Academic Programs

List of 5 items.

• The Charles Carroll Scholars Program

  Following the freshman year academically eligible students are offered the opportunity to pursue study as part of the Charles Carroll Scholars Program at St. Mary’s High School. Requirements for this most rigorous program of studies may be pursued in either of two “strands,” Math and Science or Humanities and Fine Arts, according to ability and interest. The Charles Carroll Scholars Program is designed to involve gifted students at the highest level of academic study while simultaneously providing opportunities fooriginal research or composition, and exposure to cultural programs outside of the school.

  The Two Strands:
  The Math and Science Strand of the Charles Carroll Scholars Program is designed for highly motivated students of superior academic aptitude and achievement who are interested in pursuing college majors and subsequent careers in the fields of math and science, including engineering, physics, and medicine. The Humanities and Fine Arts Strand of the Charles Carroll Scholars Program is designed for highly motivated students of
  superior academic aptitude and achievement who are interested in pursuing college majors and subsequent careers in the liberal arts, including foreign language-based work, visual arts and design, creative writing, and law.

   

  Program Description
  Students in either strand of the program must qualify for and enroll in honors or AP level courses in all of the core courses required by St. Mary’s in that chosen strand. For example,
  students pursuing the Math and Science Strand are required to take all honors or AP level courses in the areas of Math and Science, but not in the other required areas of study. Similarly, students pursuing the Humanities and Fine Arts Strand are required to take the honors and AP level courses offered in the areas of English, Social Studies, and Foreign Language, but may elect to enroll in the regular College Preparatory curriculum in
  the areas of Math and Science. This requirement applies to the sophomore, junior, and senior years. Further, students are required to earn final course scores of 85 or above in all strand courses and final scores of 80 or above in all non-strand courses in order to graduate as a Charles Carroll Scholar.

   

  Specific Requirements for each Strand:
  In addition to these general requirements students intending to graduate as Charles Carroll Scholars must fulfill specific requirements associated with the Strand they have elected to pursue. In the Math and Science Strand students must qualify for, enroll in, and earn grades of 85 or above in Honors Precalculus with Trigonometry (full-year), AP Calculus, at least two AP courses in Math or Science (Statistics, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and two additional honors-level electives (Honors Physics, Honors Microbiology, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Interdisciplinary) only one of which must be
  in Science. In the Humanities and Fine Arts Strand students must qualify for and enroll in the courses Honors Shakespeare, AP Literature and Composition, AP Studio Art. Additionally students must reach the fourth level of Honors Foreign Language and take at least two other Honors or AP electives, only one of which must be in Fine Arts, English, or Social Studies. Again, students must earn grades of 85 or above in these required courses.

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• The St. Isidore Cyber Program

  Project Based. Open to All Students. Choice. Analysis. Critical Thinking. Connection to Liberal Arts. Challenging. FUN!

  Cyber Literacy
  Cyber Literacy is a hands-on curriculum that builds a strong cyber foundation for high school students. The course introduces students to cyber by blending robotics, programming, electricity, and elements of liberal arts. Students learn about the opportunities, threats, responsibilities, and legal constraints associated with operating in cyberspace. Throughout the course, students learn the basics of electricity, programming, and networking as well as develop critical thinking skills. Cyber Literacy lays a foundation for further exploration into STEM and cyber-related topics. This is a required class for Freshman.

   

  Units
  • Electricit
  • Programming
  • Robotics

   

  Cyber Science
  Honors Cyber Science is an innovative, project-driven course that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines with liberal arts. Cyber Science uses the Parallax® Boe-Bot® robot as a platform for teaching important cyber concepts and fundamentals. Throughout the course, students are engaged in a systems-level approach to problem-solving using robotics and computer science in the context of liberal arts. Seamlessly integrating the different disciplines provides students with a dynamic learning environment and a unique educational experience. Through Cyber Science, students are not only able to make meaningful connections between STEM and liberals arts, they also learn how to become better cyber citizens. The lessons in the course are divided into five main units: Programming Basics, Foundations of Computer Science, Networking and Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics and Societal Issues. A major strength of the course is that unit components are purposefully interwoven together and provide the students with a holistic view of cyber.

   

  Units
  • Programming Basics (PB)
  • Foundations of Computer Science (CS)
  • Networking and Security (NS)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Ethics and Social Issues (ES).

   

  Physics
  Honors Physics is a rigorous program that showcases a systems-level understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that STEM professionals use every day. By using a project-driven approach, students become engaged early and maintain a high degree of interest and curiosity throughout the course. The course uses the Parallax® Boe-Bot® microcontroller platform, along with other hands-on activities that drive physics
  fundamentals in the five units: Electricity and Magnetism, Work and Mechanics, Waves and Sound, Light and Optics, and Thermal Fluids and Heat Transfer. Within each unit, the lessons are modularized to allow for maximum flexibility in the classroom.

