SPECIAL PROGRAMS

AP Capstone Diploma

The AP Capstone Diploma Program is a uniquely distinguished opportunity for our best and brightest Patriots to participate in one of the most rigorous academic programs available. The AP Capstone Diploma Program will help students to develop critical thinking skills that allow them to think independently, analyze issues from different perspectives, to communicate clearly, and to conduct independent research. Students in the AP Capstone Diploma Program take six Advanced Placement courses. Two are required: AP Seminar and AP Research. The other four AP courses will be selected by the students. Students that successfully pass all six AP courses and complete a Capstone Project graduate with the AP Capstone Diploma.

College Preparatory Dance Program

The John Carroll School College Preparatory Dance Program has been established to provide conservatory level dance education in an academic setting by offering a curriculum of classes geared toward correcting and perfecting technique all while maintaining the proper balance of classes, performing, and cross-training to prevent burn-out, overuse, and mental fatigue. Our program is structured to support proper dancer development within a realistic schedule that will keep dancers dancing longer, and stronger. The core curriculum we provide in dance provides those who wish, the opportunity to study dance in college by being well prepared technically, academically, and mentally for the next level of dance education. Our college preparatory academic based approach to dance education creates dancers who have a broad perspective of the world and are supported socially, cognitively, physically, and emotionally. Our dancers train technically, explore the depth of dance through history and science, and push their boundaries while finding their artistic voice to become the next generation of dancers.

Fine Arts Diploma with Distinction (FADD)

The Fine Arts Diploma with Distinction seeks to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art. This diploma recognizes the accomplishments of students who make a commitment to pursuing the Fine Arts throughout their high school experience.

The requirements for this diploma are as follows:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above

• No final course grade below 80 in all applicable Fine Arts courses and

• Earn 3 credits in Fine Arts electives in grades 10-12

The Fine Arts track is comprised of three entities, which may be intertwined to meet student needs: PERFORMING ARTS, VISUAL ART & DESIGN, and LITERARY ARTS.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Program provides students with a wide selection of course offerings in Band, Percussion, Orchestra, Choral Arts, Rock Band, Jazz Band, Music Theory, and Acting. Through an environment that fosters growth, discipline, focus and cooperative work, our dedicated students learn to strive for excellence both in the classroom and in the performance setting. Students acquire the skills needed to pursue higher education, professions, and lifelong involvement in the performing arts. Students interested in pursuing the Performing Arts track may elect to take Band, Chorus or Orchestra in ninth grade. This will allow students the opportunity to expand their choices for the Performing Arts courses and graduate with a Performing Arts Concentration upon completion of the program requirements.

Visual Art & Design

The Visual Art and Design Program inspires students to explore traditional and contemporary applications of twoand three-dimensional media in studio, digital design, and architecture. Through hands-on instruction and research of a diverse history of creatives, the goal is to foster an environment of growth, excellence, and outreach, creating community stewards capable of articulating ideas visually and verbally with confidence. Students interested in pursuing the Visual Arts track may elect to take the Introduction to Drawing and Design class in ninth grade. This will allow students the opportunity to expand their choices for the Visual Art & Design courses, and to graduate with a Visual Art and Design Concentration upon completion of the program requirements.

Literary Arts

The Literary Arts Program guides students through the relevant aspects of design, photography, and writing in order to create an expressive product, make informed judgments about writing, and develop productive habits of mind. Students acquire the skills and attitudes that will enable them to produce a publication. Students interested in pursuing the Literary Arts track may elect to take a variety of courses, including working on our award-winning newspaper, literary magazine, and yearbook. This will allow students to graduate with a Literary Arts Concentration upon completion of the program requirements.

Steam

The John Carroll School’s STEAM Academy is committed to developing the skills students will need in order to succeed in the fast-changing study of technology. The STEAM curriculum is designed to provide students with experiences that are authentic, global, and use technology in a manner that is safe, ethical, and moral. Further, the department maintains a focus on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity through meaningful personal encounter.

The requirements are as follows:

• A minimum GPA of 3.75 over 4 years

• No final course grade below 75 in Math or Science

• Earn 4 credits in Math beginning in Honors or Advanced Algebra 2 in grade 9

• Earn 4 credits in Science including Honors Biology, Chemistry (any level), and Physics (any level)

• Earn 3 additional credits in approved STEAM electives or optional Math/Science courses that must include SCL 1, SCL 2, and Intro to Drawing and Design

• 2 or more of the Math/Science courses or electives must be at the AP level

• During junior and/or senior year, be a contributing member of a competitive John Carroll academic style team

Diploma with Distinction in Science

The Science Diploma with Distinction seeks to recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in science. This diploma recognizes the accomplishments of students who make a commitment to pursuing Science throughout their high school experience. To graduate with this diplomam students must meet the following criteria:

• A cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or above

• Completion of at least 5 credits in Science

• A final course grade of 75 or above in each science class

• Completion of at least one of the following: a science-related internship, shadowing three different science professionals for at least one day each, or a summer science enrichment course

• Submission of a reflection paper in which the student considers what was gained from the internship, shadowing experiences, or enrichment course and how it may influence his or her career interests

St. Joseph Program

The St. Joseph Program recognizes that each student has a unique approach to learning fostered by individual learning styles and previous experiences, and that all students can succeed if provided with the appropriate support and necessary accommodations. The St. Joseph Program exists to foster success in every individual by not just supporting students in establishing strategies and goals, but by teaching self-advocacy in the achievement of these goals. The St. Joseph Program is a student centered approach to helping students with learning differences find success in the classroom, confidence in themselves, and foster a love of learning.

Students in The St. Joseph Program take a class each year designed to provide an opportunity for students to develop and maintain competency in study, speaking, listening, and test-taking skills. Emphasis is placed on learning to organize time and materials and to make the most effective use of class time, homework assignments, and independent study time. Students will receive small group instruction with a learning specialist during their St. Joseph class time. Students will learn how to effectively study, develop better organizational habits, and advocate for themselves. Students receive accommodations on assessments and will develop the skills needed for life and college. Every effort is made to address the needs, and to maximize the individual strengths, of the students in the program. Individual tutoring and independent study time are made available as needed. Class size is limited within each grade level.