Sr. Josepha Scholars

Students are identified during the admissions process through multiple indicators:

• Standardized test scores
• Interview
• Holistic review of academic background

After acceptance to St. Joseph’s Academy in January, students identified during the admissions process to the Academy as potential candidates for the Sr. Josepha Scholars Program are invited to attend a program information session in February to learn about the four-year program with at least one parent. Students must then follow the Sr. Josepha Scholars application process to be considered for program participation.

Applicants will receive notification of their acceptance in the Sr. Josepha Scholar Program before course registration, and during Freshman Welcome Night, the selected scholars will complete registration for their summer coursework.

Summer Accelerator Experience

• Two required summer classes before freshman year
• This opportunity will build community, the student will meet faculty, and jumpstart their experience

Sr. Josepha Seminar

• A year-long Sr. Josepha Seminar will cultivate self-knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, build collaborative skills, foster personal initiative and independent thinking, and support goal-setting.
• Students will conceive, plan, and facilitate a semester-long Personal Inquiry Project that aligns with their academic interests and passions.

Required Summer Courses

• Two required summer courses prior to the start of school. This is to promote balance during the school year and create space for deeper inquiry into topics of study. These courses can vary by year and individual scholar needs, but are selected to ensure students fulfill graduation requirements

Sr. Josepha Seminar

• A year-long Sr. Josepha Seminar will explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues, using an inquiry framework. Students practice reading and analyzing an array of sources, which will equip them with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision. prepare them to identify and vet potential expert mentor(s), and offer support to write and edit their Academic Inquiry Project Proposal, which they will present for approval

Optional Summer Courses

• Option to complete 1-2 half-credit courses each summer

Schedule Adjustment

• At least two unstructured blocks weekly to pursue their Academic Inquiry Project
• This could involve research, internship, extended training, accelerated coursework, service, etc.

Sr. Josepha Seminar

• Sr. Josepha Seminar for reporting out, connecting with peers about learning, planning/writing/practicing year-end presentation of learning

Mentoring

• Mentoring for continued academic creativity and choice, deepening extracurricular leadership, and putting it all together for college search and application