2018 Admissions Brochure

Royal.

Leave Your Legacy.

Be a

1340 N. Acacia Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831 www.rosaryacademy.org

We are Rosary Academy, an all-girls, Catholic high school, empowering the next generation of women leaders.

Your experience at Rosary will be transformative as you explore opportunities to embrace your faith, find your voice, and be fearless. Rosary offers an innovative approach to learning that is collaborative, applied, and focuses on areas important and relevant to today.

Rosary is an exceptional place, and we are confident you will understand when you step foot on campus. We hope to see you soon for a campus tour, open house, and shadow day!

Yours in Christ,

Ms. Shawna L. Pautsch M.A. Head of School

I

chose Rosary Academy because after extensive research and shadowing at other schools, I knew for a fact that I would receive the best education by going to Rosary. The first time I shadowed, I was in seventh grade and it was during Red and Gold season so I watched a drill practice. Seeing all of the girls from different grade levels and personalities work together to create something for their team really inspired me to want to come. It influenced me because it showed me that I would be learning life lessons and making friends of all different kinds and also receive a top-notch education. Hailey McCarthy ‘22

About Rosary Academy

Rosary Academy, originally Rosary High School, was established in 1965 by the Los Angeles Archdiocese and administered by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. In 1976 with the establishment of the Diocese of Orange, Rosary moved under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange. In 2015, Rosary High School became Rosary Academy to allow the community to appreciate and honor the history of the school while embracing the future. Rosary recognizes each student’s strengths and potential for growth by offering an innovative, collaborative, practical, and integrated curriculum.

The Rosary Community Small class sizes, personalized attention to each student, and a sense of family are a few reasons parents and students choose Rosary Academy. Our faculty and staff support each student every step of the way by offering one-on-one and class meetings with our academic counselors, open communication and availability for additional help from our faculty, and the Center 4 Learning (C4L). C4L offers additional support services within a developmentally safe and encouraging classroom environment.

Rosary Academy faculty and staff work closely with families to nurture students emotionally, academically, and spiritually as they prepare students to use their faith to seek solutions to life’s challenges.

The Royal Advantage

Rosary Academy prepares every young woman for college while offering additional opportunities to deepen her scholarship and gain real-world experiences. Throughout the school year, students may participate in the Speak to Inspire series to hear from successful women, including Rosary alumnae, in various industries about their college and career paths. Past speakers include Google software engineers, American Institute of Architects – Orange County, local and state politicians, and entrepreneurs.

During the summer entering junior year, students may voluntarily sign-up for a year-long mentor program with our alumnae, G.I.R.L. – Guiding and Inspiring Royal Leaders. The goals of the program include: building a professional network, enhancing college and career paths, understanding challenges other women may have experienced, and allowing Rosary alumnae to continue the Royal sisterhood. Rosary students meet their mentor at a breakfast in September and reach out to their mentor throughout the school year. Opportunities for job shadowing are also available.

Students pursuing STEM in college and beyond may interview for the STREAM program. This program is an intentionally sequenced curriculum in Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

Rosary’s Wellness & Enrichment program helps each student find balance in her busy life. Regularly scheduled during the school year, the program offers opportunities to learn self awareness through meditation, reflection, and exercise.

Benefits of an all-girls education

Research illustrates that an all-girls environment is more imperative than ever before by enhancing self-esteem, motivating and developing every student to become a leader, increasing confidence in the classroom, and offering wellness and enrichment opportunities directed towards young women. The benefits of an all-girls education are recognized in our Rosary alumnae, over 6,200 women, finding success in colleges around the country and professions around the world.

Past, current, and future Royals gain the confidence to remove barriers and strive to find a passionate purpose to make a difference in the world.

UCLA conducted a multi-year national study in 2010 to assess the value of single-sex education for all-girls schools.

Overall findings suggest hat all-girls private and Catholic high schools produce students who achieve at higher rates while demonstrating more confidence to speak in class or in front of an audience, get involved, support their peers, and develop a wider range of skills and talents. Specific stats include:

HIGHER SAT SCORES All-girls high school grads score 43 points higher on SAT composite scores than girls from co-ed high schools (1)

LEADERSHIP 93% of girls’ school grads say they were offered greater leadership opportunities and 80% have held leadership positions since graduating from high school.(6)

ACHIEVEMENT Nearly 80% of girls school students report most of their classes challenge them to achieve their full academic potential (2)

43

points

93%

81% All-Girls School Stats

66% DRIVEN Students at all-girls schools have higher aspirations and greater motivation than their female peers at coed independent and public schools. More than 2/3 expect to earn a graduate or professional degree (5)

88%

6x STEM Girls’ school grads are 6 times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools. (3)

CONFIDENCE

Over 88% of girls’ school students report they are comfortable being themselves at school, which means they are free to focus their energies on their learning. (4) 1) Linda J. Sax, UCLA, Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in their Characteristics and the Transition to College ; 2) Dr. Richard A. Holmgren, Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools ; 3) Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools; 4) Dr. Richard A. Holmgren, Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools; 5) Dr. Richard A. Holmgren, Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools; 6) Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools

A Rosary Royal...

