Serviam Girls Academy

Programs: Promoting a community of learning in an all-girls school environment, in which girls assume positions of leadership, whether in arts, sports, or academic teams, and are more likely to continue in leadership roles later in life. It is with both mindfulness of serviam girls academy's ursuline heritage and the aim to encourage the students to embrace their role as members of a global society that serviam takes a central role in the school culture. Serviam's academic goal is to improve middle and high school attendance and graduation rates, test scores, and opportunities for college admission for our students. This is achieved by providing a college-focused education with a rigorous curriculum and high behavioral expectations. In addition, the nativitymiguel network model's required characteristics of an extended school day, extended academic year, and support after graduation provide for a culture of student success. While the organization seeks to educate students holistically, academics are the central focus of a serviam education. Faculty and staff approach their work and encounters with the students with the mindset that they need to be prepared to succeed in challenging high schools and colleges. To that end, serviam girls academy provides a college-focused education with a rigorous curriculum and high standards for student performance. Class sizes are capped at 15 students to allow for maximum student-teacher interaction, and an hour of the academic day is devoted to homework support. Students and their families should be prepared to put forth the effort that is necessary to excel in an academically demanding environment. However, with a strong relationship between school and the home, much is accomplished. Formal parent-teacher conferences occur twice per year, progress reports and report cards are distributed at the middle and end of each quarter, and families can expect at least one to two phone calls per week apprising them of their student's progress. In addition, teachers make themselves readily available via email and phone, and are always willing to schedule time to meet and discuss student achievement. In order to ensure long-term student success, serviam girls academy has adopted a unique and demanding curriculum. Developed as a hybrid of standards from both the delaware department of education and the roman catholic diocese of wilmington, the curriculum seeks to educate the whole student- mind, body, and spirit. Each year, students take classes in english and language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, religion, and study skills and current events. Fifth graders have an additional class in literary analysis, and eighth graders have an additional graduate support class. Electives are provided in fine art, music, and a host of programs- such as girl scouts, dance, and life skills- that change quarterly based on student interest. All students are required to participate in two hours of sports practice per week, which fulfill state physical education requirements. Most sports also provide the opportunity for weekend cym (catholic youth ministry) league competitions, and students are highly encouraged to participate. Serviam is committed to ensuring the long-term success of the graduates. To that end, the academy provides a graduate support program that works with private and catholic area high schools to do its best to secure placement and scholarships for alumnae. Evening study hall opportunities are offered for students who may need a quiet, safe environment in which to complete assignments. In addition, an advocate works with each alumna throughout high school, and assists in the college search and application process. Goals for the graduate support program include: expanding our students' and graduates' vision of themselves and the world by challenging them academically, physically, ethically, and socially to maximize their success in high school, college, and beyond; facilitating a smooth and successful transition into high school and college; providing tutoring, internships, work experiences, and mentoring for academic and professional success.