Academic Departments
In addition to rigorous coursework in a core canon of subjects – Theology, English, Mathematics, Science, World Language, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Technology, Physical Education and Health & Wellness – Villa Maria students are exposed to authentic experiences, like the Senior Capstone Project, that define the broadest application of their learning and research skills. These academic requirements are enhanced by annual retreats, Service Learning and Global Travel Opportunities, which are woven organically throughout the curriculum.
Academic Departments
- Counseling
- English
- Fine Arts
- Health & Physical Education
- Languages
- Library Media Services
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Computer Science
- Supported Learning
- Theology
Counseling
Guidance coursework develops the skills students need to succeed at Villa Maria, in college, and beyond.
Freshman and Sophomore Seminars cover such topics as time management, organizational and study skills, high school life, college preparedness, building a strong college applicant profile, and career choices. Sophomores explore personal, extracurricular and academic interests and the way these relate to various career options.
In junior year, students are enrolled in College Guidance, which covers the entire college application process, including college search, developing of an activities resume, writing the college essay, visiting college campuses, and interviewing. Guidance staff members provide support in making well-informed decisions concerning colleges and their programs.
The Guidance curriculum culminates in the Senior Capstone Project, an inquiry-based experience driven by student interest. It involves critical thinking, investigative research, problem solving, written summary and application of prior and acquired knowledge. Capstone projects may include job shadowing, service work, or a science, creative or physical project.
Counseling Department Faculty
Mrs. Cynthia Flores
Director of Student Wellness
B.S., Medical Technology, Shippensburg University
M.A., Counseling Psychology, Immaculata University
NCC (National Certified Counselor),
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
M.A., Counseling Psychology, Immaculata University
NCC (National Certified Counselor),
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Mrs. Lauren Miller
Director of College Counseling
B.A., Political Science, Mount St. Mary’s University
M.S., Organizational/Educational Leadership, Cabrini University
M.S., Organizational/Educational Leadership, Cabrini University
Ms. Madeline Duckhorn
B.A., Psychology, Villanova University
M.S., Counseling with School Counseling Specialization, Villanova University
M.S., Counseling with School Counseling Specialization, Villanova University
Mrs. Sally Jeffries
Guidance Counselor
B.S., Health, Physical Education, & Recreation, East Stroudsburg University
M.Ed., Psychoeducational Processing, Temple University
Masters Plus, West Chester University; Immaculata University
M.Ed., Psychoeducational Processing, Temple University
Masters Plus, West Chester University; Immaculata University
Ms. Frances McNally
Counseling Services Administrative Assistant
B.S., Sports Management, Kutztown University
Certificate, Physical Education K-12, Eastern University
Certificate, Physical Education K-12, Eastern University
Sr. Kathleen Sabatino
School Counselor
B.A., Psychology, Theology, with Education Specialization, Immaculata University
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with School Counseling Specialization
NCC, National Certified Counselor
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with School Counseling Specialization
NCC, National Certified Counselor
Mr. Domenic Zampogna
B.S., Business Administration - Operations Management, Villanova University
M.S., School Counseling, Gwynedd-Mercy University
M.S., Educational Leadership, St. Joseph's University
M.S., School Counseling, Gwynedd-Mercy University
M.S., Educational Leadership, St. Joseph's University
English
The English Department offers students a solid college preparatory program built around a strong emphasis on written communication.
Classroom time is devoted to engaging each student in a community of discourse through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Critical thinking is fostered and encouraged as students develop an appreciation and understanding of both classic and contemporary literature.
Within both the college prep and honors courses, students approach literature as a means to explore our world and communication as a tool to express perceptions of that world.
