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Unique Curricular Opportunities
Conference/Composition
Program in Writing
Each student at Villa Duchesne
works one-on-one with her English teacher to develop strong writing
skills. She conferences individually
with her instructor to discuss each theme and in subsequent
conferences
discusses her revision. This technique is the essential element
of the Villa student’s strong foundation in written
English.
Studio
and Performing Arts
Students with artistic interests
are able to pursue a full four years of art while still maintaining
a solid college preparatory
course load. They may also participate in
theatrical and musical productions outside of the academic day.
Our studio art students are admitted to demanding art programs
around the country. Performing arts groups consistently win competitive
awards.
Service
Learning
Goal
III of Sacred Heart education is “a
social awareness which impels to action.” At Villa,
this Goal is realized in countless ways, including the Service
Learning
Program, which
has become an integral part of the curriculum. Twice a month
during the afternoon (October-March), students in grades
7-11 go out into
the
community to volunteer their time at area nursing homes, Head Start
programs, schools, shelters and food pantries. Twelfth grade students
take part in the senior service project, performing 40 hours of
independent service work. Our students have worked throughout the
St. Louis area and have contributed to Habitat for Humanity programs
in five other cities as well as during annual spring break trips
to Mexico. Through the years, Villa students have served well over
150 local agencies and have contributed thousands of service hours.
Network
Exchange Program
A junior or senior has the chance
to spend a quarter or a semester at another Sacred Heart School
in the United States or overseas.
This program also offers families the opportunity to host a Sacred
Heart student who wishes to study at Villa Duchesne. In addition,
students can spend part of their summer participating in Sacred
Heart Network Service Projects throughout the country. Senior Seminar
Seniors
meet approximately ten times during the school year for
senior seminar. The program focuses on the transition to
college
life. |