John Paul the Great Academy

Transcription

1 John Paul the Great Academy 1

2 Welcome to one of the most unique education experiences in the South. With a PreK-12th grade student body of nearly 300, we are more than a respected academic institution of the Christian, classical renewal we re a close-knit family, built on the 2,000-year old Catholic tradition, in the heart of Lafayette, Louisiana. JPG is a thriving community where your name is known and your presence is valued. John Paul the Great Academy was established in 2007 by Dr. Kevin Roberts and Fr. Bryce Sibley, who believe that education, and especially a robust, classical, Catholic education, can transform our society and renew our culture. In 2011, we moved from our original campus in Carencro, Louisiana, to our permanent campus here on the beautiful and historic 36-acre grounds once occupied by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. As we enter our second decade as a school, we remain dedicated to serving the Church in Acadiana by forming apostles of the New Evangelization, and by cultivating wisdom in young people through the study of all that is true, good, and beautiful. Pope St. John Paul the Great, pray for us. Peter Fletcher President & Headmaster John Paul the Great Academy Offers an exemplary, rigorous classical curriculum and a college-preporatory academic formation Remains steadfastly Catholic, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Roman Catholic faith and fidelity to the Magisterium Seeks to form the whole person through our charisms of VERITAS (truth), FIDES (faith), and VIRTUS (virtue) Serves students in grades PreK-12 Operates as a private, independent educational institution Occupies the beautiful, historic grounds formerly owned by the De La Salle Christian Brothers What s Inside A School for Acadiana Why Choose Classical Education? Veritas (academic formation)... 8 Curricula... 9 Trivium Fides (faith formation) JOHN PAUL THE GREAT ACADEMY Virtus (formation in human virtue) Our Faculty Our Graduates Admissions Process Financial Information

3 A school for Acadiana Families come from all over Acadiana to be part of the mission of John Paul the Great Academy. Eleven cities and five parishes around Acadiana are represented by our student body. Our campus is infused with South Louisiana culture. Our historic 36-acre campus, once part of a plantation, is adorned with century-old oak trees, classic brick buildings, and a swamp, home to beautiful cypress trees and wildlife. ST. LANDRY 9 ST MARTIN 19 JPG Families Around Acadiana ACADIA 8 LAFAYETTE 107 VERMILION 6 4 JOHN PAUL THE GREAT ACADEMY a school for acadiana 5