English Department Faculty
Mrs. Jessica Mullen
English Teacher, Chair
B.A., English with Concentration in Writing, La Salle University
M.Ed., Reading, Cabrini University
M.Ed., Reading, Cabrini University
Mrs. Kara Bielli
English Teacher
B.A., English, The Pennsylvania State University
J.D., Law, Widener University School of Law
J.D., Law, Widener University School of Law
Ms. Megan Filipowicz
English Teacher
B.A., English, College of the Holy Cross
M.Ed., Rockhurst University
M.Ed., Rockhurst University
Miss Natalie Murray
English Teacher
B.A., English with Secondary Education Certification, Immaculata University
M.A. (in progress), English, West Chester University
M.A. (in progress), English, West Chester University
Mrs. Jennifer Pixley
Academic Support, English Teacher
B.A., English, Dickinson College
M.Ed., Education and Literacy, West Chester University
B.C.E.A., National Special Education Advocacy Institute
M.Ed., Education and Literacy, West Chester University
B.C.E.A., National Special Education Advocacy Institute
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
English 1: Literary Genre (CP, H) | English 2: American Literature (CP, H) | English 3: British Literature (CP, H) |
AP English Literature and Composition |
AP English Language and Composition2 | Electives: ● Creative Writing (CP)3 ● Public Speaking (CP)4 |
Semester Courses (choose 2): ● Modern American Literature (CP) ● The Literature of Social Justice (CP) ● Poetry and Song (CP) ● Honors 20th Century Drama ● Honors Women in Literature ● Honors The Outsider in Literature |
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Electives: ● Creative Writing (CP) ● Public Speaking (CP) |
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2. Must meet placement criteria to take this elective. See course description. 3. Preference for electives provided only when core requirements are met. 4. Preference for electives provided only when core requirements are met. |
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts programs at Villa Maria create opportunities for creative self expression in art, music, dance, and theater. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of coursework and activities.
See the Fine Arts section of the website for more information.
Fine Arts Department Faculty
Dr. Anthony Mosakowski
Music Teacher, Chair
B.M., Music Composition, Temple University
M.M., Music Composition, Temple University
Ph.D., Music Composition, University of Durham (UK)
M.M., Music Composition, Temple University
Ph.D., Music Composition, University of Durham (UK)
Mrs. Sarah Bacastow
Art Teacher
B.F.A., Art, minor in Art History, West Chester University
PA Certification in Art K-12, Rosemont College
PA Certification in Art K-12, Rosemont College
Mrs. Kathleen Brown
Art Teacher
B.S., Art Education, Kutztown University
M.A., Art Education, University of the Arts
PA certification in Art K-12
M.A., Art Education, University of the Arts
PA certification in Art K-12
Mr. Robert Cucinella
Social Studies Teacher
B.A., Theater, minor in History, DeSales University
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction (Social Studies), Concordia University
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction (Social Studies), Concordia University
Ms. Leah Kim-Tomilson
Music Teacher
B.M., Performance Violin, Johns Hopkins University (Peabody Conservatory)
M.M., Pedagogy Violin and M.M. Performance Violin, Johns Hopkins University (Peabody Conservatory)
Post Graduate Performance Degree, Conservatoire de Nationale (France)
M.M., Pedagogy Violin and M.M. Performance Violin, Johns Hopkins University (Peabody Conservatory)
Post Graduate Performance Degree, Conservatoire de Nationale (France)
Mrs. Stephanie McLaughlin
Art and Computer Science Teacher
B.F.A., Painting, Temple University
PA Certification in Art K-12, Temple University
Graphic Design Certificate (in progress), Parsons New School of Design
PA Certification in Art K-12, Temple University
Graphic Design Certificate (in progress), Parsons New School of Design
Sr. Dolores Murray
Music Teacher
B.M., Music, Immaculata University
M.M., Music Education, West Chester University
Piano Performance Certification, Philadelphia School of the Arts
M.M., Music Education, West Chester University
Piano Performance Certification, Philadelphia School of the Arts
Mr. Darren Polsz
Video and Design Specialist, Graphic Design Teacher
Associates Degree, Specialized Technology, Antonelli Institute
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
ART | |||
Intro To Art (CP) Studio Art 1 (CP) |
Studio Art 1, 2 (CP) Collage: Mixed Media (CP) Watercolor (CP)9 Theatrical Production And Design (CP) |
Studio Art 1, 2 (CP) Art Major (H) Ceramics 1, 2 (CP) Watercolor (CP)9 AP Art History Collage: Mixed Media (CP)9 Introduction To Sculpture (CP) GraPhic Design (CP) Theatrical Production And Design (CP) |
Studio Art 1, 2 (CP) Art Major (H) Advanced Art Major (H) AP Studio Art (Drawing And 2d) Ceramics 1, 2 (CP) Ceramics Independent Study (CP) Watercolor (CP)9 AP Art History Collage: Mixed Media (CP)9 Introduction To Sculpture (CP) Graphic Design (CP) Theatrical Production And Design (CP) |
