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. In junior year, McAuley Scholars begin work on their Capstone Projects. The Capstone Project is the conclusion or synthesis of the McAuley Scholar experience. It should reflect thought, passion, and academic research. The Scholar will share the fruits of her labor with the Mercy community. Capstone Projects may reflect interest or research in multiple disciplines—Scholars may, for example, develop programs or events for the Mercy community, conduct an in-depth literary analysis, design and execute a scientific study, write a play or novel, or compose a piece of music. 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.

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

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

10th Grade Continue honors coursework in at least two academic disciplines

11th Grade Begin work on a Capstone Project and continue honors coursework in at least two disciplines

12th Grade Complete and present a Capstone Project to the Mercy community

Participate in at least two honors courses per year from 10th to 12th grade. Demonstrate leadership in one co-curricular or extracurricular activity each year.