4 WHY CHOOSE CLASSICAL EDUCATION? Classical Education Forms the Whole Person A truly classical education is one that seeks to form the whole person mind, soul, and body. John Paul the Great Academy offers students a comprehensive formation: in VERITAS (truth), in FIDES (faith), and in VIRTUS (human virtue). Embraces Truth, Beauty, and Goodness goal of classical education is to form students who are truly wise and virtuous by exposing them to what is true, good, and beautiful. John Paul the Great Academy strives to preserve its beautiful, historic grounds inherited from the De La Salle Christian Brothers, to provide peaceful classroom environments, display classical and student artwork around campus, and incorporate beautiful plays and poetry recitation into the life of the school. We are what we behold! Emphasizes the Trivium Classical education emphasizes the trivium, the arts developed to refine our ability to use language: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. In the Grammar stage of learning, students learn the building blocks of language. In the Logic phase, students learn argumentation to structure and order thinking, speaking, and writing. In the Rhetoric phase, students learn to express and defend truth beautifully and persuasively. For more about the trivium, see pages Considers Parents the Primary Educators Education begins in the home. Classical education, as well as the Roman Catholic faith, considers parents the primary educators of their children. Teachers are co-educators, or aids in their student s education. Single Gender & Co-Ed Classes Lower School (PreK-6th grade) classes are co-ed. Upper School (7th-12th grade) has both single-gender classes and co-ed classes. JPG embraces the benefits of both single-gender and co-education. Implements Socratic Discussion classical model employs Socratic discussions, whereby the teacher guides students in an analysis of ideas to discover the truth through a series of questions. This method is often employed in the liberal arts and humanities. Implements Mimetic Instruction classical model also employs mimetic instruction, whereby the teacher models and facilitates a skill, and the student imitates the skill. This method is often employed in math and science. Engages a Lab-Based Approach to Math & Science Aristotle said, What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing. Through mimetic instruction, JPG students are engaged in an experiential approach to math and science that is lab-based, interactive, and peer-collaborative. Embraces Great Books John Paul the Great Academy immerses students in the Great Books of the classical and Christian intellectual tradition, allowing these texts to speak as living voices in the classroom. Learning becomes a conversation as students engage with works such as Plato s Republic, Virgil s Aeneid, Augustine s Confessions, Aquinas s Summa ologica, Dante s Divine Comedy, and Shakespeare s Julius Caesar. Uses Primary Texts Classical education prioritizes primary texts, or direct sources of information, rather than secondary texts, or indirect sources of information (such as textbooks). This is the difference between reading the Constitution of the United States and reading a book about the Constitution. Offers Unique Courses A classical curriculum includes instruction in many unique disciplines such as Latin, philosophy, logic and rhetoric, speech and debate, horticulture, poetry, creative writing, music, and art. Teaches for Mastery of Content classical educator teaches for mastery of content. This model seeks depth over breadth of content to ensure deep understanding of essential concepts. Instills Wonder and Awe in Learning Socrates said, Wonder is the seat of wisdom. A classical education develops in students wonder and awe, so that they may become truly wise and life-long learners. Adopts a Mentor-to-Student Approach An excellent faculty is the cornerstone of any classical, academic institution. At JPG, faculty members are not simply teachers they are mentors and models. At John Paul the Great Academy, all faculty members make an oath of fidelity to the Magisterium and invest in real relationships with each of their students. Maintains Small Class Sizes In the classical model, students receive personalized, authentic instruction and attention. Classes at John Paul the Great Academy average 16 students. Jordan Meche, Class of 2017 shares, My favorite thing about JPG is the small teacher to student ratio, because then we are challenged to really understand, not just to simply memorize information. I love that our girls are not being forced into a mold of education characterized by memorizing and regurgitating information in order to output good test scores and meet federal guidelines. At JPG, it s much more than that. - Laura Sowels, JPG Parent 6 JOHN PAUL THE GREAT ACADEMY why choose classical education 7

5 VERITAS a Formation in Truth Rooted in... tradition of classical education Lower School Curriculum At John Paul the Great Academy, our Lower School classical curriculum (PreK3-6th grade) focuses on the building blocks of learning and the importance of cultivating a deep sense of wonder in each child. Students memorize poetry, learn phonics, study Greek and Latin roots, train in music, investigate the world through science, develop a love for the stories of history, and learn to think logically. All these components work to provide an unparalleled classical foundation for the work of the Upper School. Religion Literature Prayers and Bible Stories Nursery Rhymes Classic Short Stories Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Junior Classic Novels Roman Catholic Catechesis Poetry Memorization and Recitation Classic Novels joyful cultivation of habits of learning and study An engagement with the great ideas and texts of Western Civilization A peaceful, reflective academic environment pursuit of knowledge, beginning in wonder and culminating in wisdom What is Classical Education? first charism, or gift, we offer to families is an academic formation: VERITAS. Our method of education is the classical model. Classical, Catholic education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, beauty, and goodness. This enables students to better know and glorify God, who is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness itself. Math English History Science Foreign Language Music Art Physical Education Number Sense Music Grammar / Hymns Crafting Latin Prayers Gross and Fine Motor Skills Gymnastics Arithmetic (Singapore Method) Phonics Spelling Grammar (Institute for Excellence in Writing) Beginner Writing Print Letter Formation Cursive Social Studies Geography Ancient World Medieval World Early Modern World Modern World Outdoor Exploration Life, Earth, and Physical Science Biology Earth and Space Chemistry Music Training (Ward Method) Art Training ( Meet the Masters Program) Coordination / Athleticism Greek and Latin Roots Team and Individual Sports With origins in the classical world of Greece and Rome, classical education is an ancient, time-tested tradition that has formed the greatest minds of Western Civilization. classical student reads and discusses the greatest works of civilization so that he may be truly wise. Indeed, the classical Catholic student asks not only, What can I do with this learning? but also, How will this learning transform me? At John Paul the Great Academy, we are committed to this rich classical tradition. Grade Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Upper School Curriculum Upper School classical curriculum (7th-12th grades) builds on the foundation established in the Lower School. Oral and written communication and logical thinking are the hallmarks of a JPG Upper School education. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement Tests and enroll in Dual Enrollment Courses. All courses are aligned with state and national standards and prepare students for college admission and post-secondary studies. Academy s graduation requirements meet and exceed that of the TOPS University diploma graducation requirements. Grade ology History Literature Math Natural Sciences Foreign Language Logic & Rhetoric Physical Education Electives 7th Christology / Sacraments Geography British Liturature & Composition Pre-Algebra Physical Science I Latin I Public Speaking P.E. 8th Ecclesiology / Morality Louisiana Studies American Literature & Composition Algebra I Physical Science II Latin II Logic P.E. 9th Scripture Ancient World Algebra II 10th 11th Church History Moral ology Earth Science Medieval World Geometry Biology Modern World Civics 12th Sacraments American Studies Advanced Math I Advanced Math II or Statistics Chemistry Physics Latin III or French I Latin IV or French II Latin V or French III Latin VI Rhetoric Speech & Debate Advanced Speech & Debate Senior Seminar / Capstone P.E. I P.E. II P.E. III Weightlifting Art Computer Science Creative Writing Fine Arts Survey Horticulture Special Topics: Math Science ology Academic Schedule: Modified Block Schedule (Classes meet either daily, or on alternating days: MWF/TTh) 8 JOHN PAUL THE GREAT ACADEMY veritas 9