MUSIC | |||
Music Requirement (Can be fulfilled through Music Appreciation, Music Instruction or An Approved Ensemble Class) Music Appreciation (CP) Music Instruction (CP) Madrigal Singers (CP) Percussion Ensemble (CP) String Ensemble (CP) |
Music Theory (CP) Music Composition (CP) Ear Training (CP) Music Technology (CP) Music Instruction (CP) Madrigal Singers (CP) Percussion Ensemble (CP) String Ensemble (CP) |
AP Music Theory Music Theory (CP) Advanced Topics In Music Theory (CP) Music Composition (CP) Ear Training (CP) Music Technology (CP) Music Instruction (CP) Madrigal Singers (CP) Percussion Ensemble (CP) String Ensemble (CP) |
AP Music Theory Music Theory (CP) Advanced Topics In Music Theory (CP) Music Composition (CP) Ear Training (CP) Music Technology (CP) Music Instruction (CP) Madrigal Singers (CP) Percussion Ensemble (CP) String Ensemble (CP) |
DANCE | |||
Dance Company-FA Intro To Dance-FA Dance For Conditioning-FA |
Dance Company-FA Intro To Dance-FA Dance For Conditioning-FA |
Dance Company-FA Intro To Dance-FA Dance For Conditioning-FA |
Dance Company- FA Intro To Dance- FA Dance For Conditioning- FA |
Health & Physical Education
Villa Maria Academy is proud to embrace the National Health Education Standards, which govern health, physical education, and recreation in academic settings. Developed by the Joint Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Health Education, the American School Health Association, and the Society of State Directors, this framework promotes “world class” health education. The Wellness model, which emphasizes balancing the Mind/Body/Spirit triangle, focuses on the development of both cognitive as well as personal-social skills that empower students to live healthier lives. Students at Villa Maria will take health and physical education classes in two semesters during the sophomore year. These courses are essential in enabling students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health and overall well-being throughout their lifetime.
Health and Physical Education Department Faculty
Mrs. Michelle Black
Health and Physical Education Teacher
B.S., Kinesiology, Temple University
M.Ed. (in progress), Physical Education, Plymouth State University
M.Ed. (in progress), Physical Education, Plymouth State University
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
Dance Company* Dance Workshop* |
Health |
Strength & Conditioning Dance Company* Dance Workshop* Dance for Conditioning Dance Appreciation |
Strength & Conditioning Dance Company* Dance Workshop* Dance for Conditioning Dance Appreciation |
*By audition only
Languages
The World Language Department of Villa Maria recognizes the need for all students to be able to communicate with the global community with cultural competence and understanding. Students must study at least 3 consecutive years of one language (French, Latin, or Spanish), although most students choose to continue their language studies beyond this requirement. The study of a second world language is also available as an elective.
Language Acquisition
The course of study provides the opportunity to meet all aspects of language learning, with an emphasis on interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication. The culture-centered curriculum and learning environment encourage risk-taking and promote problem-solving skills, while cultivating interculturality and global citizenship.
Cultural Competence
Students learn to communicate, explore, and connect across cultures in order to foster attitudes of mutual understanding and respect. They use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between practices, products, and perspectives of the cultures studied and their own.
Authentic Experiences
Students are encouraged to apply their language skills in the classroom setting and beyond. Language is studied in context via authentic, real-life resources, and meaningful experiences so that students become better informed citizens of the world. Opportunities for students to travel and practice the language and culture are provided both locally and abroad.
Language Clubs
The French, Latin, and Spanish Language Clubs promote excellence in the study of world languages and cultivate an interest in and deeper understanding of the history and culture of countries around the world. Membership in each club is open to all interested students.
View National French Week photo gallery
Language Honor Societies
Villa Maria offers a number of honor societies that recognize overall academic achievement in world languages.
- French Honor Society. The French Honor Society promotes excellence in the study of French, and cultivates interest in the history and culture of French-speaking countries.
- Latin Honor Society. The Latin Honor Society deepens the students’ understanding of the Latin Language and the Roman Civilization that is the foundation of our own.
- Spanish Honor Society. The Spanish Honor Society promotes excellence in the study of the Spanish language and encourages interest in the culture and history of Spain and Latin America.