IS AUTHENTIC

A table of freshmen competing in a spontaneous dance off during lunch, music thumping as a crowd gathers around them. A trio of friends sitting on the lawn between classes, their laughter joyful and carefree. Students jumping up and down on swaying gym bleachers, euphoric in red and gold face paint as their Royals win. At Rosary, young women can be authentic and find joy in everyday life.

EMBRACES HER FAITH

She attends church with her family on Sundays and Rosary’s father-daughter and mother-daughter Masses.

Something is different and stirring inside her. When they talk about religion at Rosary, she is excited. Her faith feels more alive, more personal. Her relationship with God is playing a meaningful role in everyday life - it is reshaping her decisions when she is away from campus. She hoped to become a better student at Rosary, but she never expected to become a better person.

FINDS HER VOICE

Her friends choose other high schools. Everything at Rosary is new to her, but faculty and upperclasswomen go out of their way to engage her. She begins to see them as mentors and long-lost sisters. For the first time, no one is judging her. She speaks up in class. She asks incisive questions. She debates big ideas. Rosary is cultivating a part of her she never knew existed. She is finding her voice, true and strong, and will never let it go.

LEADS

Collaborative. Competitive. Confident. Creative. Determined.

Humble. Independent. Innovative. Intelligent. Kind. Loyal. Open -minded. Optimistic. Passionate. Resilient. Spiritual. Witty. She is all this and more. Her favorite part of Rosary are traditions, but she is not a traditional thinker. While others prepare for the future, she is creating her own. When asked “Why?” she asks “Why not?” As she walks on stage to address the audience at Red & Gold, she is reminded that Rosary is more than an allgirls school. It is a school for women who want to make their mark on the world.

IS FEARLESS

Her expert teachers challenge her to take risks in the classroom, on the soccer field, in Mock Trial court, or at a robotics competition; even if it means making a mistake.

So, she designs robots from sensors, motors, and screws.

She critiques black and white photography at the Getty.

She defends a client in court. She experiments with programming, recoding syntax into syntactic sugar. She is the team captain and motivates her friends to win. She is a big sister to wide-eyed new freshmen. She studies AP French. Ce n’ est pas facile. She does not always succeed, but she is always learning. She is fearless and aims high.

INSPIRES

Acceptance letters arrive one by one. Cornell. Notre Dame.

Naval Academy. UCLA. USC. She receives letters from prestigious universities. One day, she will lead women and men, her decisions changing lives on land and sea. She will produce a television series that will win an Emmy. She will

take the hand of an anxious mother in the emergency room and tell her that her child will be fine – then make it so. She will launch a non-profit that offers programs and camps for adults and children with developmental disabilities. She is a Rosary woman and she inspires her community.

MAKES A DIFFERENCE

The Rosary experience cannot be measured by a test. During her time, she has learned to be a more thoughtful daughter; a more affectionate sister; a more loyal friend; a more empathetic human being. She has learned to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves and recognize the face of God in strangers she meets. She remembers the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange are “called to live and work that all people may be united with God and with one another. “ She strives to make an impact on her family, friends, and community.

to attending Rosary, I was Prior very shy in raising my hand in

class or [giving] a wrong answer…the all-girls education has truly inspired me to come out of my comfort zone and realize my ideas are not inferior and can help shape the world of tomorrow. – Mia Huffman ‘20

A Faithful Royal Rosary Academy’s faith-based education allows young women to discover and live their devotion to God in many ways. As a diocesan school, Rosary offers a strong Catholic structure inclusive of all faiths and it transforms students through class, retreats, service opportunities, and justice experiences.

Additional opportunities include: • Campus Ministry to create faith through liturgy, prayer, service, retreats, and leadership development • School-wide Masses are offered throughout the year and in the the chapel weekly before school and during lunch • Prayer services for Thanksgiving, Advent, Ash Wednesday, and Lenten Reconciliation • Day-long retreats for each class • Kairos is a 4 day off-campus retreat for students to reflect upon their relationships with self, family, friends, and God. Open seniors and selected juniors • Service opportunities with Thomas House Shelter Projects, Catholic Worker, Crittenton, Higher Ground, toy drives, and more.

B

ecause I attend Rosary, I have pursued the opportunity of becoming a Kairos leader.

