The Bernadette Scholars Program is a rigorous program of studies, at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, designed for highly-motivated and intellectually-gifted students to excel in academics. In addition to taking the most challenging courses offered at the school, Scholars will participate in enrichment opportunities, both cultural and extracurricular, ensuring they graduate as successful, well-rounded, strong, Christian women. Scholars will have the opportunity to earn over 24 college credits, prior to graduation, thus having the potential to enter college with sophomore status. Scholars will be prepared to be among the top candidates for admission into major colleges and universities.
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 4.25 cumulative GPA
- Earned credit in the following courses:
- English I Honors
- Geometry Honors or Advanced or Algebra II Honors or Advanced
- Biology Honors or Chemistry Honors
- World History Honors or AP
- Placement in the following courses for Sophomore year:
- AP English Language
- Algebra II Honors or Advanced
- Chemistry Honors or other Honors/AP Science
- AP European History
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 eight (8) AP courses, four (4) of which must be in core subjects (i.e. English, math, science and social studies)
- Enroll in and complete Dual Enrollment courses, upon consultation with the Guidance Counselor
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 4.25 or above at the end of 9th and 10th grades and a cumulative GPA of 4.5 or above at the end of 11th and 12th grades
- Participate in at least one school-sponsored extracurricular activity (club/sport) per year
Program Benefits
As Scholars, students will be afforded the following:
- Strong academic and extracurricular preparation, as well as 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
- Honors Geometry or higher level math
- Honors English 1
- AP World History
- Honors Science
- World Language
- Theology 1
- Health/Intro to Computers/Physical Education
Grade 10 Requirements
- Honors Algebra II or higher level math
- AP English Language
- AP European History
- Honors Science
- World Language
- Theology 2
- Health/Intro to Computers/Physical Education/Fine or Practical Arts
Grade 11 Requirements
- Honors or Advanced Pre-Calculus (Dual Enrollment)
- AP English Literature
- AP United States History
- AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science or Honors Physics
- Honors or AP World Language
- AP Elective*, Fine Arts or Practical Arts course
- Ethics & Morality/Social Justice
Grade 12 Requirements
- AP Calculus or Honors Calculus (Dual Enrollment)
- Advanced Topics English 4 (Dual Enrollment)
- AP United States Government or Honors United States Government
- Honors Economics (may be taken junior year) or AP Macroeconomics
- Honors or AP Physics (strongly recommended, if not taken junior year)
- AP Elective*
- Honors, Dual Enrollment or AP World Language
- Faith and Catholicism Today
*An AP Elective is required either junior or senior year.
**The Bernadette Scholars are encouraged to take four years of World Languages.
Contact
M. Gloria Ramos ’83, Ed. S.
Assistant Principal for Academics
Phone: (305) 667-1623, ext. 231
E-mail: gramos@bobcats.olla.org