Language Department Faculty
Mrs. Dianne Goddard
World Languages Teacher, Chair
B.A., Rosemont College
M.B.A., Villanova University
M.B.A., Villanova University
Mrs. Cristina McLachlan
Spanish Teacher
B.A., University of Puerto Rico
J.D., Villanova University School of Law
J.D., Villanova University School of Law
Ms. Belen Medina-Mendoza
Spanish Teacher
B.A., University of Puerto Rico and Interamerican University
M.Ed., Lehigh University
M.Ed. (in progress), DeSales University
M.Ed., Lehigh University
M.Ed. (in progress), DeSales University
Dr. Anthony Tribit
Spanish and French Teacher
B. A., Gettysburg College
M.A., University of Oregon
Ph.D., University of Oregon
M.A., University of Oregon
Ph.D., University of Oregon
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
Spanish 1 | Spanish 2 | Spanish 3 (CP, H) | Spanish 4 (CP, H) Spanish 5 (H) AP Spanish Language & Culture Honors Spanish for Health Care Professionals |
French 1 | French 2 | French 3 (CP, H) | French 4 (CP, H) French 5 (H) AP French Language & Culture |
Latin 1 | Latin 2 | Latin 3 (CP, H) | Latin 4 (H) AP Latin |
Library Media Services
The Learning Commons is an inviting, student-focused learning environment with flexible spaces and resources allowing students to discover and collaborate with ease.
The Learning Commons, located in the Regina Mundi building, is open daily from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The facility has 18 laptops, two private group spaces, whiteboards, a projector, and TVs readily available for student and class use.
The librarian provides instruction to help students develop the media and information literacy skills necessary for college-level research and adulthood. Working closely with the faculty, the librarian also assists in designing relevant and interesting projects that support and enhance the curriculum.
The Learning Commons’ print library includes books, periodicals, and Ebooks for both research and popular interest. The online library provides 24/7 access to a wide variety of databases including EBSCO, JSTOR and ProQuest.
These digital resources are a gateway to thousands of full-text articles, Ebooks, videos, primary sources, and images and are compatible with the wide array of media for interactive instruction at Villa Maria Academy – Google, Apple and Microsoft platforms, and Schoology.
Library Media Services Department Faculty
Ms. Melissa Norman
Librarian
B.A., History, Arcadia University
M.S., Library Science, Clarion University
M.S., Library Science, Clarion University
Mathematics
Villa Maria’s mathematics curriculum encourages academic excellence and fosters a love of learning, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, precise expression and a healthy spirit of achievement.
The goal of the Mathematics Department is to develop the mathematical talents of each student. 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.
Emphasis is placed on application at all levels of instruction. As a college-preparatory school, we strongly recommend that all students take four years of mathematics, and we require each student to own a TI-84 graphing calculator.
Mathematics Department Faculty
Ms. Angela O'Reilly
Math Teacher, Chair
B.S., Engineering, University of Pennsylvania
M.A., Teaching of Mathematics, Immaculata University
M.A., Teaching of Mathematics, Immaculata University
Mrs. Mary Hadley
Math Teacher
B.S., Secondary Education/Mathematics, Villanova University
M.A., Secondary Education, Villanova University
M.A., Secondary Education, Villanova University
Ms. Linda Henderson
Director of Curriculum and Instruction; Math Teacher
B.S., Mathematics, St. Joseph's University
M.Ed., Secondary Mathematics Education, Widener University
M.Ed., Instructional Technology, North Carolina State University
M.Ed., Secondary Mathematics Education, Widener University
M.Ed., Instructional Technology, North Carolina State University
Mrs. Maria Lubanski
Math Teacher
B.A., Mathematics, Boston College
M.A., Mathematics Education, Columbia University
M.A., Mathematics Education, Columbia University
Mrs. Kaitlin Paintsil
Math Teacher
B.S., Mathematics, Villanova University
M.A., Mathematics, West Chester University
M.A., Mathematics, West Chester University
Mrs. Shana Rightley
Math Teacher
B.S., Mathematics, Ursinus College
M.Ed., Secondary Education, Cabrini University
M.Ed., Secondary Education, Cabrini University
Mrs. Diann Venezia
Math Teacher
B.E.E., Electrical Engineering, Villanova University
M.A. (in progress), Mathematics, Villanova University
Certificate to Teach Mathematics (6 - 12)
M.A. (in progress), Mathematics, Villanova University
Certificate to Teach Mathematics (6 - 12)
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
Algebra 1 Honors Algebra 1 |
Algebra 2 Honors Algebra 2 |
Geometry Honors Geometry Electives1: ● AP Statistics ● Honors Statistics ● Statistics |
Pre-Calculus Honors Pre-Calculus AP Statistics Honors Statistics Statistics |
