Academics

Academics

WELCOME

St. Vincent Pallotti High School offers a broad and challenging curriculum in a small school environment. Pallotti students receive a college preparatory education that is infused with the gospel and are taught by a caring and dedicated faculty. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of students with diverse interests, learning styles, and abilities. In addition to our strong college prep curriculum, Pallotti offers specialized programs in engineering, science, and the visual and performing arts. Pallotti also has one of the longest established programs in the area for students with learning differences, The Stephen J. Edmonds Learning Center.


St. Vincent Pallotti said, “Seek God, and you will find God. Seek God in all things, and you will find God in all things.” At Pallotti, we believe that God can be found in every area of study. Whether it is discovering the beauty and order of God’s creation through study of the natural sciences, becoming co-creators of beauty through the arts, or creating community across cultures and nations through study of other languages, we believe that God can be discovered and served through every area of academic study. Our goal is not only to give our students a great education that will help them excel in college and beyond, but to also to give them an education that is integrated with the spiritual and moral truths that will guide them through their whole lives.


David Tenney

Assistant Principal of Academics

David Tenney

Assistant Principal of Academics

dtenney@bjgong.com

301-725-3228 ext. 2203

PROGRAMS

Our curriculum reinforces the critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, problem solving, and depth of understanding so necessary for 21st century learners. The links in this section provide an overview of our academic curriculum and policies.


At Pallotti, we strive to create an engaging and challenging curriculum for all of our students.


We offer three levels of academics with the addition of three specialized programs of study. Each student’s schedule is tailored to the individual’s talents. A student may be scheduled in Honors in one subject area but be placed in College Prep in another. Students are not locked into any track and may move up to College Prep or Honors depending on their performance.

  • Honors and Advanced Placement (AP)

    At Pallotti, we encourage students to take the highest level of a course in which they can succeed. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are the highest level courses we offer. Students can earn college credit through the successful completion of these courses and a passing grade on the national AP exam in May. AP courses are given a 25% higher weight on the student's GPA. For example, an "A" is worth 5.0 in an AP course (rather than the standard 4.0). Honors courses are also more challenging than the standard College Preparatory courses; Honors courses are weighted 12.5% above College Preparatory courses. 

  • Accelerated Science at Pallotti (ASAP)

    The Accelerated Science at Pallotti (ASAP) program is designed to allow students with a strong interest and aptitude in science and mathematics to complete the core science curriculum ahead of schedule and have the opportunity to take more elective and AP science courses as upperclassmen. The top 15% of incoming 9th graders in science and math are invited to apply to this program. ASAP students take a special Honors Biology course during their freshman year that includes designing and conducting an experiment throughout the length of the school year with the guidance mentors in the science department. ASAP students can begin taking AP Biology as early as their sophomore year and AP Chemistry as early as their junior year. ASAP students also have more room in their schedules to take a greater number of unique science electives offered at Pallotti such as Food Chemistry, Marine Biology, and Paleobiology.

  • Arts Academy

    Our mission for the Arts Academy is to provide students, with exceptional skills in visual and performing arts, a personally supportive and intellectually challenging environment to pursue their interests at a level which is specifically directed toward entrance into college and university arts programs.


    Pallotti provides an intensive, pre-professional training in the areas of visual arts, music (vocal and instrumental), theatre, and dance combined with a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum. The expansion of the curriculum and facilities for our students provides daily interaction and study with art professionals, participation in professionally-oriented productions, and space to practice their craft to its fullest extent.


    There is an additional $1,250 annual fee for the Arts Academy.


    Interested in the Arts Academy? Learn More on the Art Page

  • Engineering

    This four year program uses curriculum from Project Lead the Way, a nationally recognized leader in innovative, high quality science, technology, and engineering experiences for K-12 schools. This rigorous program employs a hands-on approach that teaches students to think and approach problem solving as engineers. Students learn essential engineering skills such as drawing, 3D modeling in Autodesk Inventor, and statistics. The engineering design process is further explored through exciting projects in computer programming, circuit building, digital fabrication, robotics, and more. Students will also gain a strong foundation in the math and science principles they will need to pursue higher studies and/or career in engineering. The program is well-equipped with a full computer lab, a dedicated classroom, shop space, and multiple 3D printers.

