St. Mary's Scholars
This program provides high-achieving students with a unified program of enrichment aimed at developing their abilities to draw and apply connections between academic lessons and the world outside the classroom. Each year, 50 ninth graders are invited into the program. Selection is made at the conclusion of the first semester of freshman year and takes into account a student’s GPA and the rigor of their coursework.
Freshman Year
During the summer following freshman year, students participate in a week-long Summer Academy that includes on-campus discussion groups and daily field trips to sites of importance to each of the following subject areas: Languages, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Fine Arts and Religion. Each of these days is led by Good Counsel faculty members.
Sophomore Year
During sophomore year, the program includes four evening seminars that feature activities tied to certain subject areas and faculty-led round tables on topics specific to the academic disciplines. These sessions are meant to echo some of the activities/topics covered the prior summer. Dinner is provided at each of the evening sessions.
In the summer after sophomore year, students choose to do one of the following:
- Participate in a faculty-led “Lens of History: Exploring Colonial Williamsburg” trip
- Make individual selections among numerous collegiate programs for high school students
- Pursue an additional academic enrichment program
- Take summer coursework
- Participate in an internship program
Junior Year
During junior year, students begin Good Counsel’s International Baccalaureate Program OR they begin coursework in a diverse constellation of Good Counsel’s Advanced Placement courses.
During junior year, the program includes three evening sessions designed to further encourage exposure to certain academic disciplines. Dinner is provided at each of the sessions.
In the summer after junior year, students choose to do one of the following:
- Participate in a three-day, faculty-led seminar called “The Aesthetics of New York City,” which examines the role of art in culture
- Make individual selections among numerous collegiate programs for high school students
- Pursue an additional academic enrichment program
- Take summer coursework
- Participate in an internship program
Senior Year
During senior year, students complete Good Counsel’s International Baccalaureate Program or they finish coursework in Good Counsel’s Advanced Placement courses.
During senior year, students attend two evening sessions designed to further encourage exposure to certain academic disciplines. Dinner is provided at each of the sessions.
During the second semester, students and parents attend a Farewell Dinner. At this meeting, students are recognized for their successful completion of the St. Mary’s Scholars Program.
Criteria
Fifty students are invited into the St. Mary’s Scholars Program each year. Selection is made at the conclusion of the first semester of freshman year and takes into account a student’s academic performance and the rigor of his/her coursework.
For more information, contact Assistant Principal, Chuck Ehrman.