Honors Algebra 2 3, 4 | Honors Geometry Geometry |
Honors Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus Electives as requested: ● AP Statistics ● Honors Statistics ● Statistics |
AP Calculus AB Honors Calculus AP Statistics Honors Statistics Statistics |
Honors Geometry For students who have completed Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 prior to Grade 9 and have scored satisfactorily on the Villa placement test |
Honors Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus |
AP Calculus AB Honors Calculus Electives as requested: AP Statistics Honors Statistics Statistics |
AP Calculus BC 5 AP Statistics Honors Statistics Statistics |
Honors Algebra 2 For students who have completed Algebra 1 and Geometry prior to Grade 9 and have scored satisfactorily on the Villa placement test |
Honors Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus |
AP Calculus AB Honors Calculus Electives as requested: AP Statistics Honors Statistics Statistics |
AP Calculus BC 5 AP Statistics Honors Statistics Statistics |
2. Pre-calculus (Honors or CP) is the recommended course; Statistics (AP, Honors or CP) may be taken concurrently. |
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3. For students who have already successfully completed Algebra 1 and Geometry prior to Grade 9. | |||
4. Curricular options will be designed for those students entering at a level above those listed. | |||
5. AP Calculus AB is a prerequisite for AP Calculus BC. |
Science
The Science Department supports the school's philosophy of educating the whole person.
The Science Department is comprised of eight teachers whose collective experience, knowledge and passion are evident in their relationships with both their students and subject matter. The department boasts professionals from the fields of medicine, engineering, and genetics. These teachers strive to provide each student with a strong groundwork of knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics, while also encouraging their interests in such elective courses as Engineering, Genetics, Environmental Science and Anatomy and Physiology.
All coursework, from the College Prep through AP level, provides the appropriate level of challenge to each student. From building a greenhouse, watching a live gall bladder surgery, and constructing a telescope, our students have unique opportunities to explore the scientific method both inside and outside the classroom.
Villa Maria requires the successful completion of three years of a lab science for graduation. Courses required are: Physical Science or Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
Science Department Faculty
Mrs. Jill Alexis
Science Teacher, Chair
B.A., Chemistry, Rutgers University
M.Ed., Science Education, Rutgers University
M.Ed., Science Education, Rutgers University
Mr. Edward Byrnes
Science Teacher
B.E.E., Electrical Engineering, Villanova University
M.E.E., Electrical Engineering, Villanova University
M.E.E., Electrical Engineering, Villanova University
Ms. Nicole Cronin
Science Teacher
B.S., Physics, Muhlenberg College
M.A., Teaching Science, Stony Brook University
M.A., Teaching Science, Stony Brook University
Dr. Jennifer Horan
Science Teacher
B.A., Biology, Middlebury College
M.D., Dartmouth Medical School
Pediatric Residency F.A.A.P., North Shore University Hospital
M.D., Dartmouth Medical School
Pediatric Residency F.A.A.P., North Shore University Hospital
Ms. Amy Keglovits
Science Teacher
B.S., Biology, University of Notre Dame
M.S., Genetic Counseling, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine
M.S., Genetic Counseling, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine
Mr. Joseph Koerner
Science Teacher
B.S. Ed., Social Studies Education, West Chester University
M.S., Chemistry Education, University of Pennsylvania
M.S., Chemistry Education, University of Pennsylvania
Mrs. Marci Luty
Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Director, Sports Medicine Teacher
B.S., Math and Science, West Chester University
Area of Specialization in Sports Medicine, West Chester University
Area of Specialization in Sports Medicine, West Chester University
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
Physical Science (CP) | Biology (CP) | Chemistry Electives as requested: • Anatomy/Physiology • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine |
Electives as requested: • Physics • Anatomy/Physiology • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine |
Biology (CP) | Chemistry (CP) | Physics Electives as requested: • Anatomy/ Physiology • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine |
Electives as requested: • Anatomy/Physiology • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine • AP Biology |
Biology (H) | Honors Chemistry | Honors Physics AP Physics 1 Electives as requested: • Honors Anatomy/Physiology • Honors Genetics & Bioethics • Honors Advanced Chemistry • Honors Introduction to Engineering • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine • AP Biology • AP Environmental Science |
Electives as requested: • Honors Anatomy/Physiology • Honors Genetics & Bioethics • Honors Advanced Chemistry • Honors Introduction to Engineering • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine • AP Biology • AP Environmental Science • AP Physics 1 • AP Physics C: Mechanics • AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism |
AP Biology Freshmen will be invited to take AP Biology based on HSPT results. |
Honors Chemistry | Honors Physics AP Physics 1 Electives as requested: • Honors Anatomy/Physiology • Honors Genetics & Bioethics • Honors Advanced Chemistry • Honors Introduction to Engineering • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine • AP Environmental Science |
Electives as requested: • Honors Anatomy/Physiology • Honors Genetics & Bioethics • Honors Advanced Chemistry • Honors Introduction to Engineering • Environmental Science • Sports Medicine • AP Environmental Science • AP Physics 1 • AP Physics C: Mechanics • AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism |
Social Studies
The Social Studies Department offers a wide selection of academic courses and experiences designed to help students acquire the knowledge and skills demanded by an increasingly interdependent world with an awareness of the diversity of people and the willingness to explore cultures outside of one’s own.
Students are challenged to analyze, evaluate, and fully comprehend the many complicated factors that shape individuals and the larger communities to which they belong. We encourage our students to both respect tradition and continually seek opportunities to inspire positive changes locally and globally.
Within the Social Studies Department, students will be able to:
- Promote understanding and respect for all cultures and peoples.
- Develop an awareness of the global interdependence of all peoples and nations.
- Develop skills to competently evaluate social, economic, political, and cultural systems in the U.S. and other nations.
- Develop knowledge, insight, and positive attitudes toward citizenship, change and community involvement.
Social Studies Department Faculty
Mrs. Jennifer Bowker
Social Studies Teacher, Chair
B.A., International Relations and History, Bucknell University
M.Ed., Secondary Education in Social Studies, University of Pennsylvania
M.Ed., Secondary Education in Social Studies, University of Pennsylvania
Mrs. Mary Anastasi
Social Studies Teacher
B.A., History, minor in Education, St. Joseph's University
Ms. Lisa Beiduk
Social Studies Teacher
B.A., History, Villanova University
M.A., History, Villanova University
M.A., History, Villanova University
Mr. Robert Cucinella
Social Studies Teacher
B.A., Theater, minor in History, DeSales University
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction (Social Studies), Concordia University
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction (Social Studies), Concordia University
Ms. Madeleine Harkins
Director of Student Activities
B.A., History, Duquesne University
M.Ed, Curriculum and Instruction, Fordham University
M.Ed, Curriculum and Instruction, Fordham University
Dr. Brittany Sim
Dean of Students
B.A., History, Immaculata University
M.A., American Studies, Villanova University
Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Immaculata University
M.A., American Studies, Villanova University
Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Immaculata University
Mr. James Yen
Social Studies Teacher
B.A., Government, Franklin and Marshall College
M.S., Education, Neumann University
TESOL Certificate, University Of Pennsylvania
M.S., Education, Neumann University
TESOL Certificate, University Of Pennsylvania
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
World History 1 (CP, H) AP World History |
World History 2 (CP, H) AP World History |
United States History (CP, H) AP United States History |
Electives as requested: Economics U.S. Government Law in America Intro to Psychology Geography & Global Issues African American History AP Microeconomics AP U.S. Government & Politics AP Psychology |
Computer Science
Computer Science at Villa Maria is built on this central concept: Yes, you can code.
The goal of computer science is to attract new students to the many opportunities of STEM education.
Students can discover computer science at the beginning level, learning the basics of coding, digital media, and programming. Students can push themselves to achieve success on AP tests, computer game creation, and website design.
Teaching strategies include:
- Pair-Programming
- Project-Based-Learning
- Self-paced Learning
The classroom learning environment is designed to prepare students for a computer science career: students work collaboratively, act as project managers, and take personal responsibility.
Villa Maria has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Villa is one of 832 schools recognized in this category.