Without a Catholic background, I most likely would not have had the chance to experience a Kairos retreat and return the following year as a Kairos leader. Many teens my age begin to stray far from God and their faith, but I, on the other hand, have the privilege of receiving a Catholic education. My faith is constantly being fed here at Rosary. Nicole Garcia ‘19

to

A Royal Leader

As an all-girls school, Rosary empowers every student to become a confident leader. With over 220 leadership positions available every year, each student has an opportunity to be a leader at least once during their time at Rosary. Our faculty and staff are mentors and committed to every student’s success, constantly empowering students to grow as a confident, collaborative, and compassionate leader.

Structured Leadership Opportunities

ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB)

with peers, using decision making, critical thinking, resiliency building, and conflict resolution. This program oversees Blue the School, an anti-bullying campaign, and hosts a variety of events to enhance social and personal well-being on campus.

PAL members may apply and interview junior and senior years. This is a selected position and meets during zero period every other Friday.

Each class elects four representatives to serve on ASB: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer. These positions have a significant influence on the school and provide opportunities to collaborate with school administration. In addition to the elected positions, students may be selected for a cabinet position based on an application and panel interview.

Positions include: ambassadors, athletics, campus ministry, clubs/activities, communications, interschools, media, social RED & GOLD CAPTAINS & WHITE TEAM chair, special events, spirit. ASB meets during zero period twice Red & Gold is Rosary’s most cherished tradition. This schoolwide, student-run musical theatre production presents a a week. unique opportunity for students to expand their interests and passions. The White Team oversees the entire production CAMPUS MINISTRY (theme, finances, ticket purchases, show promotion, and Campus Ministry is open to all students in grades 10-12 and more), including the shows’ producers, while the producers forms Christian leaders aspiring to transform the Rosary oversee the captains. Each captain is responsible for a single community through planning liturgy, prayer, service, and category and for leading her peers. Categories include: dance, retreats. Campus Ministry meets during zero period twice a week. drill, choral, drama, fashion, media, stage tech, athletic training, and more! Captains are selected by a student leadership CLUB OFFICERS committee and through the process exhibit creativity and Rosary offers over 30 clubs with leadership positions collaboration, employ critical and analytical thinking, and (president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer) required exercise initiative and personal accountability. for each club. The club leaders recruit members during Club Rush (hosted in fall and spring semesters,) schedule ROYAL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM meetings, and organize fundraisers and special events.

As a Royal Ambassador, selected students illustrate their enthusiasm and love of Rosary to prospective families.

PEER ASSISTANCE LEADERSHIP (PAL) Ambassadors assist the admissions and advancement offices PAL is a nationally recognized program that focuses on in a variety of on and off campus events by being the face and social understanding, personal well-being, and community voice of Rosary and gaining excellent skills in communication, participation. Members participate in constructive inquiry public speaking, networking, marketing, and more!

M

y extracurricular involvement at Rosary inspired me to get involved at the University of Notre Dame working in a neuroscience research lab, serving on student government, volunteering at a nursing home, and getting involved in leadership in my dorm. My four years [at Rosary] truly shaped me as a person, and the memories and experiences were incredible.

Aidan Crowley ‘17, (center) University of Notre Dame

A Royal Scholar In a Rosary class, you can anticipate spirited class discussions, cross-disciplinary learning, and one-on-one with faculty.

Young women learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous spiritual development.

Honor Societies American Sign Language California Scholarship Federation French Honor Society International Thespian Honor Society National Honor Society Rho Kappa National Honors Society Science National Honor Society Spanish Honor Society Tri-M Music Honor Society Advanced Placement Art History Biology Calculus AB Calculus BC Chemistry English Language English Literature European History French Language Government Physics Physics C Psychology Spanish Language Statistics Art Studio 3D Studio Drawing US History Honors Courses Algebra I Algebra II Biology Chemistry Economics English I English II French III Geometry Physics Pre-Calculus Spanish III

R

osary is not only special because of its students and traditions, but also because of the amazing teachers. From the teachers to the counselors to even the security guards, every single person at Rosary is committed to not only bettering the students in their education, but also making sure they leave every day with a smile on their faces. Rachel Linton ‘19

A Royal Athlete

As members of the prestigious Trinity League, Rosary athletes strive for excellence.

Our athletic program develops many positive attributes in a young woman – selfesteem, leadership skills, and the athletic ability necessary to compete at the college level.

Dance program

FALL

The Rosary Academy

WINTER

is one of the top dance programs in the United States. The team has won more than a dozen titles in the last twenty years at regional and national competitions.

Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball Basketball, Soccer, Water Polo

SPRING

Lacrosse, Softball, Swimming, Track & Field

Performances include: National competitions in Anaheim and Florida, Servite High School football games, Rosary pep rallies, and various school events.

YEAR ROUND

Cheer, Spirit Squad

CLUB SPORTS: Beach Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Triathlon

Learning Opportunities Learning & Enrichment Center

The Learning & Enrichment Center (LEC) offers space for quiet study, group collaboration, meetings, learning labs, tutoring, and more. Students may visit from 7:00 am until 5:00 p.m.

