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HOLY CHILD
AT HOLY CHILD... We believe an individualized, challenging, and joyful approach to education creates the next generation of female leaders. Connelly School of the Holy Child is a Catholic, college preparatory school committed to the intellectual, spiritual, artistic, physical, and social development of young women in grades 6-12. We welcome students and families of different faiths and diverse backgrounds. In keeping with the philosophy of our founder, Cornelia Connelly, Holy Child values the uniqueness of each individual and fosters a life of service to others.
Academics
Holy Child offers a rigorous, innovative, and engaging academic program of studies. With our 7:1 student/ teacher ratio, students and teachers develop close relationships that create a supportive environment, and a positive and uplifting school culture. Our unique school culture helps foster optimal learning for each individual ensuring that she will realize her true potential.
Graduation Requirements
A student must earn a minimum of 24 credits over four years. A credit is earned for every year-long course that meets four times per five-day rotation. Credit may be accrued on a partial basis if class meetings are less than four times in a 10-day rotation or are semester in duration.
Experiential Learning
Holy Child offers students a unique experiential journey through enhanced classroom learning allowing our students to develop as leaders, global citizens, and women of actions not words. S H C J NETWOR K SC HOOL E XC HANG E : Available to
sophomores, the Society of Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ) Network School Exchange allows students to experience Cornelia Connelly’s vision for her schools on a global scale. Students can attend the Holy Child School in Killiney, Ireland or Mayfield Senior in Pasadena, California from February – March. Those that host our students then visit our school in Potomac in April.
G L O BA L LEA RNI NG: Holy Child students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture to learn the language, experience a different community, and bring back learnings to their peers. Most trips also include a service component.
PRO JECT-BAS ED LE AR NI NG: Project-based learning is a
dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore and identify realworld problems and challenges and then work together to develop a solution. Critical life skills are gained as well as a deepening of knowledge.
NA T IONAL G AL LE R Y OF AR T MUSE UM M AK E R S:
Over the past five years, Holy Child has been a proud partner of the National Gallery of Art by having one student each year complete the Museum Makers program. Students who participate in this program explore art through observation, sketching, in-gallery group discussions, independent research on a work of art of their choice, and visual journaling. Behind-the-scenes visits with museum professionals introduce career possibilities, from curating and education to architecture and security.
V I S I BLE LEARNI NG:
Students at Holy Child understand who they are as learners in order to maximize their potential. Visible thinking is a flexible and systematic research-based conceptual framework, which aims to integrate the development of students’ thinking with content learning across subject matters. Using visible thinking, students are provided with clarity and transparency of the cognitive process, while it is happening. When thinking is made visible, students are aware of their own thoughts and thought processes as well as those with whom they work.
H ARKNES S: These discussions require an encouraging and open-minded
environment which pairs beautifully with our school culture. This method of instruction allows students to construct meaning instead of being told the meaning. A deeper understanding is created by students asking for clarification, sharing facts and details, defending their ideas, making connections and analyzing concepts.
J U NIOR ENTRE PR E NE UR SHI P:
Holy Child’s Junior Social Entrepreneur Program is a seven-day seminar that is designed to inspire our juniors to lead with passion, purpose, and a strong voice to problem-solve some of our world’s global concerns. Students will learn cross-disciplinary skills necessary to build effective and efficient businessbased solutions to some of today’s most challenging social problems. Through case studies, team ideations, and group dialogue, they develop a deeper understanding of the social entrepreneurship sector and the skills necessary to fund, launch, and administer such a venture. The program culminates in a thoughtful and engaging “Shark Tank” competition where each team presents their business plan and how it will impact a social concern through the development of a product or service. Industry experts serve as our judges who evaluates each group, challenges each group to defend their product or service. The top three teams win based on the quality of product or service, strength of their business plan, product research, marketing, and the team’s ability to present a compelling case for the need for their product or service.
S E NIO R INTER NSHI P:
The Holy Child Senior Internship Program is designed to give senior students an opportunity to explore their career interests and gain experience working in a professional environment. It is a graduation requirement for each senior and must consist of a minimum of 30 hours or 4 work days performed on-site at a business or non-profit organization.
Culture & Community
In addition to dynamic classroom learning, Holy Child encourages students to explore interests like athletics, the arts, clubs, theater, service, and travel. Because of this, our school is made up of athletes that double as cast members in the play, instrumentalists that spearhead service organizations, and photographers that serve as student government representatives. We believe in providing our students with opportunities to try new things, develop their strengths, and reach their fullest potential.
