inspiring great thinkers through academics, leadership, and character development

Inspiring Great Thinkers

Through Academics, Leadership, and Character Development

Welcome, Classes of 2012, 2013,

2014 and 2015!

Karen KlinzingUpper School Director



Our Upper School This Year

Class of 2012 22 SENIORS

Class of 2013 65 JUNIORS

Class of 2014 87 SOPHOMORES

Class of 2015 80 FRESHMAN



SCPA Math

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SCPA Reading

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SCPA Class of FRESHMAN Academic Proficiency



Prepared Beyond the Typical Student One-third of SCPA’s class of 2015 is entering 9th grade ready for Algebra II which is typically an 11th grade course in other schools. Another one-third of SCPA’s class of 2015 is entering 9th grade ready for Geometry, typically a 10th grade course in other schools.Another one-third of SCPA’s class of 2015 9s entering 9th grade ready for Algebra 1, most typically the ninth grade course in other high schools.



Mission

The Academy will develop each student’s academic potential, personal character and leadership qualities through an academically rigorous and content-rich educational program grounded in the classical tradition.



Prepared Beyond the Typical Student One-third of SCPA’s class of 2015 is entering 9th grade ready for Algebra II which is typically an 11th grade course in other schools. Another one-third of SCPA’s class of 2015 is entering 9th grade ready for Geometry, typically a 10th grade course in other schools.Another one-third of SCPA’s class of 2015 9s entering 9th grade ready for Algebra 1, most typically the ninth grade course in other high schools.



Student Engagement in Extra Curricular Activities is Important

Involvement in extra curricular activities helps students be more successful in their school experience

Colleges and future employers like to see that students are involved in their community and are well balanced; extra curriculars help to evidence this on the student record.



Activities and Club Participation of the SCPA Class of 2015

Archery, Football, Lacrosse, Ski Club, Soccer, Basketball , Cross Country, Tennis , Golf , Baseball, Volleyball, Track, Debate, Speech, Theatre, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Softball, Lego League

Two- Thirds or 55 of SCPA’s 87 eighth graders are involved in extracurricular activities, averaging two activities per students, including…..



From Middle School to Upper School: College Preparatory CurriculumSCPA’s upper school curriculum is college preparatory for highly selective collegiate institutions. It is traditional and classical liberal arts which is generally preferred by colleges, including:English, including literature and composition courses; Mathematics;Science, including laboratory courses;Social studies, and;Foreign languages and Elective Options.



From Middle School to Upper School: College Preparatory CurriculumSome Grammar. Grammar emphasizes the facts and rules of each subject that later learning is built upon. This part of the curriculum focuses on the accumulation of knowledge and the rules related to each particular subject. Some Logic. Logic focuses on a students’ ability to analyze and interact with the knowledge acquired in the Grammar stage. The Logic part of the curriculum is where understanding is grasped. The objective of the Logic phase is UNDERSTANDING.



From Middle School to Upper School: College Preparatory CurriculumRhetoric. The upper school introduces and refines students’ ability to engage in Rhetoric. Rhetoric teaches a student how to express and discuss a subject. Rhetoric is the communication stage, where students defend and refute opinions based on their understanding and knowledge of subject matter. This fits nicely with the teenagers’ affinity for contradiction and argumentation. The objective of the Rhetoric phase is COMMUNICATION and includes communicating knowledge and understanding.



From Middle School to Upper School: Credits are on the RecordSome concepts that are new for most incoming ninth grade students regarding credits include:Credits are earned by completing a course successfully (D or better; although most colleges are looking for a C or better)A certain number must be earned in order to graduate (24.5 credits at SCPA, some in specific courses)A student’s upper school report card becomes a record that colleges and potential future employers will review.



From Middle School to Upper School:Culture of Personal Responsibility

SCPA upper school students and their parents should expect:More homeworkMuch of the teachers’ communication to occur directly with the studentsStudents to take more personal responsibility for their actions, character, and time managementPrivileges to be available for upper school students who show ability to handle privileges and take personal responsibility



From Middle School to Upper School:Culture of Personal Responsibility

And can expect…Opportunities to take leadership… and the school’s encouragement thereofTo talk about college plans and prepare applications for collegeDifferent uniform options



Reflections from the 2010-11 Upper School STUDENT COUNCIL

Students are responsible for their own actions and academic performance. Teachers aren't there to remind students of what they need to get done. All grades matter in high school. Time management skills are necessary to be developed. Don't procrastinate.Show respect and good character to new students and your teachers.



Reflections from the Upper School STUDENT COUNCIL

There is an increased focus on writingClasses are more challengingThere are longer reading assignmentsYou have more choices in the classes that you take. But choose carefully.Higher level of class participation is expected, especially during seminars.



