Academic Programs

St. Rita of Cascia High School is completely committed to a College Preparatory curriculum. All students are placed in an academic program that is tailored to meet their needs. Our course of studies will challenge each student to fully develop his intellectual talents.

The Augustinian Academy allows qualified students the opportunity of accelerated course work. The Mendel Academic Program provides students all the essential tools for success at the college level. The program structured through the Villanova Academic Study Center provides individual attention, small group work, and advice regarding study and organizational skills to those who need some assistance.

All students, regardless of their academic program, may avail themselves of the services offered by the Villanova Academic Study Center.


Augustinian Academy
A Rigorous Academic Program for Gifted and Motivated Students

Enrollment

Enrollment in the Augustinian Academy is based on: Entrance exam score, 7th and 8th grade reports, discussion with 8th grade teachers, and parental input.

Program Guide

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
• Theology I
• Foreign Language I
• Algebra Theory Honors or
Geometry Honors
• Biology Honors
• Geography Honors
• Advanced Technology
• English I Honors
• Theology II
• Foreign Language II Honors
• Geometry Honors or Algebra II / Trig Honors
• Chemistry Honors
• English II Honors
• AP World History
• Art / Music
• Theology III / Health
• Foreign Language III Honors
• US History Honors
• Physics Honors
• AP Calculus or
Algebra II / Trig Honors
• English III Honors
• Honors Visual Basic
• Choice: One of Three AP Courses
• Theology IV /
Physical Education
• AP US History
• AP English
• Choices: Six AP Elective Courses


Mendel Academic Program
A Rigorous College Prep Program for Dedicated and Motivated College Bound Students

Enrollment

Enrollment in the Augustinian Academy is based on: Entrance exam score, 7th and 8th grade reports, discussion with 8th grade teachers, and parental input.

Program Guide

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
• Theology I
• Foreign Language I
• English I
• Algebra I
• Biology
• Computer Applications /
Physical Education
• Theology II
• Foreign Language II
• English II
• Geometry
• Chemistry or Chemistry in
the Community
• World History
• Theology III / Health
• English III
• Algebra II
• U.S. History
• Physics or Anatomy or Earth Science
• Choice: One Elective Course *
• Theology IV /
Physical Education
• English IV
• 20th Century US History /
U.S. Government
• Choice: Three Elective Courses *


Villanova Academic Study Center
Providing Individual Attention for Students

About

The Villanova Academic Study Center is rooted in the Augustinian tradition of meeting students where they are, and offers:

  • Individual Attention
  • Small Group Work
  • Organizational Skills
  • Study Skills

The sequence of studies is individually adjusted to assist each student reach his potential.

Goals

  • For every student to be successful in his high school career
  • For every student to meet all of the requirements for graduation
  • To prepare every student for higher education

Program Success

Four St. Rita students who have benefited from this program have received the Kevin Dowling Scholarship to be applied to the college of their choice.

St. Rita students who have benefited from this program have gone on to higher education at institutions such as: DePaul University, Quincy University, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Moraine Valley Community College.

 

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Academic Programs



"When I look back on my experiences at St. Rita, many things come to mind: the high caliber of our achievements, the challenges we had to overcome, and the journeys we prepared to embark upon. The biggest thing that comes to mind though is the St. Rita Family. One of the most
important things St. Rita has taught me is how to appreciate people. I truly believe we are all a family."

– Dan Moore '09
Augustinian Academy

"I know St. Rita is preparing me to be successful throughout my entire life. I am encouraged and challenged each day to strive for my best. St. Rita provides me with an environment where I am treated as an individual and my abilities as a student are recognized. I am confident I will be well prepared for college and beyond."

– Harry Zelek '11
Mendel Academic Program

"It’s rewarding to see students on day one come in for help and see how they grow throughout the year. It’s even more rewarding when they start to succeed and they’re proud of what they accomplished. School has become less of a “hassle” for a lot of students in the program, and they start to take more pride in their education."

– Mr. Richard Kurek '99
Director of Villanova Academic Study Center


“The teacher’s function is to develop a gradual approach for the student to the truth, especially for those who, while they may have a love of learning, have yet to develop a sharpness of mind. Without a careful and progressive plan, success cannot be achieved.”

– St. Augustine
Soliloquies, 1, 23