Academics and Programming

Bishop Dunne will strengthen and expand its tradition of academic and programming excellence with innovative instruction to increase competitiveness with peer institutions and build self-sufficiency.

GOAL 1

Develop academic programs with a strong college preparatory curriculum so that students have the necessary resources to challenge themselves to achieve their potential, and to equip them to compete for merit scholarships and, if they choose, admission to highly selective colleges and universities.

Strategy

a. Develop and offer a college-prep curriculum taught by highly qualified teachers providing unique experiences and supporting independent thinking. b. Incorporate community involvement and social justice in the academic curriculum whenever appropriate. c. Build intellectual skills, such as analytical and critical thinking, to prepare students to understand tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges and respond effectively to them. d. Explore new technologies and apply appropriate industry and professional tools to address classroom exercises and real-world issues. e. Prioritize and embed the values of cultural humility, inclusion, and growth mindset in course offerings. f. Ensure that counseling assistance available to Bishop

Dunne students promotes mental wellbeing as well as successful college readiness. g. Assess the effectiveness of the College Ready Academy for students who are first generation college bound. h. Expose all Bishop Dunne students to unique opportunities and experiences to build their profiles that would open doors academically, personally, and professionally.

GOAL 2

Challenge students to expand themselves beyond academic with extracurricular opportunities to explore, lead and achieve excellence in athletics, arts, music/band, and/or clubs.

Strategy

a. Design and implement a comprehensive service program that offers middle school and high school students an array of opportunities to serve the community. b. Assess and expand Bishop Dunne’s Peer Ministry program. c. Assess, evaluate, and provide the retreat programs for students and faculty. d. Develop partnerships with outside organizations (other high schools, colleges, theater organizations, and art groups) to assist students in pursuing fine art opportunities. e. Integrate service-learning models in academic programming to enhance and strengthen students’ skills as servant leaders. f. Strive to build community through sports and performing arts groups, both within the school and beyond. g. Ensure that students have access to extracurricular programming, including athletic offerings, relevant to their interest and abilities, and to the Bishop Dunne mission. h. Ensure that all programs are accessible and welcoming to students with physical disabilities.

GOAL 3

Design and provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to expand and explore their potential as educators.

Strategy

a. Create programs and an environment where teacher and staff have opportunities to receive competitive compensation, financial, and administrative support. b. Provide learning opportunities and collaborative tools to adapt to ever-changing educational environments and passionately push students to meet their individual potential. c. Reward exceptional teachers with both financial incentives as well as financial aid to pursue advance education. d. Develop a funding plan to support faculty professional development. e. Establish and maintain program/activities to promote high morale, engagement, and retention within the faculty and staff.