6 TRIVIUM heart of classical education GRAMMAR stage of knowledge Pre K - 4th ANSWERS THE QUESTION COGNITIVE TRAITS ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOM John Paul the Great Academy emphasizes the trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Each stage of the trivium corresponds to a particular stage in the cognitive development of the child. My favorite thing about JPG is the classical method of teaching. Our goal is to have everything culminate in expressing our ideas in a beautiful way. Joseph Marcantel, Class of 2017, Seminarian for the Diocese of Lafayette 10 JOHN PAUL THE GREAT ACADEMY EXAMPLE OF A CONCEPT CYCLING THROUGH THE STAGES OF THE TRIVIUM LOGIC stage of understanding 5th - 8th RHETORIC stage of wisdom 9th - 12th Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Desires knowledge and enjoys memorizing Develops the faculty of reason; begins to examine and establish relationships among facts Uses knowledge and expresses understanding with persuasion and eloquence Chanting Reciting Memorizing and repeating Following directions Imitating and copying Retelling Observing Sensory activities Students learn basic facts about photosynthesis: What is photosynthesis? What is energy? What is light? What is heat? Analyzing facts Asking questions Reading and summarizing Debating Critiquing Judging Researching Comparing and contrasting Defending positions Reading and annotating Discussing ideas Integrating knowledge Writing creatively Speaking persuasively Presenting concepts Students learn how photosynthesis works by designing an experiment: Students place an aquatic plant in a test tube, shine light through it, and observe the amount of oxygen gas bubbles released. Students defend their scientific conclusions and expresses ideas about photosynthesis persuasively in written or oral presentations. Truth, beauty, and goodness ARE EXAMINED. Truth, beauty, and goodness ARE DEFENDED. TRUTH, BEAUTY, AND GOODNESS Truth, beauty, and goodness ARE PRESENTED. the trivium 11

