Villa Maria Academy is a college preparatory school. The courses, therefore, are selected and arranged to equip the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to continue her education. That education may take several directions.

To achieve the goal of providing a solid preparation for these varied directions, Villa Maria requires sequential programs in the six major areas of theology, English, mathematics, science, languages, and social studies. This basic program is supplemented by several minor courses offered throughout the four years.

The curriculum at Villa Maria is a demanding one. The student is expected to pursue a course of study that will continually reinforce analytic problem solving skills and comprehension development. Thus, every course is taught at a college preparatory level challenging the student to work with increasing independence. Honors courses are taught at an accelerated pace to challenge the academically competent student who is able to pursue in-depth study and who is willing to spend extra time outside of class working independently.For those students ready - and able - to do college level work, advanced placement courses are provided.In order to fully benefit from these AP courses, the student is required to take responsibility for extensive reading and writing assignments as independent study.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the tireless efforts of a dedicated faculty, and the consistently effective study of the student, these years at Villa Maria afford an excellent opportunity to build a solid foundation for a successful college education and the attainment of life's goals.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Villa Maria Academy offers a four-year, eight semester, college preparatory program. The staff of sixty-one includes 13 Religious, 37 laywomen and 11 laymen. The student/faculty ratio is 8/1. All students at Villa Maria are expected to take a minimum of twenty-six credits. All courses are offered on college preparatory, honors, or Advanced Placement levels, with opportunities to earn additional credits according to students' needs and future plans.

Each student completes the following required courses:

COURSE	CREDITS
Theology	4.0
English	4.0
Social Studies	3.0
Mathematics	4.0
Science	3.0
Foreign Language	3.0
Art/Music Appreciation	0.3
Computer Resources	0.3
Health/Phys.Ed	1.87
Character Education	0.1
College Guidance	0.1
Electives	3+

THEOLOGY The Theology Department of Villa Maria Academy recognizes its unique role in the educational ministry of the Church and its specific implications for this school. The Theology Department seeks to offer leadership, vision and inspiration within a school whose mission is firmly rooted in the Gospel and steeped in Catholic tradition. In an effort to respond faithfully to the goals set forth in the “Declaration on Christian Education”, we define our program and purpose, “… to inspire the student with the Spirit of Christ, to help to bring to maturity the gifts and talents of each student, and to direct all students to become involved in transforming their world into God's Kingdom.” These goals offer an attitudinal, cognitive and affective dimension as we seek to transmit a spirit of faith and to teach Theology as an academic discipline with specific, measurable objectives. It is the integration of these dimensions that provides the challenge as we seek to lead young women to live lives of spiritual growth, intellectual inquiry and Christian service.

Theology 1	Hebrew Scriptures and Light of Faith	Grade 9
Theology 2	Jesus and Sacraments	Grade 10
Theology 3	Church History and Christian Morality	Grade 11
Theology 4	Social Justice and Marriage/Life Choices	Grade 12

ENGLISH The English Department offers students a solid college preparatory program built around a strong emphasis on written communication. Classroom time is devoted to including each student in a community of discourse. Reading and writing, speaking and listening engage everyone. Critical thinking is fostered and encouraged and students are afforded an appreciation and understanding of fine literature. Within both the college prep and honors courses students approach literature as a means to explore our world and communication as a means toward expressing perceptions of that world. All students are required to participate in the summer reading program.

English 1/Honors English 1	Introduction to Literature and Techniques of Composition	Grade 9
English 2/Honors English 2	American Literature and Effective Writing	Grade 10
English 3/Honors English 3	British Literature and Effective Writing	Grade 11
AP English Language/Composition	Independent Study-AP Examination	Grade 11
Western Literature	World Literature and Effective Writing(Honors)	Grade 12
Literary Themes	World Literature and Effective Writing(College Prep)	Grade 12
AP English Literature/Composition	Princeton Guidelines --- AP Examination	Grade 12
Creative Writing	Short fiction, Poetry, Playwriting, Nonfiction (Semester)	Grade 12

SOCIAL STUDIES The role of the Social Studies Department is to make available to the students a body of knowledge that will broaden their educational horizons and strengthen those values that are part of our school community. To these ends we have designed a curriculum that reflects the awareness of the diversity of mankind, the dignity of each person, and the responsibility which young women must exercise in the modern world. The course offerings for the Social Studies Department fulfill the requirements of the state of Pennsylvania for those persons seeking a high school diploma. In addition to the required courses of World Civilization to 1600, American History and Modern European History, our electives give students an opportunity to probe more deeply into the history of the ancient and modern world. Through an examination of other times and places, it is hoped that our young women will develop respect for the role that geography, technology, and diversity play in the study of history; that the study of historical events and peoples will illuminate the pitfalls and perils that have resulted in chaos and catastrophe in order to learn more peaceful methods of dealing with national and world disputes; and finally, that our students will grow in their own faith as they trace the path of mankind’s search for meaning in life.