   

  Units
  • Electricity & Magnetism
  • Work & Mechanics
  • Light & Optics
  • Waves & Sound
  • Thermal Fluids & Heat Transfer

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• The Parvis Scholar Program

  A Scholars Program to honor intellectually promising Christian leaders of St. Mary’s High School.

   

  Named in honor of St. Mary’s Teacher of the Year 1991-1992, the Parvis Scholar Program was established to honor the work of Rosemary Annette Parvis, Social Studies department chair and teacher. Following graduation ceremonies on May 23, 1992, the St. Mary’s High School community suffered the loss of Rose Parvis in a tragic automobile accident. She was an extraordinary woman: a loving wife, a compassionate and caring mother, a consummate academic, a passionate and dedicated teacher. She was a quiet leader and a constant model of the Christian values which she lived each day.

  The Parvis Scholar Program
  The Parvis Scholar Program is governed by an academic committee which reviews applications and selects students to be named Parvis Scholar nominees. Students who are selected will receive singular distinction as Parvis Scholars – an honor they will carry throughout their years at St. Mary’s. Recognized Parvis Scholars, selected on the basis of both merit and potential, as well as academic achievement and Christian leadership
  ability, will demonstrate the principles which Rose Parvis espoused and which are
  an inherent part of the philosophy of a St. Mary’s education.

   

  Upon graduation, these students will have:
  • sustained a grade point average of 4.0 or above
  • demonstrated Christian commitment over a four year career at St. Mary’s
  • illustrated service to the St. Mary’s High School community and to the community at large through leadership in co-curricular and social arenas
  • attained acceptance to an institute of higher learning to further pursue a professional      career

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• The National Honor Society

  The National Honor Society is a national organization of students whose membership
  is determined according to criteria of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Academically eligible juniors and seniors at St. Mary’s High School are invited to apply to the National Honor Society.

  NHS criteria are defined as follows:

  
  ScholarShip
  Scholarship is defined by a grade point average of 3.5 or better.
  Character
  Character is defined by NHS as consistently exemplifying desirable qualities of behavior such as truthfulness, honesty and reliability, courtesy, concern and respect for others.
  Leadership
  Leadership is defined by NHS as “taking the initiative in class and school activities” and “the willingness to yield one’s person- al interests for the interest of others. This involves
  training and advising others to attain the same objectives.”
  Service
  Service is defined by NHS as “willingness to work for the benefit of those in need without monetary compensation or without recognition.”

   

  National Honor Society Eligibility
  Students eligible for nomination are rated by a faculty committee. Academic eligibility alone is not sufficient for membership in NHS. Juniors and seniors are eligible for membership.

   

  Honors Programs

  Student Ambassador Program
  More than 80 students learn to market the school, lead tours, create video footage and become ambassadors for prospective Saints, sharing firsthand what it’s like to be blessed with a Catholic education, to be a solid student athlete and/or to participate in our arts program.

  
  COSA
  COSA stands for Council on Student Affairs. If your teen is looking for leadership opportunities, this is a great way to get involved beginning as a freshmen. St. Mary’s COSA is essentially the student government, representing each grade level 9-12 with a President, Vice President, Secretary and homeroom representatives. There are also a spirit representative and a historian. The COSA students are very active in planning our spirit week, leading events, assisting with encouragement of school spirit and working with administration to use their God-given voices to make an impact in our St. Mary’s community.
  There is an official induction ceremony and Mass each September.

   

  English
  Five English credits (each credit is a semester long course) are required for graduation. Writing and Literature: Elements of Composition, Writing and Literature: Elements of Analysis, Modern American Literature, British Literature and World Literature. Honors courses are available in all of these core courses for the above-average student who qualifies. In addition, qualifying seniors may substitute Advanced Placement Literature and Composition for World Literature.

   

  Science

  St. Mary’s High School offers a challenging science curriculum that provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills as they pursue scientific knowledge, integrating technology and hands on experience throughout Annapolis and beyond. Courses stress an active involvement in lab work and in analyzing scientific data. Electives are varied to meet the special interests and levels of students. Three science credits are required for graduation, many students complete four or more. Freshmen are required to take Biology or Honors Biology and sophomores are required to take Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Beginning junior year students may choose to enroll in any of six elective courses, including Environmental Science and Forensic Science, and four Advanced Placement courses. Physics is strongly recommended as the first elective.

   

  Foreign Language
  St. Mary’s foreign language department is dynamic; students are afforded the opportunity to be immersed in multiple languages. If your teen has been taking a language for several years, they can choose to continue and deepen their appreciation of the language through one of our local field trips or trips abroad. Many teens choose to try a new language to further enhance their high school resume and prepare for college. Our language program begins as a sophomore, many students continue electively through their senior year. St. Mary’s language department provides an excellent inculcation of study skills, organization
  and mastery of material. We are strong in preparing our students in grammar and linguistic analysis of the target language and English. St. Mary’s students receive high scores on the AP Spanish exam and French and Latin College Placement Exams.

