m CATHERINE McAULEY HONORS PROGRAM

CATHERINE McAULEY HONORS PROGRAM

Students who are invited into the Catherine McAuley Honors Program demonstrate a desire for rigorous academic challenge and the confidence to succeed as a thinker and a scholar. McAuley Scholars achieve mastery beyond essentials in a learning environment that will excite them.

In freshman year, McAuley Scholars take the honors sections of the regular curriculum with their mathematics courses determined by placement testing. At the end of freshman year, they are given the opportunity to choose honors study in at least two disciplines to be continued over the next three years.

During the junior year, McAuley Scholars consider the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy and decide together where to put their combined energies. Once they decide on a topic of general interest, they determine a year-long project, research causes, and generate insights into possible solutions. Through their investigation, led by elected student leaders, McAuley Scholars develop a deep understanding of the issue and its many complexities. During their junior and senior year, Scholars work to create a service experience in the larger community as well as to create teaching opportunities within the school.

There is no application for the McAuley Honors Program. Invitations to qualified candidates to join the program will be in their acceptance packages, sent in February 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

m Above average grades in middle school mathematics and science courses

m Above average standardized test scores

m In the top 25% of scores on the HSPT among all Mercy applicants

CURRICULUM

9th Grade Take required honors sections of World Cultures, Biology, and English Language and Literature (mathematics and world language based on placement testing and/or prior coursework)

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade Continue honors coursework in at least two academic disciplines

Begin work on a Capstone Project and continue honors coursework in at least two disciplines

Complete and present a Capstone Project to the Mercy community

Participate in at least two honors courses per year from tenth to twelfth grade. Demonstrate leadership in one co-curricular or extracurricular activity each year.