Holy Family Catholic Academy wins national education award

Holy Family Catholic Academy has again been nationally recognized as a Catholic School for Tomorrow for Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction. This is the second time in three years that the academy has received this prestigious award.

Editors of Today's Catholic Teacher chose Holy Family Catholic Academy from a national field of elementary and secondary schools. The award recognizes the academy's efforts to create a unique STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) middle school program.

Supplementing their rigorous math and science curriculum, Holy Family Catholic Academy enhances learning with "hands-on/minds-on" modules. Weekly, students in grades six-eight experience a two-hour session devoted to authentic STEM issues.

"Our dedicated teachers annually research and implement four new, seven-week long STEM units where students work in cross-functional teams and collaborate to solve authentic problems," said Principal Kate O'Brien.

Currently, students rotate through bioengineering, app creation, 3-D architecture and design, and financial literacy modules. Each of these units introduces new technology and develops teamwork and oral presentation skills while exposing students to a variety of 21st century STEM careers.

Before entering high school, Holy Family Catholic Academy's middle school students will experience 12 distinct STEM modules; uniquely preparing them for high school and beyond.

Holy Family Catholic Academy also recognizes that performing arts are a critical medium through which to build leadership, self-esteem, discipline and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through a unique relationship with Harper College, the academy's middle school students experience Harper's professional theater, and are taught by Harper's adjunct drama instructor and staff.

"Our performing arts program is unique in that not only do we use professional instructors and facilities, but every middle school student participates in each of the two annual productions," said Roberta Muran, sixth-grade teacher. "It is so gratifying to see that many of Holy Family Catholic Academy's graduates continue performing arts education in high school."

"Winning this award for the second time is such an honor," said O'Brien. "It is a clear tribute to the many ways Holy Family Catholic Academy's faculty and staff continually focus on improving our innovative 21st century curriculum and instruction."

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