educational experiences through our unique program for the scholars who attend our school and are ready for this type of education. We provide a classical liberal arts education with a Socratic discussion method used in the classroom. We want our scholars to learn how to think and not what to think. We believe this is the key to becoming well-rounded and productive individuals. If any of this sounds appealing to you or you think your child could benefit from a school with a safe environment with a challenging educational experience, please visit our website, www.paradigmschools.org, to sign-up for a tour or to apply for enrollment.
Students need to have time to work through various tasks and responsibilities at their own pace. This uninterrupted work time is when the building of coordination, concentration, independence and order, and the assimilation of information is able to occur.
GUIDED CHOICE OF ACTIVITIES
Maria Montessori understood the natural learning diversity in students and created an environment for children where they come each day and choose what they want to work on.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
We are unique in that we are a familyoriented school, with a faculty policy for bringing infants to work and subsidized childcare on-site for full-time teachers. We have also established an elementary Gifted & Talented identification and enrichment program, called Accelerated Learners, and offer middle school honors courses as well as an AP Human Geography course for 9th-grade students. Our accelerated learners, dubbed “The Adventurous Ones” by the students, attend pull-out groups in either Literacy or STEM (or both), based on their CogAT scores. The groups happen weekly, and are run by our Accelerated Learners teacher and paraeducator. The underlying philosophy of our program is the development of growth mindset, embracing productive struggle, and feeling friendly about mistakes. The purpose of the program is to meet specific student needs by challenging students in order to avoid the “coasting” that can occur when classroom tasks are very easy for students in the area of their cognitive gifts. Although Montessori is already individualized, we feel that providing some challenging enrichment time with peers who have similar gifts will better meet the needs of these students.
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Arches Academy WWW.ARCHESACADEMY.COM | 801-374-5480
Arches Academy has been empowering students for over 10 years and is the only school in Utah Valley that provides interactive, Gifted & Talented educational experiences for all students. Through our non-traditional, project-based approach, we empower students to think innovatively, engage in collaborative groups, create meaningful connections through an inclusive global mindset, and develop their innate creative and curious energy. GIFTED AND TALENTED FOR ALL
Arches Academy operates as an independent school, which allows us to integrate our Gifted and Talented program into each classroom for each student. Our K-9 classes are capped at 18 students allowing our teachers to give each student an individualized learning experience equipping them with the innate learning tools, talents, and strategies to help them build a strong foundation for their education. We recognize, train, and enhance these talents in order to empower students to achieve their highest potential in core academic subjects and beyond. Our gifted and talented model is experienced by every student, not just a few who “test in.” Students are encouraged to follow their passions and pursue projects that excite them, even topics that go above and beyond a state curriculum. These projects are often team endeavors and are always nurtured by the coaching and guidance of a capable teacher.
LEVELED LEARNING
Students attending Arches Academy are challenged by their ability level rather than their grade level. This means that our students go to classes that fit their ability level rather than the class that is based on their age/grade level. An example: a 3rd grade student capable of completing math at a 4th grade level attends the 4th grade level math class rather than the third grade level math class. Our leveled learning classes allow each student the attention they need, whether it’s more time and practice to master a skill, or extra challenges to engage their capabilities.
WELL-BALANCED CURRICULUM
From core classes to fine arts and STEAM, Arches Academy provides students with a well-balanced assortment of learning opportunities. Because we can provide a variety of classes to all of our students, we are
able to apply cross-curricular teaching techniques to all of our grades. Cross-curricular teaching is the method of using multiple academic disciplines simultaneously to effectively teach students how to problem solve, give real-world meaning to assignments, and increase engagement in the classroom. With teacher collaboration, students experience what they are learning in one class in a myriad of ways. An example: Our 4th grade studied Dynasties and Conquerors of China in history class. When they went to art, they dove deeper through calligraphy art and porcelain paintings. During STEAM, they created Twitter accounts for the famous conquerors of China. Providing interactive learning opportunities is an exciting part of an Arches Academy education, where we engage an active, learner-centric methodology where learners put knowledge and skills to use in a meaningful and relevant fashion. Field trips are another example of learning through experiencing that we incorporate into our curriculum in every grade level at Arches. Our students receive learning experiences that exceed traditional educational expectations. ASK OUR PARENTS:
“Arches has changed my daughter’s entire perception of school - she loves going now! And it has also bought me great peace of mind, knowing that she is well taken care of each day - her teacher is phenomenal. She understands my daughter’s needs, goes out of her way and makes time to give her extra help on things she needs, and creates individual opportunities in areas she’s excited about - it really is a custom-tailored education. I can’t really recommend it highly enough. Every child should be having this experience.” “We love Arches Academy. Our kids have grown so much and the teachers truly love and appreciate every student. The kids have so many fun activities mixed in with their curriculum.”