7 FIDES a Formation in Faith Liturgical Life Weekly Holy Mass as a school community saints raise up Today we have the greatest need of whom we must beg God to. Pope St. John Paul II Christifideles, Laici Rooted in... An intimate knowledge of Sacred Scripture development of an interior prayer life An intimate friendship with Jesus Christ A deep and lasting conversion of heart A firm foundation in the philosophy of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas A strong commitment to the New Evangelization example and theology of Pope St. John Paul the Great A devotion to Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Mass and the Sacraments writings of the saints and Early Church Fathers need for each of us to be vocal witnesses to Jesus Christ, our only hope and salvation experience of sacred liturgical chant and hymns need for every person to discern God s calling in their vocation pursuit of holiness, beginning in a simple restless heart and culminating in the eternal beatific vision second charism we offer to families is a formation in the spiritual life: FIDES. At John Paul the Great Academy, faith in Jesus Christ and His Church is at the heart of who we are. We strive to create an academic community in which students, faculty, staff, and families can pursue holiness and enjoy the fruits of the spiritual life together. During their time here, students are invited into the faith, and to a relationship with Christ and His Church. 12 FIDES Weekly opportunities for Confession Pilgrimages 7th and 8th: L ocal Pilgrimages 9th: T heology of the Body Retreat Morning and afternoon community prayer 10th: New Orleans Mission Trip Eucharistic Adoration in our Perpetual Adoration Chapel 11th: Rome & Assisi, Italy Feast day processions and celebrations Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PreK-4th) Silent retreat days 12th: Blue Ridge Mountains, NC March for Life trip Abbey Youth Festival Steubenville Youth Conference Vocations fruit of our formation is reaped in vocations. Within ten years of opening its doors, JPG has sent ten young men to study as seminarians for the Diocese of Lafayette. JPG s first valedictorian, Christopher Cambre (Class of 2007), has been ordained to the Holy Priesthood. We are also blessed to have Emily Byers, a Consecrated Virgin for the Diocese of Lafayette, and Fr. Michael Champagne of the Community of Jesus Crucified on our JPG faculty. Religious brothers and sisters visit the school frequently. JPG is committed to helping students discern the way in which they will serve the Church, whether as lay men and women, or as priests and consecrated persons. FIDES 13

8 VIRTUS a Formation in Human Virtue Rooted in example of the Cloud of Witnesses the Communion of Saints daily practice of sacrifice in small, ordinary things support and cultivation of friendship Greek ideals of moderation and balance Justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude Athletics FOOTBALL TRACK & FIELD SOCCER State Champions: 2015, 2016 State Runner-Up: 2010, 2013, 2014 Boys State Champions: 2017 State Runner-Up: 2016 (Boys), 2017 (Girls) State Champions: 2012 JV State Champions: 2017 Varsity State Runner-Up: 2011, 2013, 2015 VOLLEYBALL BASKETBALL CHEERLEADING habits of service and humility which are the essence of leadership pursuit of the good, beginning in discipline and culminating in joy State Champions: 2014 State Runner-Up: 2012, 2013 Clubs & Activities Tennis Cross Country Gymnastics Prefect Council third charism we offer to families is a formation in human virtue: VIRTUS. Athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities play a critical role in the vibrant campus life at John Paul the Great Academy and in forming the student as a whole person. y give students the opportunity to grow in virtue the virtues of friendship, leisure, commitment, discipline, courage, sportsmanship, and humility. Adopting St. Josemaria Escriva s ideal, we say: omnia in excellentia. All things in excellence! 14 VIRTUS Drama Club Schola Custodum (Choir) Speech and Debate Yearbook Club Altar Servers and Lectors Conquest Quiz Bowl Literary Rally Science Olympiad Pro-Life Club Robotics Claire declouet (Class of 2017) signs scholarship to play soccer at Texas A&M - Texarkana VIRTUS 15

