Saint Gertrude High School Admission Viewbook

WHY WE’RE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR DAUGHTER’S FUTURE.

the SAINT GERTRUDE advantage

At Saint Gertrude, we combine the best of academic tradition, educational innovation, spiritual formation and commitment to the service of others to create a high school experience unlike any other in the greater Richmond area.

A quality education is more than academics – it develops in each young woman her own sense of faith, compassion, commitment, confidence, creativity and community.

the ALL-GIRL advantage Saint Gertrude is the only high school in the Richmond area where all classes are exclusively single gender

did you know...

Young women who attend all-girl schools outscore their counterparts from coeducational schools on the SAT. Mean SAT composite scores are 43 points higher for single-gender independent school graduates.* Girls’ school graduates report a higher level of self-confidence than their peers graduating from coed schools.

Graduates of girls’ schools are 6 times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools.

By subtracting boys from the school day equation, girls have the opportunity to occupy every leadership role available: every seat in student government; every office in a club; every position on a team; every part or behind-the-scenes responsibility in a production.

At Saint Gertrude, your daughter can follow her ambitions without wasting a second thought on how her male counterparts might perceive her. Finding her voice, collaborating on projects, and excelling in academics will prepare her for life.

Her world will continue to include boys – in extracurricular activities, at home, and on weekends, evenings and holidays.Together, Saint Gertrude and Benedictine College Prep enjoy numerous social and faith-based traditions.

*Sources available upon request.

88

percent of our graduates rate their preparation for mathematics, science and computer skills as high

80

percent of our graduates report they are self-confident

100

percent of students are college bound

64

percent of students enroll in honors courses

96

percent of our AP students scored a 3 or higher across 9 different AP exams

“I entered SGHS a shy and quiet girl who did not like to raise her hand in class. Four years later, I’m leaving a strong woman, with confidence and poise who is ready to jet off to college and make a difference in the world.”

– Mary Alice Kukoski ’16

the SMALL SCHOOL advantage With less than 300 students on our entire campus, your daughter is guaranteed the personal attention she deserves

did you know...

Research shows smaller high schools are more engaging environments and produce greater gains in student achievement.

Teachers in small schools tend to use a broader range of strategies to engage a wider band of student learning styles, and they set higher expectations for students, which lead to high expectations among the students themselves.

Students in small schools report high levels of respect among classmates and a greater tendency to support academic achievement than students in larger schools, where social identification and popularity influence student status.

There is greater participation in extra-curricular activities in small schools, and that has been linked to academic success.

“The teachers here taught me more much more than what we learn in the classroom. They taught us to be trustworthy, confident, and good. I will cherish them forever.”

– Taryn Cowan ’16

Student/teacher ratio

10 to 1

90%

More than of our recent graduates consider their academic performance highly successful Average class size

15

94% of our graduates rate

their writing abilities as higher than college peers

Freshmen take Physics First to create a scientific understanding in preparation for Chemistry and Biology.

the CATHOLIC & BENEDICTINE advantage A well-rounded education should reflect and reinforce the essential relationship between God, human-kind and the universe – and is respectful of one’s individual faith

69% of students are Catholic Our students contributed over hours of service to the community last year alone

10,000

“SGHS has taught me how to work hard and balance a busy life. I have also been taught Benedictine values such as humility which will apply to my life through college, my career, and my family experience.”

– Gabby Johnson ’16

did you know...

Since our founding in 1922, Saint Gertrude High School has remained committed to the Benedictine Sisters’ dedication to building a strong community through ora et labora, prayer and work.

Our Benedictine roots inspire us to a lifetime of community action, and the desire to foster a society in balance with God’s intentions for all humanity.

A faith-based education is rooted in the acknowledgment that the universe is good because God created it.

As human beings reflecting God’s goodness, our school strives to form young women who care for the dignity of every individual.

the RICHMOND advantage Our classrooms include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the James River Park System, the Virginia Historical Society, houses of worship throughout the region, as well as the top research and academic institutions and museums in the Richmond-Washington, D.C. corridor

did you know...

Richmond IS Our Campus

Because we are located in the heart of historic Richmond, both the size and location of our school allow our teachers to quickly and efficiently take our students into the city to utilize Richmond as a living, learning laboratory.

Altria • Belle Isle • Capitol • James River Project • Museum District Tree Walk • Sacred Heart Cathedral • Temple Beth El • Virginia Historical Society •

With our unique ties to and use of the city itself, our young women are developing a sense of confidence, safety, and mobility that will serve them well for college and beyond.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts •

Our partnerships with major Richmond community resources expand every year resulting in more experiences and opportunities for your daughter.

“Saint Gertrude has given me a great education with so many opportunities in and out of the school that allow us to explore RVA and ourselves.”

Trips to places such as New York City, Washington, D.C., the Grand Canyon, Haiti, Spain, France and China, ensure that your daughter understands that she is a citizen of the world.

5

minute walk to the world renowned VMFA and VHS, site of many of our classes, and

62

classes went on walking field trips to

VCU Green Room

– Rachel Trevillian ’16

18

different downtown destinations

Visual & Performing Arts The fall musical, spring play, and student-run One Act and Coffee House provide multiple opportunities for all interested students to shine on stage or behind the scenes.

Our dance students study with a professional ballerina from the Richmond Ballet.

From beginner to advanced, music benefits every student, and music classes are offered at all skill levels.

Our prestigious Honors Ensemble performs at local, regional and national levels.

Art classes are offered for all skill levels and include drawing, ceramics, painting, and honors portfolio art.

Courses are also offered in graphic design and music technology.

Our art gallery hosts several shows each year, featuring the works of our students and professional guest artists.

Athletics Our athletic program boasts 12 sports and 21 teams: Field Hockey • Tennis • Cross Country • Volleyball • Basketball • Swimming • Indoor Track • Soccer • Softball • Track & Field • Lacrosse • Golf The primary campus houses a gymnasium, and exercise and training rooms, and onsite Bon Secours athletic trainer.

Our state-of-the-art Outdoor Athletic Center (OAC) is located a short 12-minute drive from our Stuart Avenue Campus.

The 16-acre OAC includes: One turf field • One grass field • Softball field • Six tennis courts • Field House • Walking Path

our SIGNATURE programs

Student Outreach to Society (SOS) is a school-wide outreach program based on Jesus’ Gospel message of caring for others.

The entire SGHS community (students, faculty, staff, and parents) participates.

Digital Literacy is an online course for ALL new students developed to build a strong foundation for academic life in a 1:1 learning environment.

Discover Leadership is a comprehensive four-year program to develop the unique leadership capabilities of each individual student.

Saint Gertrude High School, an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school, prepares and inspires young women to answer the challenges of their changing world.

We invite you and your family to visit us and learn more about our extraordinary school.

To arrange a tour, student shadow experience, or to attend an admission event, please contact our Director of Admission, Meredith McNamara at 804.822.3955 or admissions@saintgertrude.org.

Global Learning includes service immersion trips to underdeveloped nations and underserved regions of the US; an academic immersion & exchange program with Spain & France; and cultural enrichment tours to Europe & Asia.

Apply Online

www.saintgertrude.org

Our Financial Aid and Scholarship program continues to grow because of the support of our generous community. Please inquire how your daughter can benefit.

Accreditations

Virginia Association of Independent Schools AdvancED

Associations

National Association of Independent Schools National Catholic Education Association 3215 Stuart Avenue Richmond, VA 23221 804.358.9114 · saintgertrude.org Saint Gertrude High School actively seeks and admits qualified young women of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

Council of the Advancement and Support of Education The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools National Association for College Admission Counselors The Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling