Back to School
West Catholic’s evolution reflected in new school name, new courses
In 1916 there was West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys, then in 1927 West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls came along, and the two merged in 1989 as just plain West Philadelphia Catholic High School. Now, this year it has a new name – “West Catholic Preparatory High School, located in University City.”
Five goes into one: Our Lady of Hope showing value of regional schools
School mergers can be tricky. It can be touch and go, with perhaps many families taking the merger as their cue to leave the Catholics schools, or even move from the neighborhood. In South Philadelphia, Our Lady of Hope Regional School, which opened last year primarily for children from Epiphany, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Sacred Heart, St. Philip Neri and Stella Maris at the former Epiphany School, seems to have transitioned nicely.
New administrators set to lead at three archdiocesan high schools
A new chapter is unfolding for Catholic education as three archdiocesan high schools see changes to their administration, including a new principal at Archbishop Ryan and new presidents at Archbishop Carroll and St. Hubert’s.
Dedication to mission, affordable tuition, keys to parish school’s excellence
Regional Catholic schools are seemingly the wave of the future, but one size definitely does not fit all. Take St. Matthew School in the Mayfair section of Northeast Philadelphia. When it was suggested the school should become a regional school two years ago, the parish politely declined. It had a point. With enrollment still hovering at 900 students, it probably remains the largest Catholic elementary school, parish regional or private, in the archdiocese. Why tinker with success?
Villa Maria art teacher selected for magazine’s advisory panel
Kathleen Brown, a Villa Maria Academy High School art teacher, has been selected as a member of the Scholastic Art Teacher Advisory Panel for the 2013-2014 school year. Brown was one of 10 teachers nationwide who earned a spot, competing against 170 teachers. Scholastic Art is a fine-arts classroom magazine published by Scholastic. As a teacher advisor, she will offer her professional opinion as an experienced teacher about content related to Scholastic Art.
Devon Prep students work on homes in depressed Pa. city
The hot summer didn’t stop Devon Prep students from helping those in need. This summer 18 upper school students and three chaperones took time from their vacations to participate in a mission trip to Oil City, Pa., in the western part of the state. There they spent a week sleeping in a local Catholic school and working on the homes of people in need.
Summer trip in Europe aids studies for Villa Maria students
This summer, Villa Maria Academy High School students boarded a jet for Rome, Italy, embarking on a European journey that would give life, color and flavor to their studies. Led by Sister Regina J. Ryan, I.H.M, principal of the Malvern Catholic girls’ college preparatory school, the group explored areas of ancient Rome, the lakes and mountains of Switzerland and the sights of Paris.
Online university ‘reignites enthusiasm’ for faith, says its president
ANNANDALE, Va. (CNS) -- Catholic Distance University's programs "reignite a passion for being Catholic," said Marianne Evans Mount, president of the online university, based in Hamilton. "Many Catholics have advanced degrees in their professional fields, but they're operating at a third-grade level when it comes to their faith," she said.
Cardinal O’Hara High School hires new theatre director
Jeffrey Dietzler is the new director of the theatre program at Cardinal O’Hara High School. He has worked in theatre as a director, assistant director, choreographer, stage manager and part of a technical crew. His most recent work includes a collaboration in the directorial role, leading programs at both Upper Darby High School and the Upper Darby Summer Stage.
Catholic universities tout new programs, honors for fall
Innovative Catholic colleges in the U.S. are offering a minor concentration in Chinese and developing green technology partnerships, among other initiatives. Meanwhile, one Catholic university is proud of its status as a top-rated film school.