Academics

The academic reputation of St. Charles is a hallmark of its tradition of excellence. Oriented toward students of at least average ability and of high motivation, the school considers both aptitude for college work and previous achievement in admitting new students. Graduation from St. Charles requires a minimum of 25 credits. This rigorous standard includes 4 credits of religion, English, mathematics, science, and foreign language (two years of Latin are required), 3 credits of social studies, 1 credit of health and physical education, and at least one credit in fine arts. Within these requirements, and in addition to them, elective courses are available which allow some students to graduate with as many as 27or 28 credits. Beyond the required two years of Latin, two additional years of Latin and two or three years of French, German, Spanish or Greek may be pursued. Elective courses are also offered in science, English, social studies, mathematics, and the fine arts.

As its name indicates, St. Charles is committed to the preparation of its students for higher studies. 100% of the graduates go on to college or other further education. Many of these go on to graduate school, preparing for careers in medicine, priesthood, law, engineering, and the like. To this end, students pursue an academic program that equips them with the fundamental skills and habits necessary for success in universities and colleges. All sophomores and juniors take the PSAT. Each year both classes have a mean score near the 80th percentile in language and in math. Advanced Placement courses in eight areas enable many students to earn or proficiency credit for college courses. At present, graduates are enrolled at more than 40 colleges and universities, including Harvard, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, West Point, and Notre Dame. Perhaps the surest sign, though, of the quality of preparation is the number of graduates who return from college each year and attest to the solid academic foundation they received here at St. Charles Preparatory.

A school can only achieve academic excellence when the needs of individual students are recognized and met. At St. Charles, the traditional program of study fosters individual responsibility but leaves room for differences of ability and interest. An extensive tutorial program, voluntarily staffed by both faculty and talented upperclassmen, gives students with academic difficulties the individual attention and encouragement they need. A full-time guidance staff, aided by the campus ministry staff, assists students in assessing their strengths and weaknesses, planning courses, applying for advanced study, and adjusting to the growth and changes they face with maturity; diocesan priests who are full-time teachers are a also available for personal and spiritual counseling. With an enrollment of almost 600 and a faculty of 35 (the majority of whom hold advanced degrees), St. Charles offers its students maximum access to their instructors, through small classes and informal meetings outside class. The size of the school also makes possible closer rapport and greater cooperation between home and school, so that a student's growth can be appraised and promoted in the context of the whole person.