Typical Ninth Grade ScheduleCourse

Introduction to Literature

World History and Geography

Science

Math (Algebra II, Geometry or Algebra I)

Physical Education and Health

Music or Art or Other Elective

Spanish or Latin



Tenth to Twelfth Grade ScheduleSophomore Junior Senior

Literary Themes American Literature Literature and the Modern World

History Themes American History Economics and Political Science

Biology Chemistry Physics or other science

Algebra II;Geometry;Algebra I

Pre Calc with TrigAlgebra II; Geometry

CalculusPre Calc with Trig Algebra II

Latin or Spanish Latin/Spanish or Elective(s)

Latin or Spanish or Elective(s)

Music or Elective(s) Music or Elective(s) Music or Elective(s)

Elective(s) Elective(s) Electives(s)



Upper School ElectivesJournalism, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking & Logic, Team Sports of the World, Weights & Conditioning, Chemistry/Honors Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Neuroscience & Biotechnology, Latin Grammar and Literature, Spanish up through 4 levels , Orchestra, Band, Choir, Men’s Ensemble, Women’s Ensemble, Drawing & Painting, Mixed Media Design, Graphic Design , Music Theory & Recording, Chamber Strings, Chamber Choir, Ceramics, Book Arts, Photography, Theatre and Advanced Acting



Upper School TestingGrade Test Required

? Purpose

9th State Writing

By State Indicates Minimum Proficiency for Graduation

9th Pre-ACT EXPLORE

NO Is student on track for a college ready score on ACT?

10th State Reading and Math


10th State Life Science


10th Pre-ACT PLAN

NO Is student on track for a college ready score on ACT?



Upper School TestingGrade Test Required? Purpose

10th Pre-SAT PSAT

NO Is student on track for a college ready score on the SAT?

10th – 12th

AP Exams NO College Credit or Better College Placement

11th State Reading and Math Test


11th ACT ($) Recommended

For College Admissions

11th SAT ($) Recommended

For College Admissions



Character Matters: The SCPA Service ProjectWith character as a primary component of SCPA’s mission, we believe “community” service is a part of character and leadership development. Each student has the responsibility and opportunity to give back.Therefore, every student in high school is expected to complete 50 hours of “community” service in order to graduate.



Character Matters: Service Project RequirementsCan be done during school year or summer but must be approved by the grade level advisor. Projects should not be raising money for something by asking parents, etc. It should require the student DOING something for someone or an agency. A project sheet is to be filled out by the student and signed by the advisor prior to commencement of the project and signed by the supervisor (the person for whom the project is being done)



Character Matters at SCPA: Service Project Culmination

Each year each student will present a speech, performance or project that was part of his/her goal setting at the beginning of the year or represents some significant learning that year.

Upon successful completion of the 4 year service project, an SCPA Upper School Senior will receive a half credit towards their graduation from St. Croix Preparatory Academy.



SCPA is College Preparatory: College Credit While in High SchoolCollege Board Advanced Placement: Students taking SCPA Honors Courses in 9th-12 grade may be prepared to take a College Board Advanced Placement exam. A 4 or 5 on the AP exam must law, by be granted college credit at all MNSCU institutions. Additionally, thousands of college institutions across the nation accept these scores for college credit. Cost to families is the exam fee.



SCPA is College Preparatory:Expectations of highly selective collegiate institutions

Strong academic backgroundWell spokenExcellent writing skillsWell rounded experiencesPersonal aspirations, goal settingPersonalized portfolioCommunity engagementPersonal characterLeadership



SCPA is College Preparatory: College Advising

Each year, every upper school student will meet with the upper school director and/or college counselor to review the student’s progress towards college admissions to date and the students’ plans for staying on track for college admissions. Students will be provided some guidance through collegiate admissions testing, applications, obtaining letters of recommendations, and more.



SCPA’s 2010 Alumni have been accepted to or matriculated to…

Art Institute International, Augsburg College*, Bemidji State �University, Bucknell University, Buena Vista University, Colgate

University, College of Visual Arts*, Columbia University- Chicago*, Cornell College*, Creighton University, Dana College, Davidson

College*, Denison University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University*, Gonzaga University*, Gustavus Adolphus College, Hamilton College,

Hope College, Institute of Production and Recording, Ketterling University, Lawrence University, Marquette University, McNally

Smith College of Music*, Muhlenberg College,



University of North Dakota, University, Northwestern College- St. Paul*, St. Catherine’s University*, St. Olaf College*, St. Thomas

University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota- Duluth*, University of Minnesota- Mankato, University of Minnesota-

Moorehead*, University of Minnesota- Twin Cities*, University of Mississippi*, University of North Dakota*, University of Wisconsin-

Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin- Madison*, University of Wisconsin- River Falls*, University of Wisconsin- Stout*, Vassar

College, Wilmington College, Winona State University*

More Colleges that SCPA Alumni have been accepted or Matriculated* to….



QUESTIONS?

School Director Karen [email protected]

Office Manager Diane Anderson [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

inspiring great thinkers through academics, leadership, and character development

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