COURSE CATALOG

Click to view Course Catalog

Stephen J. Edmonds Learning Center

The Stephen J. Edmonds Learning Center at St. Vincent Pallotti High School enables students who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Specific Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder or other related physical and/or emotional disabilities to access a rigorous college prep academic program while receiving appropriate accommodations and support. Students who are enrolled in the direct service program receive explicit instruction in executive function skills and test-taking strategies while receiving support and remediation in literacy and math skills. Additionally, both our direct and indirect service programs provide case management in the form of on-going communication with classroom teachers regarding the implementation of classroom and testing accommodations, progress monitoring and the development of self-advocacy skills.

Options for service:

  • Level I - Stephen J. Edmonds Learning Center-Direct Service

    Students who are enrolled in the direct service program have one period in their daily

    schedule allotted for explicit instruction in: executive function skills, test preparation, 

    self-advocacy skills, literacy skills and math/science skills in a small group setting.  Each student receives an Individual Accommodation Plan based upon their needs as outlined in their qualifying evaluation/s.  Additionally, students may receive subject-specific support in their general education classroom or during the period they have a subject in which they are struggling.  Students and their parents receive case management in the form of on-going communication with classroom teachers, progress monitoring, and applications for accommodations on high stakes standardized testing.


    • Level 1 (Direct) Service-Full Year $1900 annually
    • Level 1 (Direct) Service-Semester 1 only  $950
    • Level 1 (Direct) Service-Semester 2 only $950

  • Level II - Stephen J. Edmonds Learning Center-Indirect Service

    Students who are enrolled in the indirect service program may access the

    Learning Center for specialized instruction and academic support during their

    lunch period or during  Pallotti’s Protected Hour after school.  Each student receives an Individual Accommodation Plan based upon their needs as outlined in their qualifying evaluation/s.  Students and their parents receive case management in the form of on-going communication with classroom teachers, progress monitoring, and applications for accommodations on high stakes standardized testing.


    Level 2 (Indirect) service $900 annually

  • APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Enrollment in the Learning Center program is through application to the Admissions Office. There is a fee for the program, depending upon the frequency with which a student receives service. Documentation of a qualifying disability is required for applications to be reviewed. Appropriate documentation includes, but is not limited to, the following:


    • Neuropsychological, Psychoeducational and/or Speech and Language evaluation and report completed within 3 years prior to application (Specific Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Receptive-Expressive Language Disorders)
    • Current (within the calendar year) public school IEP or 504 plan
    • Current (within the calendar year) ICEP or Accommodations Plan from private school program
    • Documentation of medical diagnosis from a physician or psychiatrist within the last calendar year, to be updated yearly (ADHD, Other Health Impairment-OHI, Anxiety Disorders)

    Students must be enrolled in the Learning Center program to receive instructional and testing accommodations even if they have a diagnosed disability.


    To start the application process, go to our Apply page for more detailed information.

Learning Center Interest Application

Helen Mahoney

Director of the Learning Center

hmahoney@bjgong.com

301-725-3228 ext. 2314

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

One of the great strengths of SVPHS is our small-school care and concern for every student's development. We have an environment in which students are fully supported by our caring faculty, counselors, coaches, staff, and administrators. As such, below are a sampling of the many support options we offer our students.

  • Individualized Class Scheduling

    We work with each incoming student to create a class schedule that fits each student's individual goals and strengths. 


    • Honors level courses are available for freshmen in Mathematics, History, Science, and English. Students can test into these higher-level courses right at the start of their Pallotti career.
    • Sophomores can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses; while Juniors and Seniors have over 15 AP courses from which to choose.
    • Freshmen students who need additional math support take two math courses in the 1st semester. In the second course, Algebra Prep, students drill on the core Algebra skills which increases their computational speed and allows them to better handle more challenging high school Algebra and Geometry problems.

  • Pallotti Transitions

    This one semester course is designed to successfully transition freshmen to the “Pallotti Way.” Students are provided the tools they will need to be successful academically and socially, as well as learning about the Pallottine traditions of service and commitment to excellence. Course emphases include:


    • Study Skills Development: emphasis on the proven methods of succeeding in the humanities and math/sciences.
    • Technology Management: introductions to Google applications, Microsoft Office suite, and other educational apps.
    • Time Management and Personal Organization: note taking techniques, prioritization exercises, document management systems, and goal-setting.
    • Digital Citizenship: online safety tips, email communication protocols, social media protection measures.
    • Research Basics: understanding plagiarism do’s and don’ts; available print, media, and library resources; outlining; and deadline management procedures.
    • Exam Review: the last two weeks of 1st semester are dedicated to preparing for Mid-Term exams. 

