Departments

English
Department Chair: Kathy Zanone
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The Upper School English Department seeks to provide a college preparatory curriculum which incorporates literary surveys, in-depth analysis of particular authors/works/classics, broad-based composition instruction, standardized test preparation, and research skill development. English 1 and Honors English one are Multicultural Literature survey courses with an emphasis in grammar and composition. English 2 and Honors English 2 are survey courses in British Literature. English 3 and Honors English 3 are survey courses in American Literature. English 4 is a World Literature survey with an emphasis on studies in the novel. Honors English 4 and Advanced Placement English are World Literature surveys which emphasize all of the genres and are offered to seniors who meet the requirements for these classes. English Composition for College is an elective for juniors and seniors seeking to improve their writing skills. Other electives offered by the Department include Yearbook, Newspaper, Standardized Test Preparation, and a summer reading course for seniors on 20th Century Women Writers. Please link to individual teacher homepages for further information on any of the above listed courses.

Fine Arts
Department Chair: Ann Lane
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Visual Arts
The Upper School Art Department offers Art I, II, III, IV, and Advanced Placement Art. All classes are studio classes with hands-on experiences, stressing creativity, experimentation, and the development of a visual language. Art I is a one-semester class with instruction in art basics. All other classes are 2 semester electives and earn one credit, building on the basics in drawing, painting, color theory, and printmaking. Upper level classes focus on the development of artistic style and the creation of a portfolio for college entrance and scholarship. Advanced Placement Art is open to seniors who have completed Art 1,2 &3. Students who chose AP art will be completing work for the AP portfolio which can earn the student college credit. The Art Department also offers Art History. The art history student will examine art more closely for its cultural and historical significance. The study will cover art produced from the Prehistoric era all the way to contemporary art.

Performing Arts
The St. Agnes Academy performing arts department is dedicated to developing the students’ natural talents through study, work, and performance. Students in the drama department star in school plays, build sets, work in sound and lighting, and have an active role in all aspects of theatre production. The department offers three drama courses: Drama 1, Oral Communications, is used to further the students’ public speaking abilities; Drama 2 and 3 allow students to progress from a basic introduction to all things theatrical to advanced script writing, character development, and quality performance. Students in the music department have the opportunity to perform in vocal ensembles, campus liturgies, and community events. The department offers two courses: Vocal Music 1, required of all freshmen, introduces the students to fundamental music theory, basic music reading skills, and appreciation for vocal performance; Advanced Vocal Music allows students to further their study of music theory, analyze works of great composers and arrangers, and reach a higher level of musicality.

Foreign Language
Department Chair: Karin Haney
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The Foreign Language Department offers four years of study in French, Spanish, and Latin. The requirement for graduation is a minimum of three years in one language. Students enrolled in French or Spanish levels 3 and 4 may opt to enroll in the Christian Brothers University Dual Enrollment Program. If enrolled in the CBU program, a student may graduate from high school having earned a maximum of twelve college credit hours.

Health and P.E.
Department Chair: Mary Harmeier
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The goal of the Health and Physical Education program is to instill in each student a lifelong commitment to individual wellness and fitness and to equip each student with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding her well-being.

Math
Department Chair: Jennifer McConnell
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The Upper School mathematics program is designed to prepare students to succeed in college level mathematics courses. At all levels, appropriate technology enhancements are incorporated into the teaching and learning environment. An entering ninth grader begins her mathematical studies with Algebra I. She proceeds to Geometry as a sophomore. At the junior level, the Saint Agnes student completes Algebra II. Students that enter at the Honors level, proceed through Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II, and Honors Pre Calculus. The senior at SAA may choose from the following math courses: AP Calculus, Honors Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, Pre Calculus, or College Math.

Science
Department Chair: Mary McNelis
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The Saint Agnes Academy Science Department provides students with a well-rounded, college preparatory science education. In addition to the core curriculum of Physics I, Biology, and Chemistry, students are challenged and encouraged to pursue their special interests with a variety of courses at all levels, including Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science.

Social Studies
Department Chair: Bill Cate
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The Social Studies program at St. Agnes includes the requirement that a student successfully complete three and one-half credits of course work. The Sophomore year credit is World History I, which encompasses history from ancient times to the era of revolution – US, French, and Industrial. As an alternative, selected Sophomores may take Honors World History I. The credit for the Junior year is American History, which surveys the history of the US from colonial times to the present. As an alternative, selected Juniors may take Advanced Placement US History. The credit for the Senior year is World History II, which begins with the era of revolution and continues into modern times. As an alternative, selected Seniors may take Advanced Placement European History. One semester half credit electives include Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Geography, Introduction of US Government, Advanced Placement American Government and Politics, and Art History (which may be used in the alternative as a Fine Arts half credit.)

Technology
Department Chair: Angie Garibaldi
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Technology is growing and changing rapidly in the society at large, and it is doing the same at Saint Agnes Academy. The Technology Department is evaluating the students' needs on an ongoing basis. We shall continue to move forward to incorporate innovations into the curriculum using wireless ibooks. A good understanding of these varied technologies by the students will help for future projects in all areas of study.

Theology
Department Chair: Betty Pate
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The Theology Department offers a firm foundation in the basics of Catholic Christianity rooted in the Dominican Tradition. For graduation students must earn four credits in Theology. As freshmen, student are introduced to the foundations of our faith through the study of Hebrew Scripture, using the text Journey through the Old Testament, and the study of Catholic tradition, using the text The Light of Faith. Our sophomores continue their study of scripture, moving on to the study of Christian Scripture, using the text Journey through the New Testament. They also examine moral issues, using the text Your Life in Christ. Juniors study how the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, took shape, using the text, The Church through History. During second semester, students examine World Religions, using the text, Our Human Quest for God: An Overview of World Religions. Seniors focus on the larger world in which we live as they study justice issues, using the text Justice and Peace. In preparation for their spiritual life as an adult, they explore their faith, using the text Faith: Developing an Adult Spirituality.

In addition to these four core courses, there are six Theology Electives that are offered to seniors on a rotating basis. They are:
1. Christian Lifestyles
2. Faith and Film
3. Peace Making
4. Women of Faith
5. Christian Worship
6. Theology of the Body

For the Classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010, 60 hours of service are required for graduation. Beginning with the Class of 2011, 100 hours of service will be required for graduation. Please consult the Theology Department Homepage for a complete description of the Service Requirement, LIGHT meetings, Retreat dates, and links to the homepages of our Theology Faculty.