World Civilizations to 1600	Grade 9
American History	Grade 10
AP American History	Grade 10
Modern European History	Grade 11
AP European History	Grade 11
American Government-semester	Grade 12
Economics-Semester	Grade 12
Humanities	Grade 12
AP U.S. Government and Politics	Grade 12
AP European History	Grade 12
World Issues (Semester) Grade 12	Grade 12
Geography	Grade 12

LANGUAGES The Language Department of Villa Maria Academy recognizes the need for all students to be able to communicate with the emerging global community. The course of study provides the opportunity to meet all aspects of language learning: vocabulary development, grammatical structure, reading and listening comprehension, civilization and culture, literature, composition and (for the modern foreign languages) the ability to converse in the language.

Latin 1	Grade 9
Latin 2	Grade 10
Honors Latin Prose	Grade 11,12
Honors Latin Poetry	Grade 11,12
Ancient Greek and Roman Mythology	Grade 11,12
French 1	Grade 9
French 2	Grade 10
French 3/Honors French 3	Grade 11
Honors French 4	Grade 12
AP French Language	Grade 11,12
AP French Literature	Grade 12
Spanish 1	Grade 9
Spanish 2	Grade 10
Spanish 3/Honors Spanish 3	Grade 11
Honors Spanish 4	Grade 12
AP Spanish Language	Grade 12

MATHEMATICS The goal of the Mathematics Department is to develop the mathematical talents of each student. Our curriculum encourages academic excellence and fosters a love of learning, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, precise expression and a healthy spirit of achievement. It challenges each student according to her ability by offering courses that provide a well-rounded background in fundamentals as well as honors and advanced placement opportunities. As a college-preparatory school, we require all students to take four years of mathematics. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards promote the use of technology on a regular basis. The mathematics department supports the Council by requiring each student to own a TI-84 Plus or a TI-83 Plus graphing calculator as part of her equipment in mathematics classes; thus, enabling her to come to a better understanding of mathematics concepts. Greater emphasis is placed on applications at all levels of instruction. PSAT and SAT needs are addressed.

Algebra 1	Grade 9
Honors Algebra 1 & 2/Honors Algebra 1 & 2	Grade 9
Honors Algebra 2/Geometry	Grade 10
Geometry/Honors Geometry	Grade 9,10
Algebra 2/Honors Algebra 2	Grade 10,11
Analysis/Trigonometry (Pre-Calculus)	Grade 11,12
AP Statistics-Semester	Grade 12
Trigonometry-Semester	Grade 12
Statistics	Grade 12
Discrete Mathematics	Grade 12
Honors Calculus	Grade 12
Honors Calculus	Grade 12
Accounting	Grade 12

SCIENCE

The Science Department supports the school’s philosophy of educating the whole person. In order to help the school attain this goal the Science Department presents a comprehensive curriculum in the physical and biological disciplines. Science concepts and the development of the scientific method and its applications are stressed in the teaching of the college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement courses. Laboratory investigations instill the concepts presented and the use of current technology in the classroom develops a positive attitude for science in the student’s life.

Biology/Honors Biology	Grade 9
AP Biology	Grade 12
Chemistry/Honors Chemistry	Grade 10, 11
AP Chemistry	Grade 12
Physics/Honors Physics	Grade 11,12
Human Anatomy	Grade 12
AP Physics	Grade 12
Environmental Science	Grade 10,11,12

COMPUTER

Since the importance of computers in our world cannot be denied all students must become proficient in their use. Freshmen are required to take a minor course in Computer Resources. Upper classes have the opportunity to select courses in computer applications and computer programming. Computers are available in the Library, in three laboratories, in Music and Art laboratories, and in all classrooms for research purposes and connection to the Internet.

Computer Resources	Required Minor Course	Grade 9
AP Computer Science	Princeton Guidelines-AP Examination	Grade 12
Computer Programming	Using the C++ Programming Language	Grade 10,11,12
Multimedia I	Desktop Publishing, Web Design and Various Media	Grade 12
Multimedia II	Movie Making, Flash, Java	Grade 12

FINE ARTS

Instruction in the Fine Arts with opportunities for religious and cultural experience is a vital part of the educational program at Villa Maria. Students learn to set and reach attainable goals based on their individual talents and gifts. We strive to develop artistic skills and aesthetic sensitivity.

MUSIC

Music Appreciation	Minor Course	Grade 9,10
Ear Training	Minor Course	Grade 10
Music Theory 1 /2 / 3	Minor Course	Grade 10,11,12
Music Technology	Minor Course	Grade 11,12
Song Craft	Minor Course	Grade 11,12
AP Music Theory	AP Princeton Guidelines	Grade 12
Music Instruction	Private Instruction taken each year	All grades

ART/ART HISTORY

Art Appreciation	Minor Course taken each year	Grade 9
Introduction to Studio Art	Minor Course	Grade 9
Studio Art 1/2/3	Minor Course	Grade 10, 11, 12
Ceramics/ Adv.Ceramics	Minor Course(Semester)	Grade 12
Graphic Design	Minor Course(Semester)	Grade 12
Art Major 1/2	Production, Criticism, Aesthetics and Art History are stressed and evaluated	Grades 11, 12
Art History 1/2	A study of the painting, sculpture and architecture from prehistory through the Renaissance to the modern world	Grades 11, 12
AP Studio Art	Use of Princeton Guidelines in producing the Drawing Portfolio.	Grade 12

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

Physical Education	Minor Course taken each year	All Grades
Health	Minor Course taken each year	All Grades