  • The Pallotti Protected Hour

    Our school day ends at 2:30 PM; then, from 2:30 – 3:30 PM, we have the Pallotti “Protected Hour.” During that after-school hour, our teachers are available for individual tutoring or study sessions. No sports practices and no play or musical practices will be held in that hour. Instead, it is daily time dedicated to the academic improvement of our students. 

  • NHS Tutoring and Mentoring

    The National Honor Society is a prestigious organization that recognizes students with high academic achievement and a commitment to service. At Pallotti, NHS members are expected to help out those students who struggle academically. NHS tutors are available during lunch periods every day and after school. This can be a very successful way for students to get ahead in class and gain new appreciation for the study habits and educational skills of our top students. 

  • Midterm Madness and Finals Frenzy

    During the week prior to mid-term and final exams, the NHS organizes tutoring sessions specifically designed to prepare students for these major tests. Teachers from each discipline are available until 5 PM to help students organize their notes and to predict and prepare for the content of these tests. 

Counseling Services

Our comprehensive counseling program includes such highlights as, college planning all four years, academic advising, schedule planning, annual parent information meetings by grade level, individual student appointments for each grade level, and classroom sessions on a variety of topics.

Our guidance services center around the Pallottine mission and the goals of St. Vincent Pallotti which include:


  1. To appreciate the Catholic faith and traditions and to transmit them to students.
  2. To create a community where all students can become all that God intends them to be.
  3. To preserve the commitment to intellectual values, academic excellence and physical well-being; and to assist each person in developing whatever gifts or talents he or she may possess.
  4. To encourage members of the school community to work for justice and peace.
  5. To affirm the dignity and self-worth of the students, faculty, and staff so as to create a learning environment that promotes quality relationships among all members.


These goals are the department’s guiding principles as we meet annually with each student to guide them through their academic, personal and social development. 


Our college counselor works directly and exclusively with the students in all areas of college admissions during their junior and senior year in conjunction with the student's counselor.

Appointment can be scheduled individually by the student, parent, and/or teacher request.

WHY SHOULD I VISIT MY SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

  • Adjustment to High School
  • Academic Advising and Course Selection
  • Schedule Change
  • Difficulty with a class
  • Help in getting more involved in the school community
  • Advice if having difficulty making friends or getting along with others
  • Help in communicating with your teachers
  • Help in communicating with your parents
  • Assistance dealing with personal issues
  • College and Career Planning
  • Sharing good news

College Counseling

The full Pallotti curriculum (academics, enrichment activities, athletics) equips our students with the knowledge, confidence, study skills, and habits necessary for college success. In our college counseling we are committed to assisting and guiding our students in this important planning for future educational challenges.


Each junior and senior meets individually with one of the counselors to help identify his or her needs, talents, and interests; to discover what colleges and universities will nurture and develop these; and to discuss the selection and application process. We also provide other opportunities including special parent "college nights" that provide information on school choice, the application process, and financial aid.


The college selection process is a rich opportunity for each student to take the lead, to make reasoned and informed decisions, to advocate effectively for themselves, and to exercise organizational skills in following a schedule and meeting deadlines. We are eager to be alongside each student to advise and support.

College Counseling Forms

Teacher Recommendation Request Form Transcript Request Form Athletic Release Forms Alumni Transcript Request

College Clinics

The School Counseling Department will be holding College Clinics during the first semester for all Senior Students. Dates and specific topics for each clinic can be found below or on the graphic shown.




AUGUST

August 28 | Introduction


SEPTEMBER

September 4 | Making the Most of College Visits

September 11 | Junior Timeline (For 11th Grade Students)

September 18 | Essay Writing Workshop #1

September 25 | Application How-To


OCTOBER

October 2 | Essay Writing Workshop #2

October 9 | Financial Aid

October 23 | Working on Applications

October 30 | Working on Applications


NOVEMBER

November 13 | Careers/Community College


DECEMBER

December 4 | Open Session

December 18 | Working List of Schools (For 11th Grade Students)




For more information about college clinics, please contact our School Counseling Department:


Catherine Edwards | Assistant Principal of Student Affairs

cedwards@bjgong.com


Candice Pal | School Counselor

cpal@bjgong.com


Zuleyma Rodriguez | School Counselor

zrodriguez@bjgong.com

SCHOOL COUNSELING CONTACTS

Catherine Edwards

Assistant Principal of Student Affairs

cedwards@bjgong.com

Candice Pal

School Counselor

cpal@bjgong.com

Zuleyma Rodriguez

School Counselor

zrodriguez@bjgong.com

Student Resources

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