Curriculum

Art

Maryvale's art curriculum is designed to help students establish an awareness of art as a part of our daily existence through a disciplined-based program. Students become aesthetically aware of a wide range of visual forms, learn through art criticism, become aware of the importance of art throughout history and learn how to create art through the hands-on studio process.

English

Members of the English Department believe in an integrated approach to the development of language art skills. All courses in the English Department focus on the importance of learning to read critically and to write effectively. Teachers enable students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers through a variety of hands-on independent and guided activities, while recognizing that the needs and gifts of each student require individual attention to achieve these ends.

Foreign Language

The Foreign Language Department hopes to inspire in its students a life-long interest in and appreciation for foreign cultures and the desire to open the doors of communication with the people of the global village. Our philosophy rests on the belief that language is the primary manifestation of a culture, and that there are four integrated skills of effective communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing. We strive to create within our classrooms a cultural environment in which instruction and communication are paramount.

Health & Physical Education

Maryvale's health curriculum is designed to provide students with information that will enable them to make decisions for healthful living. In physical education, concentration is placed on developing and refining basic skills and working on team concepts. The physical education program consists of activities designed to provide a logical appropriate progression of skills that can be used in interscholastic sports as well as recreation and fitness. Maryvale's curriculum helps students recognize physical activity as an opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction.

Mathematics

The Mathematics Department strives to provide a program in which each student is challenged according to her ability to develop mathematical skills. The program has an immediate goal of preparing each student for future courses in mathematics and related disciplines. The long-range goal is to bring each student to a level of mathematical knowledge and competence, which will enable her to cope with the constantly changing technological society in which she lives. Each level of mathematics emphasizes the acquisition of basic and complex skills, clarity and precision of language and effective techniques in problem solving and critical thinking.

Music and Drama

School-wide performances in theater, choral arts and instrumental music are a Maryvale tradition. Our music and drama program is founded on the belief that human expression is an integral part of life, and experiences in the arts are essential to the holistic education of each student. The music program emphasizes critical thinking and an appreciation of the arts based on knowledge, understanding and experience. The drama program strives to present an overview of our vast dramatic heritage and teach the skills necessary to participate in and appreciate performing arts.

Science

Maryvale's science program strives to develop, expand and refine students' attitudes, processes, knowledge and skills related to the field of science. Students have ample opportunity to acquire and apply critical thinking and logical reasoning skills in problem solving situations both in the theoretical and experimental realm. The refinement of students' abilities to handle, construct and manipulate materials in a productive and safe manner is accomplished through the design and completion of experiments. The aptitude of the student to measure, organize and communicate scientific information is also a focus of the program. Students are empowered to seek answers through inquiry, knowledge, and scientific procedure.

Social Studies

The Social Studies Department is committed to educating young women to become critical thinkers and reflective citizens. The faculty is committed to modeling the investigation of historical events and social behavior through a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating history and humanities as well as economics, geography, political science and sociology. Students analyze and debate current issues on all levels in order to not only interpret the past and present, but also to prepare for active American and global citizenship in the future.

Technology

Through our "connected campus" network, Maryvale students utilize computers as an essential tool for life. Students apply their skills and knowledge to facilitate learning and productivity across all disciplines. In addition to our two main computer labs, students have access to mini-labs strategically located throughout the campus. The computerized library network provides access to the most current information both on and off campus; and students and faculty are linked through an email system.

Theology

As religious educators in a college preparatory school for young women, we believe in the importance of leading our students to know, love and serve God. To this end, we help them to root their lives in gospel teachings, develop strong moral values and become women of sensitivity in serving the needs of others. We embrace the challenge of furnishing our students with a firm foundation in faith, to meet the challenges they will face in today's society. Our program is directed toward offering a sound intellectual grounding in the Catholic faith. Above all, we encourage our students to develop a personal relationship with God and to articulate that relationship as her faith continues to deepen and grow.