   

  • Field Trips: Café Normandie, local Hispanic restaurants, National Gallery of Art, downtown Annapolis for Latin scavenger hunt ending in pizza at Mangia. International trips to Europe and Central America. French summer exchange program to Lyon, France.
  • Service opportunities to work in the community: (Example: caring for the children of our English as a Second Launguage students); tutoring, Christ Child
  • Honor Society: French, Latin and Spanish Honor Societies showcasing students’ leadership, service and academic achievement.
  • Latin, French and Spanish prayers recited daily, Christmas carols and other songs sung in the target languages
  • Latin III students study the parts of the Traditional Latin

   

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• The Environmental Studies Program

  The Environmental Studies Program at St. Mary’s High School takes full advantage of opportunities made available to a campus and community located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay,  North America’s largest estuary. Students in this program explore
  the responsibilities associated with environmental stewardship through academic study, hands-on experience, community service, and a capstone Field Project component. Students also take advantage of a wide variety of partnering opportunities with local, regional, and national environmental organizations in the Baltimore-Washington-Annapolis area. This program is open to all students. Successful participants earn the Certificate of Environmental Studies, presented at graduation ceremonies alongside the St. Mary’s High School diploma.

  Academic Component
  Satisfactory completion of the courses Environmental Science and Honors Environmental Literature.

  
  Co-curricular Component
  Active participation in the St. Mary’s Environmental Club for a minimum of two years. This club requirement may be fulfilled through participation in other clubs (Rod and Reel, Model UN, S.A.V.E, Photography) provided that students work with moderators to demonstrate a sustained focus on environmental issues or subject matter within the alternate club.

  
  Service Component
  Documented completion of a minimum of 8-10 hours of hands-on environmental service to the community subject to prior approval by the Faculty Environmental Committee (FEC).

  
  Independent Reading Component
  Close reading/viewing and subsequent completion of a 2-3 page typed précis for each of four books/films to be selected by the student from the FEC approved list of Program Books and Films. Written reports to be submitted for review by and discussion
  with the FEC.

   

  Achievement and Award of the Certificate of Environmental Studies
  A Certificate of Environmental Studies is awarded at Graduation alongside the academic diploma following successful completion of each of the above components and a final determination by the FEC. Students receiving the Certificate will be noted in the graduation program. Additionally, a senior outstanding in his or her work in the field of Environmental Studies and who has successfully completed the Certificate Program may be nominated for the St. Mary’s Environmental Stewardship Award. The award is presented at the Senior Awards Ceremony.

   

  Field Project Component
  Students must successfully complete an Environmental Field Project. The Field Project originates with the student but may be developed in conjunction with an FEC member or a recognized and approved organization such as CBF. A comprehensive, typed plan for the Field Project must be submitted for approval by the FEC no later than the first semester of the junior year. This should include an argument for the necessity and the benefits of the project as well as the stages of approach and final outcomes being worked toward. Following approval, work on the Field Project must begin no later than the junior year and must be completed no later than the end of the first semester of the senior year. Following completion of the project a typed Field Report must be submitted to and discussed with the FEC. The Field Report must include a paragraph describing how and why the project was developed by the student, what need was met by the project, and must include specific objectives and procedures, as well as a conclusion detailing the success or failure of the project, reasons for these, and a summary of the long-term environmental contributions achieved. Reports must be typed and must receive satisfactory approval by the FEC following the evaluative seminar attended by both the FEC and the individual student. Field work completed in pursuit of the Field Project component may be counted toward
  fulfillment of the Service Component with approval of the FEC. Alternate forms of the Field Project are permissible with approval of the FEC. While students are encouraged to pursue a tangible, on-the-ground style project such as a restoration effort or clean-up project, students may also produce, among other things, a photo essay, an environmentally-themed literary collection, or a long-form paper analyzing and developing thought on a specific environmental issue.

   

  Outdoor Experience
  Recognizing that connecting academic work to first-hand experience in the natural world is an essential bridge in the field of Environmental Studies, students are highly encouraged to
  participate in an overnight outdoor experience as part of their work in the program at St. Mary’s. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation offers numerous overnight nature education/ immersion courses in the Chesapeake region. The “Sultana” offers 2-3 day overnight sailing experiences on the Bay which touch on historic and environmental issues. These opportunities provide students with a first-hand experience of the history, ecology, and culture of North America’s largest estuary and effectively re-connect the student to the natural world. Such opportunities will be made available to students in the program
  and group trips will occasionally be organized and offered by members of the environmental faculty at St. Mary’s.

   

  Partnering Opportunities
  There are numerous environmental groups that St. Mary’s students might partner with as they pursue the Service and Field Work components of the program. Among them are
  the following:
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)
  • Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Conservancy
  • Sierra Club
  • Spa Creek Conservancy Surfrider Foundation

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