Nardin Academy High School Academics
 
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Computer: Nardin Academy recognizes the need for students to have computer skills, therefore we strive to provide full access to computers (both Windows and Mac OS) for our students. Courses constantly change to accommodate the knowledge level of the students, as well as changes in software. In addition to the required computer course and the elective courses, students may use the computer labs during study hall and before school. Students wishing to use computers after school, may use those in the library. Academic area teachers often reserve a lab during class for instruction in writing or for use of subject specific programs. Writers for the school publications use computers to prepare articles for desktop publishing. During the times that the labs are open, the students generally type papers and conduct research on the Internet, although they may also use various programs introduced in their academic classes. All students and parents are required to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement, which is in effect for the duration of the student's stay at Nardin. Students agree to investigate only appropriate sites and to refrain from email during school hours (8:20 - 3:00). Course Offerings: Computer 1(required), Computer 2 (website design and animation), Computer 3 (Digitally Aided Arts)

English: The English department helps students develop into discerning readers and skilled writers. Our goals for our students include learning to read insightfully, to think rationally, to speak articulately, to write coherently, and to take lifelong pleasure in the reading of fine literature. Additionally, as a Catholic school, we encourage students to admire moral goodness through literature, to see that acting above one's own needs and interests is the ethical imperative. Our literature curriculum encompasses training in literary analysis, surveys of the classic works of American and British literature, and the critical reading of representative modern works. All students fulfill the New York State Regents requirements which include passing the Comprehensive Examination in English. Two Advanced Placement courses are offered. The 4-year curriculum is supplemented by an elective program designed to meet the specific needs and interests of students. HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER READING LIST 2009 - Click Here Course Offerings: English 9, 9H, 10, 10H, 11, AP English Language, 12, AP English Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Speaking

Fine Arts: The Fine Arts department is an integral part of the student's aesthetic educational process, striving to educate the whole person. Art, in both the visual and performing modes, is seen as an asset to the enrichment of young women's lives. The fine arts faculty is committed to encouraging students to see the importance of discovering their artistic potential, develop these abilities, and ready our students for the challenges of the 21st century. Our students have many opportunities to practice and display their artistic expressions through art shows, concerts, musical, and drama productions throughout the year at Nardin. Our fine arts students are also actively involved in many programs outside the Nardin community, participating in other schools' drama and musical productions as well as performing and displaying their works in various public arenas. Course Offerings: Art: A.P. Art History, Exploring Studio Arts, Three Dimensional Art, Print Making, Drawing: Basic and Advanced, Painting: Basic and Advanced, Clayworks, Computer Art. Music: Exploring Music, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Instrumental Instruction, Chorus, Beginning & Advanced Dance, Photography: Basic and Advanced, Theater

Foreign Language: Nardin Academy believes that competency in a second language is an important skill in our globally oriented economy and society. All Nardin High School students are required to study French, Spanish, or Latin through Level III or for three consecutive years, and are encouraged to continue to Level IV or to one of the AP courses in their senior year. Language study at Nardin focuses equally on each of the four skills of acquisition: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition, each student develops an appreciation of the culture, history, and literature of countries where the language is spoken through exposure to authentic materials and classroom activities. Students may begin the study of a second foreign language after the successful completion of Level II of their first language. Course Offerings: French I, II, III, III(H), IV(H), V(H), AP Language; Spanish I, II, III, III(H), IV(H), V(H), VI(H), AP Language; Latin I, II, III, IV(H), AP Literature

Mathematics: The Mathematics Department of Nardin Academy strives to help our students meet the requirements for mathematics knowledge for life, not just for the diploma they will receive at graduation. We fulfill and exceed the New York State guidelines for mathematics. Our students are encouraged to take as many mathematics courses as possible. We have very competitive AP results, and all students leave Nardin with the skills necessary to compete at the college level. Even though we only require three years, almost every student will have taken four years of math. As students come to Nardin with various ability level, we offer a range of opportunities from Math help labs to Honor level courses. A student is never locked into a program. We evaluate each individual to make sure they are in the correct program for their needs. Course Offerings: Math 9, Math 10, Math 10H, Math 11, Math 11H, Math 12 with Pre-Calculus, Math 12 with Statistics, Calculus and AP Calculus

Religion: "With academic excellence and gospel witness as the tradition and vision of Nardin Academy, the Religion Department is committed to Catholic education and the development of good, caring people. In the face of a culture which offers confused values and competing pressures, the formation of our students in Catholic faith is a critical responsibility of Nardin Academy. A faith that seeks to understand needs to be nurtured by a foundation rooted in scripture and tradition. Together, these form a saving legacy that should guide and shape the quality of the lives of our students. It is our conviction that this is the most important pursuit they will undertake during their high school years. Nardin Academy's Catholic tradition is integral to its identity as a school; therefore, religious studies courses are required of all students regardless of religious affiliation. With this in mind, the religion department imparts to our students the elements of Catholic faith and practice through a holistic curriculum that includes the study of Roman Catholicism, Scripture, social justice, religious and moral issues, theology and religious experience." Course Offerings: Intro to Catholicism (9), Scripture Studies (10), Morality and Social Justice (11), Death and Dying (12, elective), Religions of North America (12, elective), Commitment (12, elective), Philosophy (12H, elective)

Science: The science department of Nardin Academy strives to develop scientifically literate individuals who understand how science, technology and society influence each other and who can use this knowledge to assist in everyday living. Students are encouraged to see science as a stimulating adventure which involves taking intellectual risks. They develop an appreciation of science as a clarification of the rules of nature and as a means of enriching and influencing their lives. Emphasis is placed upon the idea that scientific knowledge, by nature, is tentative and subject to change as evidence accumulates. The value of keeping an open mind and the truthful reporting of results is also stressed. This approach encourages the acceptance of change, which in turn fosters original thought, new ideas and new hypotheses, all converging on a better understanding of nature. Students are provided with effective means for the study of scientific principles by practicing analytical and communication skills. Through teamwork, they are motivated to respect the rights, beliefs, values, levels of knowledge, contributions, and concerns of others. The limitations, as well as the usefulness of science and technology in advancing human welfare are addressed. Students are encouraged to integrate scientific knowledge and morally ethical values to promote respect for the earth, its ecosystems, and the human life upon it. This can most effectively be accomplished by those who maintain physical, mental, and social well-being through a healthy life-style. Course Offerings: Regents Biology, Regents Chemistry, Physics, AP Biology, Advanced Topics in Biology, AP Chemistry, Environmental Science, Marine Science

Social Studies: We, the Social Studies Department, believe that the lessons of history reveal the inter-dependence of the human community. The study of history shows that even as decisions of the past have had consequences, so too, will the decisions of tomorrow. We believe that students should see themselves as global citizens who will strive to create structures for justice and harmony. As we impart democratic values and uphold the dignity of each student, we reinforce Nardin's long-standing conviction that the social studies are an integral part in the education of the whole person. Course Offerings: Global 1, 1H; Global 2, 2H; AP European History; United States History and Government; AP United States History and Government; AP Government and Politics; Economics; Legal Studies.