"This honor recognizes the outstanding work your school is doing to engage more female students in computer science." - The College Board
Computer Science Department Faculty
Mr. Erik Magness
Computer Science Teacher
B.A., Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, Franklin and Marshall College
M.Ed., Latin, Albright College
M.Ed., Latin, Albright College
Mrs. Stephanie McLaughlin
Art and Computer Science Teacher
B.F.A., Painting, Temple University
PA Certification in Art K-12, Temple University
Graphic Design Certificate (in progress), Parsons New School of Design
PA Certification in Art K-12, Temple University
Graphic Design Certificate (in progress), Parsons New School of Design
Mrs. Linda Schweitzer
Academic Technology Specialist
B.S., Elementary Education, St. Joseph's University
M.S., Technology in Education, Chestnut Hill College
M.S., Technology in Education, Chestnut Hill College
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
Computer Resources (CP) | AP Computer Science Principles Digital Media (CP) Computer Programming (CP) |
Digital Media (CP) Computer Programming (CP) AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles Game Design (CP) |
AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles Digital Media (CP) Computer Programming (CP) Game Design (CP) Advanced Topics |
Supported Learning
The philosophy of our supported learning program is to empower students to achieve at their highest level.
Academic Success Program
Villa Maria’s Academic Success Program exists as an acknowledgment that bright students who show potential for success on our college preparatory program can still, at times, benefit from support in their academic learning. Academic support classes are instructional in nature and are intended to teach students the skills that they will need to be successful, life-long learners.
Lessons are structured as follows: direct instruction, modeling, and opportunity for practice. In most cases, authentic material that students are using in their classes are used for instruction, modeling, and practice so that students are interacting with the material they are required to learn.
Academic Success Program Faculty
Mrs. Jennifer Pixley
Academic Support, English Teacher
B.A., English, Dickinson College
M.Ed., Education and Literacy, West Chester University
B.C.E.A., National Special Education Advocacy Institute
M.Ed., Education and Literacy, West Chester University
B.C.E.A., National Special Education Advocacy Institute
Mrs. Patti Murphy
Academic Support, Math Tutor
B.S. Computer Science, minor in Mathematics; B.A. English, Honors Program, Villanova University
M.B.A., Villanova University
Graduate Certificate (in progress), Math Learning and Teaching, Drexel University
M.B.A., Villanova University
Graduate Certificate (in progress), Math Learning and Teaching, Drexel University
Theology
The Theology Department of Villa Maria 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 Department Faculty
Mrs. Catherine de Paulo
Theology Teacher, Chair
B.A., Theology, La Salle University
M.A., Liberal Studies, Villanova University
S.T.M., Collegium Augustinianum
M.A., Liberal Studies, Villanova University
S.T.M., Collegium Augustinianum
Mrs. Marguerite Paolantonio
Theology Teacher
B.S., Sociology, St. Joseph's University
M.A., Religious Studies, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
M.A., Religious Studies, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Mr. Matthew Poole
Theology Teacher
B.A., History, Immaculata University
M.A., Theology, Villanova University
M.A., Theology, Villanova University
Sr. Regina Ryan
Principal
B.A., French, Theology, Immaculata University
M.A., Religious Studies, St. Charles Seminary
Ed.D., Educational Supervision and Supervision, University of Virginia
M.A., Religious Studies, St. Charles Seminary
Ed.D., Educational Supervision and Supervision, University of Virginia
Ms. Stephanie Taylor
Athletic Director, Theology Teacher
B.A., Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
M.A., Theology, University of Chicago
M.S., Sport Management, Neumann University
M.A., Theology, University of Chicago
M.S., Sport Management, Neumann University
Mr. Justin Zazyczny
Theology Teacher
B.S., Psychology, St. Joseph’s University
M.Ed., Cabrini University
M.Ed., Cabrini University
Course Sequence
GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
---|---|---|---|
Theology 1 (CP) | Theology 2 (CP) | Theology 3 (CP) | Theology 4 (CP) |
Semester 1: Overview of Catholicism | Semester 1: New Testament | Semester 1: Social Justice | One semester of any of the following: ● Christian Spirituality ● World Religions ● Honors Apologetics ● Honors World Religions/Dual Enrollment World Religions |
Semester 2: Hebrew Scriptures | Semester 2: Church History | Semester 2: Morality | One semester of Marriage and Life Choices (CP) |