9 Our Faculty Our Graduates John Paul the Great Academy is a beacon of collaborative learning and professional development. Throughout the school year, JPG faculty members spend fifteen days dedicated to professional development and formation, during which they read and discuss great works of educational literature, participate in peer-teaching and discuss best practices, observe fellow faculty members, collaborate across the curriculum, and cultivate professional camaraderie. A quarter of our faculty members have advanced degrees. John Paul the Great Academy faculty members are more than just teachers they are mentors and models for our students. All faculty members are steadfastly Catholic. Each takes an oath of fidelity to the Magisterium and commits to teach as Jesus taught. majority of our faculty members have a weekly committed holy hour in our Sacred Heart of Jesus Perpetual Adoration Chapel, located right in the heart of our campus. Class of 2017 Graduate Profile Class Size 12 Graduation Rate 100% Graduates eligible for the Louisiana Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) scholarship Gross scholarship awards Average SAT Score *using the new scale Average ACT Composite Score % $2.3 million 1208 It is a privilege to be in a place where growth both spiritually and professionally is encouraged, where improvement and continued learning is fervently stressed with one simple goal: to continue improving oneself, so that we may continue teaching students to be their best. Angela Odinet, J.D. JPG parent and faculty member JPG BY THE NUMBERS Established 2007 Moved to Current Campus 2011 Campus Acreage 36 Current Enrollment Number of Families 158 Student-to-Faculty Ratio 7:1 Average Class Size 16 Average GPA of Upper School 3.0 Alumni 90 JPG Alumni Seminarians 4 JPG Alumni Priest 1 Morning Bell 7:55 Afternoon Bell 3: ACT Scores JPG Louisiana National English Math Reading Science Composite Accredidation and Honors John Paul the Great Academy is a nonpublic approved school of the Louisiana State Department of Education. All credentials are recognized by the State of Louisiana, secondary institutions, and collegiate institutions. Academy is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Academy is a full member of the National Association of Private Catholic Independent Schools (NAPCIS). Academy is a Nationally Recognized School of Excellence by the Cardinal Newman Society. Academy s graduation requirements meet and exceed those of the TOPS University diploma graduation requirements. Post-Secondary Education of previous JPG graduates Ave Maria University Franciscan University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech Mount Saint Mary s University Notre Dame Seminary Saint Joseph Abbey & Seminary College South Louisiana Community College United States Naval Academy University of Dallas University of Louisiana at Lafayette Wyoming Catholic College 16 JOHN PAUL THE GREAT ACADEMY faculty and graduates 17

10 Admissions Process FINANCIAL INFORMATION Inquire Learn more about the mission of John Paul the Great Academy by calling us at and by visiting our website, jpgacademy.org/admissions. 5. Apply Should you decide that JPG is the right fit for your family, you may apply online, turn in all required documents, and pay fees: TUITION PK3-PK4 (3 days): $3,845 PK4 (5 days)-4th Grade: $6,409 5th-8th Grade: $6,973 9th-12th Grade: $7, Tour Schedule a tour of our school by contacting our Admissions Office. 3. Shadow Schedule a shadow day for your child to experience a day in the life of a JPG student. 4. Test During shadow day, your student will take an entrance exam so that we can gauge academic strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with helpful feedback. Please note... All documents must be submitted and all fees must be paid before your application is processed. deadline to complete the Admissions Process is June 1. Applications received after June 1 will incur a $100 late fee. Once we receive the submitted online application with all documents and fees, your family will be notified of the school s decision regarding your child s admission within two weeks. Upon admission, you will receive an official acceptance packet in the mail with more information regarding the upcoming school year. Contact Admissions Online Application jpgacademy.org/apply Documents Copy of birth certificate Front Office: Website: jpgacademy.org/admissions Copy of baptismal record (if applicable) Immunization records Pastor Recommendation: Download at jpgacademy.org/admissions School Recommendation: Download at jpgacademy.org/admissions Academic Records: Transcript Most current report card Standardized test scores Fees See page 19 for required fees Families may elect to pay tuition in full by June 30. Families electing to pay monthly incur a 3% installment fee. Tuition increases 2-4% each year. Tuition increases are announced in January FEES total cost per student is tuition plus fees: One-Time Application Fee (new families only) Annual Enrollment Fee Building & Grounds / Academic $300 (one student) $500 (total for two or more students) $500 / student $285 / student Application Fee and Enrollment Fee are due at the time of application. Building & Grounds/Academic Fee can be paid at the time of application or with tuition. PAYMENT Cash or checks made out to John Paul the Great Academy can be delivered to the front office, or you may request an online invoice from the Admissions Office. MULTI-STUDENT DISCOUNT John Paul the Great is pleased to offer a generous multi-student discount: 1st and 2nd child: 3rd child and each additional child: Full tuition 20% discount / student Will you join our family? Molly McCracken Director of Admissions mollym@jpgacademy.org Taylor McCaulley Assistant Director of Admissions tmccaulley@jpgacademy.org 18 JOHN PAUL THE GREAT ACADEMY admissions and financial information 19

11 jpgacademy.org 1522 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA JOHN PAUL GREAT ACADEMY John Paul the Great Academy is a small, Catholic, college preparatory school that preserves and promotes the Sacred Traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.