L E A DERSH IP I N AC TI ON: In addition to holding a leadership post in one of our many clubs or athletic teams, students may be elected to lead as a member of Student Government, or get chosen to be part of our Student Ambassador Leader Program. There are numerous other opportunities within classroom settings and schoolwide events to take charge: our National Honor Society members (juniors and seniors selected by faculty vote), for example, take on myriad important roles, from tutoring to running charity fundraisers and our blood drive. In every case, students learn how to communicate with both their peers and faculty members to achieve a desired goal.
CAM P US MINISTR Y: Creative prayer and lively worship are central to our life as a Holy Child community. We always like to quote the saying, “singing is praying twice,” and it epitomizes how we approach the spiritual part of the Holy Child experience. Our Campus Ministry Office helps with prayer, retreats, liturgies, and sacramental life.
CL U B S & ORGANI ZATI ONS: Join one of our many student organizations on Holy Child’s campus in a leadership role and/or a club member. Clubs include Best Buddies, Model Organization of American States (MOAS), Onyx (Holy Child’s yearbook), Christ Child Society Club, and more.
T R AD ITION S: As a Holy Child student, you will join a sisterhood founded on faith and tradition. Through events like Opening Day, Ring Day, and Spirit Week, “you’ll hear the Holy Child spirit calling you.”
A T H L ETICS: At Holy Child, we believe that the seeds sewn on the athletic field yield strong, confident young women. Our student athletes learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership skills while participating in the thirteen different sports that we offer. We believe that the valuable lessons learned on athletic field translate into success in every other facet of our students’ lives.
A R T S : Holy Child’s Visual and Performing Arts Program allows each student to develop her skills and passion for the arts. Our founder, Cornelia Connelly, reminded us throughout her teachings that the fine arts are a vital part of a Holy Child education, stressing the art of observation in acquiring knowledge– of the world, and of ourselves. Since our students face rigorous academic schedules, we encourage them to get truly engaged in their fine arts courses, to take full advantage of the opportunity to escape and expand their individuality in a completely different way.
Technology
Technology facilitates and enhances students learning by providing multiple ways to reach and teach students. Through a variety of integrated technology applications teachers are able to deepen student understanding, build critical thinking, and apply creativity and communication skills to strengthen their voice both in and out of the classroom. Holy Child teachers personalize and enhance student learning by: • Incorporating digital notebooks for collaboration, organization, and feedback on and off line • Using a variety of text, video and audio tools to gather student responses and reflections • Applying student strength Review assessments to understand each student’s unique strengths and interests, and to provide meaningful classroom experiences • Utilize classroom webcams to facilitate virtual learning, engagement, and relationship building with their students from any location
Network
Connelly School of the Holy Child is part of a network of 10 schools in the U.S. and a community of more than 30 in the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, a congregation founded by Cornelia Connelly in 1846. You can find schools in England, France, Ghana, Ireland, and Nigeria.
ARE YOU WONDERING WHICH PATH YOU WILL TAKE ON YOUR
Holy Child journey?
WANT TO START YOUR
Holy Child journey? HERE’S WHAT TO DO: SET UP A VISIT Go to our website holychild.org/visit and set up your visit through our admissions portal. APPLY Complete and submit your application through our admissions portal on our website. DEADLINE Application deadlines can be found at holychild.org/checklist. FINANCIAL AID Holy Child offers need based financial aid. All financial aid deadlines can be found at holychild.org/checklist. You can find the steps to apply listed on our website under the admission tab. MERIT AWARDS Holy Child offers the opportunity for applicants to apply for awards based on merit. We recognize strong character, servant leaders, artists, academic excellence, and more. You can find additional information about merit awards on our website under the admissions tab. CONTACT US We’d love to hear from you! Call 301-365-0955 or email admissions@holychild.org with any questions.
Athletics
AT HLE T I C S More than 65% of our student body participates in athletics, and many of those students are multi-sport athletes. The qualified coaching staff at Holy Child consists of both teaching and nonteaching staff who have a passion for athletics and heart for this community. We are proud to compete in the Independent School League (ISL) and many of our student-athletes have received AllISL and All-Met honors for their efforts. The goal of the Athletic Department is to maintain a fully competitive sports program that encourage teamwork, commitment, self-discipline, perseverance, and leadership.
