Academics
Introduction to Academics
Every student at Towson Catholic is encouraged to think
creatively, express ideas articulately, write clearly, and work
independently
 within a
solid college preparatory program. Small classes of about twenty
and individualized attention characterize learning here, where a
dedicated faculty works together to ensure each student's
achievement.
Towson Catholic's average graduating class sends 95 percent of
its students on to college, university, or a professional program;
often all students in the graduating class pursue higher
education.
Based on testing, grades, and
prior performance, advanced students may take honors English,
social studies, and science in addition to accelerated programs in mathematics.
The core curriculum includes substantial coursework in theology
and principles of the Roman Catholic faith, English, classical and
modern languages, mathematics, science, computers, social studies,
fine arts and electives.
Instructional strategies within classes emphasize practical
skills and habits of mind that will lead to success in higher
education. Skills taught include proficiency in reading, writing,
and computation.
Students also learn to listen well and speak articulately
through group projects and presentations. Above all they are
encouraged to think critically, to solve problems, and to make
decisions about topics and issues they encounter in the classroom
and in their own lives.
 Students also acquire keyboarding skills
and familiarity with computer technology. Further, they learn to
conduct independent research-essential for success in coursework,
college, and lifelong learning. Students may obtain guidance from
the administration, in teacher conferences, and through the
Guidance Program, which offers college and career counseling.
Other services in this program include peer helping and crisis
counseling. At all times, faculty members stay in close contact
with students and quickly identify and address personal and
academic difficulties before they become problems.
Towson Catholic strives to educate the mind and spirit of each
individual. The fine arts program encourages understanding and
appreciation of both the visual and performing arts and provides
many opportunities for personal expression. Overall, religious
education emphasizes the development of a mature Christian outlook
and commitment to values.
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Overview of
Curriculum
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|
(College Preparatory for
all students) |
|
English: |
English I, II, III, IV,
Honors,
Advanced Placement English IV,
Publications I, II, III, IV |
|
Theology: |
I, II, III, IV |
|
Languages: |
Spanish I, II, III, IV
Latin I, II, III, IV |
|
Mathematics: |
Introduction to Algebra 1,
Algebra 1, Geometry,
Algebra II, Integrated Math, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus |
|
Science: |
Biology, Honors Biology,
Criminology/Forensic Science, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry,
Zoology, Environmental Science, Honors Physics, Anatomy &
Physiology, Marine Sciences |
|
History: |
World History, U.S.
History, American Government, Economics |
|
Computer: |
Computer I, Spreadsheet,
Database Management, Applied Technology |
|
Business: |
Introduction to Business,
Personal Finance |
|
Fine Arts: |
Art Fundamentals, Art II,
Two-Dimensional design, Drafting, Portfolio Development,
Watercolor, Applied Arts, Draw/Paint, Graphics, Senior
Studio Art, Applied Design, Music, Chorus, Band, Guitar,
Theatre Arts |
|
Physical Education: |
Physical
Education/Health, Team & Individual Sports, Weight Training |
Testing Program
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| 9th Grade - NEDT |
| 10th Grade - PLAN (Pre ACT) |
| 11th Grade - PSAT/NMSQT - SAT recommended |
| 12th Grade - SAT & ACT recommended |
Grading Policy
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The
year is divided into four marking periods and report cards are
issued at the end of each quarter.
Mid-quarter reports are also issued four times each year
for all students. Numerical
grades given on report cards and on the mid-quarter reports have
the following letter grade equivalents:
|
Numerical Grade |
|
Letter
Grade |
|
100 – 92 |
|
A |
|
91
– 88 |
|
B+ |
|
87 - 83 |
|
B |
|
82
– 80 |
|
C+ |
| 79 – 75 |
|
C |
|
74
– 73 |
|
D+ |
|
72 – 70 |
|
D |
|
Below
70 |
|
F |
The
lowest passing grade is 70% (D).
Honors Program
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Towson Catholic offers Honors English and
Advanced Placement English in addition to advanced programs
in mathematics, science, and social studies. Incoming students are tested to
determine placement. Others factors considered include prior
performance and grades.
Community Service
Program
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The philosophy, as outlined in the Towson
Catholic High School handbook, is reflective of the commitments to
integrate the social justice teachings of the Catholic Church
through the Community Service Program. Students
participate in meaningful service and community learning
experience which assists in the developing students into mature
and knowledgeable citizens through their actions. Community
service programs challenge young people to become viable
contributors and to positively affect the world around them.
It is MANDATORY for
graduation that each student at Towson Catholic High School
participate in the Community Service Program. A student must
complete thirty (30) hours of service to meet graduation
requirements. All service projects must be
approved by the program coordinator.
Reports of
Academic Progress
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All report cards will be distributed to the parents quarterly.
Progress reports will be mailed at the mid-point of each quarter
to all students. Parent
conferences will be scheduled 2 times during the school year or
upon request.
Interim Reports
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Interim reports will be issued to all students. Although
Interim Reports may be distributed at any time during the school
year, the required distribution dates are listed in the official
school calendar.
Determining
Semester & Final Grades
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The lowest mark a student will receive for any
marking period is 60% except in extraordinary
circumstances.
First semester grades are determined by the
computer in the following manner:
1st marking period grade times 2
2nd marking period grade times 2
Mid-term examination grade times 1 Divide by 5
Final grades are determined in the following
manner:
1st marking period grade times 2
2nd marking period grade times 2
Mid-term examination grade times 1
3rd marking period grade times 2
4th marking period grade times 2
Final examination grade times 1
Divide by 10
Promotion,
Failure & Summer School
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The minimum passing mark is a 70/D. Any course
failure must be made up in summer school before a student is
permitted to return to Towson Catholic. Students who fail
three or more subjects are liable for expulsion.
Honor Roll
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Towson Catholic’s Honor Roll consists of three categories:
The Principal’s List for students who earn a grade of 92% or higher in
each subject in one grading period. To attain First Honors, a student
must have an 88% or above in all subjects. Students will earn
Second Honors by earning an 83% in all subjects.
The Hilltop Academic Achievement Award is given to students who
have achieved placement on the honor role in each quarter. The Blue and Gold Award is issued to
students who have earned academic honors for five consecutive semesters.
Homework
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In order for students to understand class work,
homework is necessary. Homework offers the chance to practice
skills learned, master difficult material, and develop individual
and long-range projects. We suggest three hours of homework each
night. All students should expect to receive home assignments in
all courses. Student responsibility demands that all assignments
be completed neatly and submitted on time. Homework consists not
only of work assigned by the teacher, but also consists of review,
reinforcement, reading, data gathering, preparation of long-term
assignments, and organization of notebooks, notes, etc.
Graduation
Requirements
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|
Graduation Requirements |
Credits |
|
Theology I, II,
III, IV |
4 |
|
English I, II,
III, IV |
4 |
|
Mathematics
(beginning with Algebra 1) |
3 |
|
Science
(Biology, Chemistry) |
3 |
|
Social Studies
|
3 |
|
Foreign Language
(2 consecutive years) |
2 |
|
Computer/Word
Processing |
1 |
|
Physical
Education |
1/2 |
|
Health |
1/2 |
|
Fine Art |
1 |
|
Elective |
4 1/2 |
|
|
|
TOTAL |
26 |
Withholding of
Diploma
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Towson Catholic High School reserves the right, in unique and
special instances, to withhold its diploma.
Transcripts
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Withdrawal from Towson Catholic must be
accompanied by written parental consent. School records will not
be released unless all financial obligations are met.
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