Center for Learning (C4L) Rosary Academy recognizes that students learn differently due to a variety of

background experiences, learning styles, ability to focus, and processing speed. We offer the Center 4 Learning (C4L) located within the LEC. The C4L provides a variety of services and programs to promote academic success with an extraordinary team led by a clinical psychologist, and staffed by educational therapists.

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Assessment

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Services offered •

Gifted and enrichment education

Diagnostics

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Teacher education

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Remediation

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Curriculum development

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Educational Therapy

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Supplemental instruction

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Progress monitoring/tracking grades

Student Services

mind _ body _ spirit

Wellness & Enrichment To help our young women find balance in their busy lives we offer the Wellness & Enrichment Program.

The program has three goals:

• To empower and motivate students to take control of their lives • To give students time to reflect on their passions, aspirations, and challenges • To provide opportunities for students to gain selfawareness and experiential learning

Part of the Royal Advantage is offering STREAM: Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math. This program is designed for our young women aspiring to pursue a college major and career in STEM. Participating in the program provides students with the critical and creative thinking skills necessary to make a lasting difference in the STEM world and exercise the ethical judgment and integrity at the root of social justice.

Royal Traditions At Rosary Academy, traditions are integral to the Royal experience. Many traditions have been celebrated for decades and connect current students to our rich history, while promoting school spirit. Traditions revolve around faith, friendship, family, and fun! A few include:

ROSARY DAY

A school-wide celebration honoring Our Lady of the Rosary. An outdoor morning Mass is followed by the awarding of memorial scholarships and recognizing juniors as upperclasswomen with individual class rings.

FATHER-DAUGHTER DINNER-DANCE

One of the most anticipated events of the year, fathers and daughters alike cherish the memories made on this evening.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER REFLECTION & MAY CROWNING

A morning spiritual retreat with mothers and daughters, followed by Mass and the crowning of Our Lady of the Rosary.

RED & GOLD

One of our most cherished traditions, Red & Gold is a student-run musical theatre production that focuses on project-based learing, specifically problem solving, teamwork, confidence, school spirit, and leadership skills. Every student plays a part on stage or behind the scenes. Categories include script, media, props, drama, choral, dance, tech, publicity, historian, and more.

Performances occur during the second weekend in March.

TRI-SCHOOL Together, Rosary Academy, Cornelia Connelly School, and Servite High School plan and participate in events and activities.

Dances • Welcome Back

• Spring Fling

• Homecoming

• MORP - informal dance for all grades

• Winter Formal

• PROM - juniors & seniors only

Theatre

Award-winning Tri-School Theatre provides exceptional theatre training with two productions each year. After-school classes in acting, stage tech, and music are offered at Servite.

Testimonials

ALUMNA: My time at Rosary was spent in the company of dozens of confident

and intelligent women. As young female athletes, scholars, artists, and friends, we encouraged each other to be our best selves both in and out of the classroom. We pushed each other to think critically, to be curious about the world beyond what we already knew, and to live purpose-driven lives with grace and self-respect. I’ve watched these same friends become strong leaders in their respective fields and in their households, and we look back on our time at Rosary as a truly unique and formative experience. Andrea Urmanita ’02, Architect at Killefer Flammang Architects

TEACHER: I choose to coach and teach at Rosary because I

believe in what Rosary stands for and the services that it provides.

I believe that as an institution Rosary is a unique place that allows young women to grow spiritually, academically, and socially. I know that this world needs more confident, strong young women who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. At Rosary, I not only see these ideals instilled in students every day but also get to take part in the formative process of amazing Rosary students. I feel lucky to be a small part of the transformative journey that is Rosary.

Mr. Rory Bevins, English teacher & head water polo & swim coach

PARENT: I would say that the decision to pursue an all girl

environment may not be a good fit for every student, but it is a good fit for the right student. We recommend parents choose a school based upon the type of young woman that they want their daughter to become. In addition to superior academics, extracurricular activities, ever improving facilities, and competitive athletics, Rosary provides the Catholic community where our girls can become the young women we dream they can be. Frank & Laura DeCrisi

Parent Involvement

Events and activities organized by Parent Council offer parents an opportunity to socialize and network with other Rosary families and to support the school’s fundraising events. Every parent is automatically a member of Parent Council and is welcome to volunteer for a committee, attend monthly meetings, and participate in events.

Our Mission

As a college preparatory diocesan Catholic high school, Rosary Academy empowers the mind, body, and spirit of each young woman in a transformative educational experience.

Guided by the Blessed Mother, Rosary Academy embraces and challenges its students with an innovative instructional curriculum to achieve academic success and ignite the call to serve the dear neighbor.