Holy
Family Catholic Academy
200 Summit Street
Norwood, NJ 07648
201-768-1605
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Just some of the academic
hallmarks of an academy are as follows: world language instruction given
throughout the curriculum (Grades 1-4 on at least a weekly basis; Grades 5-8
more frequently, three times per week at a minimum), mathematics program to
consist of the regular courses as well as a full year of a standard algebra
course, science laboratory integrated throughout the curriculum, art and music
courses as part of the curriculum, and religious education and formation
programs addressing the academic, sacramental and spiritual preparation of
students. This academy model starts right from the beginning with an Early
Childhood Program that engages students in age-appropriate learning. All of the
instruction given Pre-K-8 utilizes a wide variety of presentation techniques.
There will still be the traditional direct instruction from the teacher, but
there will also be more opportunity for group/project learning, cooperative
learning, and inquiry learning. Much of this is also integrated with technology
such as classroom computers.
In an academy model, nothing is left to chance. An active advisory board is in place to assist the pastors and principal in setting policy for the academy. *
*Source: The Catholic Advocate January 24, 2008 |
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Copyright 2008 Holy Family Catholic Academy. All rights reserved. |
According
to Brother Ralph Darmento, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, who authored the
guidelines for academy status in the Newark Archdiocese, “Academy designation
implies that special skills and subjects are taught. It is not merely a merging
of schools and inserting the word “academy” into the school’s new name.” There
are very specific academic standards and enrichment programs that academies must
have in order to earn that name. 
The
students’ extracurricular lives are also addressed by the academy guidelines.
Programs offered cover a wide range of items from athletics, to academics, to
the arts. Students in academies will continue to have quality athletic programs
such as boys and girls basketball. Now they will participate in forensics
contests, science Olympiads, and academic challenge bowls, just to name a few.
They will also have the opportunity to explore the performing arts through
things like choir or drama.