The Bernadette Scholars Program at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy is an intensive academic initiative tailored for highly motivated and intellectually gifted students. Designed to foster excellence, it allows Scholars to engage with the most challenging coursework available while also participating in internships and a variety of cultural and extracurricular enrichment opportunities. This holistic approach ensures that graduates emerge as accomplished, well-rounded, and strong Christian women. Scholars can earn over 24 college credits before graduation, positioning them to enter college with sophomore standing. With this exceptional preparation, Scholars will be among the top candidates for admission to leading colleges and universities.

Students who fulfill the requirements of a Bernadette Scholar will graduate from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy with the special designation of a “Bernadette Scholar” and receive the Bernadette Scholars medallion.

Selection

The top 10% of the incoming freshman class, based on all Our Lady of Lourdes Academy admissions assessments, course placements and elementary school principal recommendation, is invited to be a part of the Bernadette Scholars Program.

Students who perform exceptionally well during the freshman year may be considered for candidacy during sophomore year with possible induction into the program at the beginning of junior year. These students will need to meet the following criteria:

  • at least a 4.6 cumulative GPA
  • Earned credit in the following courses:
    • English I Honors
    • Geometry Advanced or Algebra II Advanced
    • Biology Honors or Chemistry Honors
    • AP World History
  • Placement in the following courses for Sophomore year:
    • AP English Language
    • Algebra II Advanced or AP Precalculus
    • Chemistry Honors or Honors Anatomy & Physiology or AP Science course
    • AP European History
  • Have exceptional discipline and attendance record

Program Requirements

In order to remain active in the Program, all Scholars are required to do the following:

  • Participate in one cultural enrichment activities and/or programs per year
  • Participate in externships – minimum 40 hours required
  • Participate in one college enhancement experience, leadership conference or mission trip, before graduation
  • Participate in Professional Skills Series in junior or senior year
  • Enroll in and complete at least nine (9) AP courses in core subjects (i.e. English, math, science and social studies)
  • Enroll in and complete Dual Enrollment courses, upon consultation with the School Counselor
  • Meet the required GPA
  • Participate in at least one school-sponsored extracurricular activity (club/sport) per year
  • Maintain exceptional discipline and attendance records
Program Benefits

As Scholars, students will be afforded the following:

  • Comprehensive academic and extracurricular preparation, complemented by personalized guidance for admission to competitive colleges and universities
  • Opportunity for earning over 24 college credits and/or advancement prior to graduation
  • Cultural and academic enrichment activities
  • Meetings with Program Director to monitor student progress in the program
Academic Program at a Glance
Grade 9 Requirements
  • Theology: Old Testament & New Testament
  • English: Honors English I
  • Math: Advanced Geometry or higher-level advanced math or AP course
  • Science: Honors Biology or Honors Chemistry
  • Social Studies: AP World History
  • World Language: 1st year of World Language selected
  • Other Graduation Requirements: Computer Applications Honors and Physical Fitness or Health OR Women’s Chorus/Lourdes Singers I
Grade 10 Requirements
  • Theology: Ecclesiology and Christology
  • English: AP English Language
  • Math: Algebra II Advanced or AP Pre-Calculus
  • Science: Honors Chemistry or Honors Anatomy & Physiology or AP Science course
  • Social Studies: AP European History
  • World Language: 2nd year of World Language selected
  • Other Graduation Requirements: Health or Personal Fitness and Fine Arts
Grade 11 Requirements

  • Theology: Sacraments and Ethics & Morality

  • English: AP English Literature
  • Math: AP Precalculus, Honors Calculus or AP Calculus
  • Science: AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Science
  • Social Studies: AP United States History
  • World Language: 3rd of World Language selected (Honors or AP)**
  • Other Graduation Requirements: Fine Arts
  • Other: AP Elective*
Grade 12 Requirements
  • Theology: Social Justice and Discipleship
  • English: Advanced Topics English 4 (Dual Enrollment)
  • Math: AP Calculus or AP Statistics if AP Calculus taken Junior Year
  • Science: AP Science (additional AP math course or additional AP Social Studies course may be selected in lieu of AP Science)
  • Social Studies: AP United States Government and AP Macro Economics (Honors Economics may be taken in place of AP Macroeconomics if completed during OLLA summer school.)
  • World Language: 4th year of World Language selected recommended**
  • Other:AP Elective*

*An AP Elective is required either junior or senior year.
**World Language Requirement: must complete 3 consecutive years of the same World Language and are encouraged to complete four years. (Please note that Middle school language credit does not count towards this requirement.)

Bernadette Scholars List of College Admissions for the Class of 2023 – 2025

Contact

Vanessa Rodriguez, ’91
Director of School Counseling
Director of the Bernadette Scholars Program
Phone: (305) 667-1623, ext. 219
E-mail: vrodriguez@bobcats.olla.org

Camila Lugo
School Counselor and Assistant Director of the Bernadette Scholars Program
Director of the Bernadette Scholars Program
Phone: 305-667-1623, ext. 293
E-mail: clugo@bobcats.olla.org