St. Cecilia School and Academy requires that all students in grades 6 – 8 participate in a rigorous, Academy Program which will prepare them for success in college-preparatory high schools. The program includes:
- College Prep Curriculum
Students pursue an academically challenging and highly structured academic program with the expectation that they will be accepted to college preparatory high schools.
- Extended School Day
All middle school students participated in an extended school day that runs Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm until 4:30 pm.
The extended day includes supervised study hall, tutoring, sports and enrichment. Enrichment classes cover a wide range of courses including: Art Exploration, Mosaic Art, High School Prep, Choices, BikeWorks St. Louis, Team Sports Volleyball, Yearbook, Study Hall, Mixed Media, Girls on the Run, Rising Stars, Folkloric Dancing, Fitness, Printmaking, and Acting.
- Summer Session
An extended academic year is a required component for all middle school students. It entails a three and a half-week summer learning adventure, focusing on language arts, math, reading, and other activities.
- Students in the middle school grades take these courses:
- Art
- English/Language Arts
- Math
- Music
- Physical Education
- Religion
- Science
- Social Studies
- STEM
- Graduate Support/High School Scholarships
Students who complete the Academy program successfully are assisted with admission to college-preparatory high schools (faith-based, private and public).
Once accepted, Academy graduates are monitored and assisted by a Graduate Support Director, a St. Cecilia staff member who visits the students at their high schools, monitors their progress, arranges for such assistance as tutoring/counseling/etc., and works with their families to ensure high school completion and college admission.
For those graduates attending tuition-charging high schools, scholarships to defray the cost of high school are provided. These are awarded based on financial need, assistance provided by the student’s high school, and other factors.
The benefits of the Academy Program include:
Portfolio: Students leave Academy with documents needed to excel throughout high school and college.
High School Acceptance: Students are more likely to be accepted into their first choice high schools.
Grades: There is greater success in the classroom pertaining to academic performance.
Standardized Testing: There is an increase in standardized test scores.
ACT Prep Test: Students are able to participate in an opportunity introducing them to the ACT prior to high school.
Implementation and Completion of Projects: Students are able to implement their time management skills to complete assignments in the regular school classroom adding to their success.
St. Cecilia School and Academy students are accepted into college-prep high schools including:
- Bishop DuBourg High School
- Chaminade
- Christian Brothers High School (CBC)
- DeSmet Jesuit High School
- Nerinx Hall
- Notre Dame High School
- Rosati-Kain High School
- St. John Vianney High School
- St. Joseph's Academy
- St. Louis University High School (SLUH)
- St. Mary’s High School
- Ursuline Academy
- Villa Duchesne