SPORTS OFFERED BY SEASON: FALL: JV/Varsity Volleyball, JV/Varsity Field Hockey, JV/Varsity Soccer, JV/Varsity Equestrian, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Tennis WINTER: JV/Varsity Basketball, JV/Varsity Ice Hockey, Varsity Swim SPRING: JV/Varsity Lacrosse, Varsity Softball, Varsity Tennis, Varsity Track & Field, JV/Varsity Golf
Arts
AR T S Our founder, Cornelia Connelly, understood that the arts are a vital part of education and that our goal is to enhance students’ lifelong appreciation of the arts, bring joy to their process, and challenge their ability to grow in personal expression and overall achievement. The arts can enrich lives, help explore creativity, and stimulate the mind like no other activity. Whether students are taking their first course in art, music, theatre, or dance, looking to grow their talents to a professional level, or returning to an old passion, they will find a home in our arts program at Holy Child. Our goal is to make the visual and performing arts approachable to all students in the school while also creating depth in all disciplines. Our faculty are all outstanding artists and passionate educators who understand how to make music, visual arts, theatre, and dance accessible to all students, and can support students who choose to pursue high levels of study. Each student is given every opportunity to advance as a young artist in the following disciplines: Visual Arts | Vocal and Instrumental Music Music History | Theatre – Acting and Technical | Dance Students also have the opportunity to join chorus and tech crew for our productions and performances including the Fall Recital, Christmas Concert, Upper School Musical, and Mass. In addition to our curriculum and extra-curricular activities, our after school arts program’s mission is to provide a supplemental and in-depth experience that builds on skills learned in the classroom, fosters a love for the arts, and expands artistic expression. The arts are showcased throughout the year with these programs, performances, and gallery displays including an annual Evening of the Arts, which is a joyful celebration of artwork for our students, families, friends, guests, and community.
Global Learning
G L OBAL LE AR NI NG Holy Child offers unique opportunities to study in the United States and abroad. Our global learning programs are designed to not only provide unique and enriching experiences for our students to learn, study, and serve communities around the world, but also to come back to the classroom and share these experiences. Global trips focus on areas such as community service, cultural immersion, historical education, curricular connections, and more. STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS: Our study abroad programs allow students to immerse themselves into a culture, attend classes at international schools, and experience the environment around them. Locations include: Nice, France; Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome); Costa Rica (San Carlos, Guanacaste, San Jose); Quito, Ecuador; Granada, Spain; St. Elizabeth, Jamaica NETWORK EXCHANGE PROGRAMS: As a part of the Society of Holy Child Jesus Network, our students are given the opportunity to learn at another Holy Child school in the United States, Europe, and Africa through our Holy Child Exchange Program. Locations include: • United States: California (Pasadena, Anaheim), Maryland (Potomac), New Jersey (Summit), New York (New York, Old Westbury, Rye), Pennsylvania (Drexel Hill, Rosemont) • Europe: England (Birmingham, Blackpool, London, Sussex), France (Créteil), Ireland (Killiney, Sallynoggin) • Africa: Ghana (Cape Coast, Mempeasim, Takoradi, Walembele), Nigeria (Lagos, Delta, Benue, Calabar, Kogi) “The whole world is my country and heaven is my home.” – Cornelia Connelly
Campus Ministry & Service
CAM P U S M INI ST R Y & SE R V I C E Our founder, Cornelia Connelly, reminds us to “be yourself, but make that self all that God wants it to be.” Campus ministry provides Holy Child students opportunities to retreat, to pray and receive the sacraments, and to serve the wider community, in order to help each girl realize her fullest potential. The Campus Ministry Office supports all members of the school community – students, faculty, parents, and alumnae – in deepening spiritual growth and a personal faith commitment. We develop student leadership in these areas, teaching students about elements of liturgy, training them as retreat leaders and Eucharistic Ministers, and encouraging them to explore ways to serve the wider community, to become leaders in the area of Christian service. PRAYER – We begin each school day and community gathering with prayer. We also gather weekly as a whole community for “prayer blocks”, student-led spiritual assemblies held in the gym. We also gather weekly either as a whole school or as grade levels for Chapel, during which students or teachers lead prayer and reflection. RETREATS – Each class participates in an annual retreat to reflect, pray, laugh, and be together as a community. Each grade’s retreat has a unique theme and is an opportunity for personal spiritual growth. Our retreat program spans grades 6-12, and includes student leadership with students in older grades serving as retreat leaders and mentors to younger students. LITURGIES – Dynamic presiders and beautiful music enhance our monthly Eucharistic liturgies. Students play roles as readers, cantors, chorus members, altar servers, gift bearers, and Eucharistic Ministers, as well as the all-important role of being the liturgical assembly. CHRISTIAN SERVICE – Our students complete at least 5,000 hours of community service each year. Through our partnerships with Potomac Community Resources and Best Buddies, Catholic Charities, and Christ Child Society among others, our students engage with and serve our local community. Students complete required service hours that enables them to share their gifts with our wider community and to explore a variety of experiences so that giving back becomes part of their lives both at Holy Child and beyond.