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Arches has changed my daughter’s entire perception of school - she loves going now! And it has also bought me great peace of mind, knowing that she is well taken care of each day - her teacher is phenomenal. She understands my daughter’s needs, goes out of her way and makes time to give her extra help on things she needs, and creates individual opportunities in areas she’s excited about - it really is a custom-tailored education.
“Arches Academy has exceeded my expectations! Arches has helped my daughter excel academically as well as feel loved and accepted. They also have provided amazing experiences with art, music, drama, language and field trips. They truly want what’s best for the students and I’m grateful for my daughter to be there!”
VOTED UTAH VALLEY’S #1 PRIVATE SCHOOL AND PRESCHOOL INTERACTIVE LEARNING EMPOWERING KIDS
FIND OUT WHY! CALL (801) 374-5480 VISIT www.archesacademy.com
Preschool Elementary School Middle School
ALL-SCHOOL M U S I C A L
Preschool-9th Grade
STEAM classes
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HAWTHORN ACADEMY HAW THORNACADEMY.ORG | 801-260-3040
Hawthorn Academy opened its doors for the first time in 2009 with a campus in West Jordan. As the student body grew, so did the need for a second campus and in 2015 the South Jordan campus opened its doors. Between the two campuses, Hawthorn can serve 1600 students in Kindergarten through ninth grade. As a tuition-free public charter school, Hawthorn is positioned to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. STUDENT SUCCESS
Students at Hawthorn Academy work hard to achieve academic and social awareness and to be included in the fulfillment of their aspirations and dreams. Each student learns differently and, at Hawthorn, every student is learning and achieving great things. Programs like WIN Time (What I Need) and SOAR are in place to ensure every student is learning at their level and getting the help they need to complete their work. These programs ensure diverse needs are met by allowing teachers to individualize education and help students see academic success. In addition to these programs, students learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills through STEM education. Hawthorn also has a variety of enrichment opportunities available to all students to address the needs of the whole child.
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Equity ensures that all students are included in the educational experience at Hawthorn Academy and that all students are learning at high levels. Equity means that opportunities are offered to students to explore different paths to success while learning the fundamentals with high levels of expectation. Students come from a variety of backgrounds to be appreciated while seeking common ground among their peers with empathy, respect, and a collaborative spirit. Hawthorn has a variety of resources that allow all students to find their place within the walls of the school.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
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As a school, Hawthorn Academy is dedicated to growth and learning excellence. Administration, faculty, and staff collaborate to explore new ideas and concepts. With a curriculum focused on 21st-century learning, Hawthorn fosters creativity and encourages communication, collaboration, and critical thinking in students. This approach develops creative innovators and prepares students for college and career readiness. The future is bright for Hawthorn and its students.
to schedule a tour
Hawthorn Academy 1437 West 11400 South South Jordan, UT 84095 Grades K thru 6th
NEW ST UD ENT I NF OR M A T I ON NI GH T ! We invite you to our New Student Information and Application Night at Innovations Early College Public High School.
nt: Do you wa ation? Early gradu e? Early colleg rses? Faster cou TE and Access to C electives? cher? Mentor tea nd Diversity a Inclusivity?
We welcome any students going into 9th-12th grade next year, inperson or online, and their guardians to attend. Tour the school and apply, meet with teachers, and learn more about what makes Innovations great!
Are you ready TO BE on the journey of a lifetime? Itineris Early College High School’s mission is TO BE the school of choice for those seeking an early college experience in a small, caring environment. IECHS serves students in grades 9-12 and is located West Jordan. If you want TO BE ahead, apply today!
Ranked as a TOP High School in Utah and the Nation!
We hope to see you there! • Student safety is our PRIORITY! “A” rating from Niche.
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Early College Courses AP Courses Honors Level
of last year’s seniors graduated with college credit.
SMALL
school and classes
Upcoming events: February 21, 2023 March 21, 2023 April 18,2023 Time: 6:30pm Where: Innovations Early College High School 1700 S State Street Salt Lake City, UT OR visit our website for the Zoom link.
www.innovationshigh.org
worth of scholarships were awarded to the 2022 graduating class.
BE Informed!
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Computer Science eSports Career Organizations Student Government Latinos in Action Release Time Dances & Socials Service Opportunities & More!
of last year’s seniors earned a Certificate of Completion or Associate Degree.
State funded, tuition-free public tuition high school serving grades 9-12, partnered with Salt Lake Community College.
UTA Train & Bus pass for all students included with registration.