Anaheim, California, 14-March, 2011—-As more and more public schools find it difficult to provide students with basic skills, not to mention enrichment activities and moral guidance, one Orange County private school follows a unique tradition that they say has been serving students well for over 85 years.
St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim, California is the oldest private school in Orange County. Founded in 1889 by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, it began as a co-ed school and orphanage before becoming an all boys school with a military tradition in the 1920s.
According to the school’s principal, Sister Johnellen Turner, OP, “The program works. It teaches boys important life skills, like respect, teamwork, and integrity. And the boys love it!”
A Life Structured for Success
The unique military tradition builds confidence, develops leadership skills, and motivates boys to be their best. It also provides structure, which helps boys focus. Boys wear uniforms unique to St. Catherine’s and participate in basic military drill and marching. They learn important life skills such as overcoming obstacles, working on a team, and leading others. St. Catherine’s students learn the importance of integrity and honor from an early age.
Motivated, Motivated, Downright Dedicated
The military tradition is based on a system of rewards and consequences. When students do something positive, they receive praise and merits. When they break the rules, they receive demerits, which are posted for the entire school to see and must be worked off. At the end of the month, students receive recognition in front of their peers, parents, and staff. They earn ribbons and cords (which are worn on their uniforms) for their achievements in the classroom and during extracurricular activities. Based on merits earned, students also earn rank promotions and leadership roles within the cadet corps.
More Than a Military School
St. Catherine’s is a Catholic school with the military tradition. The military tradition is just one component of the school’s historic program. First and foremost, St. Catherine’s is concerned with educating students – academically and spiritually.
As the only all-boys private school in Orange County, St. Catherine’s uses best practices designed to meet the specific learning needs of boys and young men. These best practices include hands-on learning, discovery, and movement. Small classes and experienced teachers also help. Students enjoy state-of-the-art technology such as SMART Boards and new computer and science labs.
Students receive religious instruction in classrooms and attend weekly Mass. Students of all faiths are welcome at St. Catherine’s and encouraged to grow in their personal spirituality.
The school also offers a variety of enrichments opportunities including band, guitar, and piano lessons. All students take special classes in music, technology and Spanish.
St. Catherine’s Academy, founded in 1889 by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, is an independent Catholic school with a military tradition for boys in kindergarten through 8th grade. The school offers both day and boarding opportunities.
For additional information, please contact St. Catherine’s Academy at (714) 772-1363 or [email protected].
About St. Catherine’s Academy :
St. Catherine’s Academy provides a safe, Catholic, formative educational environment which is enhanced by the charism of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose and a military tradition for boys in kindergarten through eighth grade, both resident and day. We are a prestigious, day/boarding academy with an outstanding leadership program.We offer small class sizes, an outstanding sports curriculum, and individual and small class instructions in piano, guitar, and band.We encourage you to spread the good word about St. Catherine’s.
Contact St. Catherine’s Academy : Boarding schools California or Private schools Orange County
Address : 215 N. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, California 92805
Phone : (714) 772-1363
Fax : (714) 772-3004
Email id: [email protected]