College Counseling
CO LLE G E C OU NSE LI NG Holy Child strives to uphold the vision of Cornelia Connelly, who created an educational program where the uniqueness and dignity of every person was paramount. The individuality of each student is respected and valued, and the college selection process reflects that individuality. Each student is guided to focus her efforts on finding a college or university that is a good match for her – a place where she will continue to grow, learn, and move toward reaching her own greatest potential. Each year, the College Counseling Office works with students to explore scholarship opportunities. Below is a selection of our class of 2021 college acceptances. View the full list on our website. The University of Alabama American University Arizona State University Auburn University Ave Maria University Belmont Abbey College Belmont University Benedictine College Boston College Boston University University of British Columbia University of California -San Diego University of California -Santa Barbara University of California -Santa Cruz Case Western Reserve University Catholic University of America Cazenovia College College of Charleston Christopher Newport University Clark Atlanta University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University University of Colorado Boulder Creighton University University of Dayton Delaware State University University of Delaware Denison University DePaul University Drexel University University College Dublin Duke University Duquesne University East Carolina University Elon University Emory & Henry College Fairfield University Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida Atlantic University Florida Southern College University of Florida Fordham University Furman University
Gannon University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia State University University of Georgia Hampton University High Point University Howard University Indiana University -Bloomington James Madison University John Carroll University Johns Hopkins University Juniata College University of Kentucky Lake Erie College Lehigh University Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Marquette University University of Maryland Mercyhurst University Miami University, Oxford University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan Millersville University University of Mississippi Morgan State University Mount St. Mary’s University University of New Hampshire University of New Orleans New Jersey Institute of Technology New York University Norfolk State University North Carolina A & T State University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina Wilmington Northeastern University University of Oklahoma
Pennsylvania State University University of Pittsburgh Point Loma Nazarene University Prairie View A & M University Providence College Radford University University of Richmond Rollins College Rutgers University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University Salisbury University University of San Diego Santa Clara University The University of the South Shenandoah University University of South Carolina University of Southern California Southern Methodist University Spelman College St. Mary’s College of Maryland Stonehill College Syracuse University The University of Tampa Temple University The University of Tennessee -Knoxville Texas Christian University Ohio State University University of Toronto Towson University Trinity College Tulane University of Louisiana University of Oregon University of St Andrews University of Vermont Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech University of Virginia University of Washington West Virginia University University of Wisconsin Woodbury University Xavier University Xavier University of Louisiana
Coakley Center for Innovative Learning
C O A KLE Y CE NT E R FOR I NNO VA T I V E LE AR NI NG The Coakley Center for Innovative Learning is a resource for the Holy Child community providing services and support for teachers, parents, and students. Our learning specialists keep abreast of current research-based strategies and techniques that prepare our students for a rigorous program with confidence and success. The Coakley Center for Innovative Learning supports key community stakeholders in the following ways: TEACHERS • Trains teachers on how to support students in the classroom • Educates teachers on new research informing teaching and learning in and outside the classroom • Partners with teachers on developing action plans and implementing accommodation plans PARENTS • Educates parents on new education research that could assist their daughters • Works with parents in recognizing their daughter’s strengths to help them reach their fullest potential STUDENTS • Provides support for all students who need help with their academics when experiencing extraordinary circumstances (absence due to illness, concussion diagnosis, etc.) • Offers academic coaching, which is a two day per week course that focuses on executive functioning skills. Students learn to monitor their own progress and make adjustments to strategies and plans when necessary • Provides course offerings for students with a diagnosed disability. These classes meet four days a week and include: Foundations for Academic Success; Holistic Approach to Learning and Memory; Motivation and Goal Setting; and Applications of Learning Theory and College Transition • Provides after school homework and organization support in all subject areas for all students