Validating the Vision
Middle States Visitation
We welcome our visiting Accreditation Team on March 11th through March 14th. During their time with us, the five members of the visiting team will be interviewing Board Members, Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students and Parents, as well as visiting classrooms. Much work has been done by our Planning Team. The major task of our self-study was to identify three objectives that will enhance and increase student performance in the areas identified by the Planning Team.
With the help of the faculty, the Planning Team has identified three areas that we will work on to enhance student performance. The first objective involves improving students' growth on standardized tests. Our goal is to increase the rate of growth from 9th to 11th grade on the PSAT and increase students' rate of growth from 11th to 12th grade on the SAT. The second objective includes improving our students' knowledge of their Catholic faith and traditions as well as revamping our Community Service Program to encourage our students to complete service that reflects direct service to the materially poor and marginalized. The last objective focuses our attention on improving students' proficiency in technology and is based on national technology standards.
The faculty have created Strategies and Action Plans to accomplish these objectives during the next seven years. In the future we will share with you a summary of our Strategies and Action Plans at a Town Hall meeting.
Belief Statements
- We believe that a Catholic education at Maryvale is guided by the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the teachings of Saint Julie Billiart.
- We believe that the value of the individual is central to an enriched educational experience and development of the whole person.
- We believe in the value of single sex education to enable young women to face future challenges.
- We believe that an education rooted in Catholic values will guide students to make appropriate decisions and accept responsibility for personal choices.
- We believe an academically challenging college-preparatory curriculum develops life-long learners who think critically and communicate effectively.
- We believe that service guided by social responsibility and compassion defines Maryvale as a Catholic community.
- We believe that diversity strengthens a community.
- We believe that effective on-going communication within the Maryvale community fosters common values and direction.
Mission Statement
Maryvale, a Catholic independent girls' school serving grades six through twelve, affiliated with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, provides an environment in which each student can reach her academic, spiritual, physical, and civic potential in a loving, supportive and diverse community. Building upon its unique and special heritage, Maryvale's mission is to provide an exceptional education that responds to change and prepares young women for life.
Philosophy
The Board of Trustees, the administration, faculty, staff and students of Maryvale Preparatory School dedicate themselves to furthering the academic, spiritual, physical and civic development of each student. The Maryvale community believes that teachers and parents work together as the co-educators of students. As an educational community, we nurture a love for learning and the innate quest for Truth. This all-encompassing endeavor is conducted in an educational atmosphere which is pervasively Christian and specifically Catholic. Values are developed within this context of faith.
Central to the philosophy of Maryvale is the validation of the individual, which is evident in its commitment to small class-size in which each student may develop critical thinking skills, integrity, and resourcefulness so that she may take responsibility for strengthening her faith and academic abilities. To this end, the Maryvale faculty encourages each student to learn to appreciate the value of a traditional curriculum, supported by technology as a means of developing creativity, morality, and just pride in her achievements. Maryvale emphasizes the importance of responsible decision- making and acceptance of consequences in order for each student to become honorable citizen of the world. In an atmosphere of respect the various constituencies of the Maryvale community cooperate to support each student to realize her academic, spiritual, physical and civic potential. A variety of electives and co-curricular activities allow for each student to express and develop her individual gifts.
Drawing its specific character from the heritage of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the Maryvale community values charity, simplicity, justice, and human dignity. Students are encouraged to love and respect the community, the country, and the world. Maryvale teaches students to lead as responsible women in a pluralistic society. Finally, Maryvale strives to challenge young women to extend learning beyond the classroom to serve others in need in the name of Jesus Christ.
Value Statements
These values will serve as the basis for MaryvaleÂ’s efforts to fulfill its mission and achieve its vision for the future:
Excellence The school, its administration, faculty, staff, and students will strive for excellence in all endeavors.
Respect The school will encourage mutual respect among administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students.
Self-discipline Maryvale students are encouraged to exercise self-discipline and commitment in pursuing their academic, co-curricular and personal goals.
Self-knowledge Knowledge of self and the ensuing confidence that builds upon it is a hallmark of our students.
Social Justice The school challenges administration, faculty, staff, and students to live Gospel values through community service.
Diversity The school embraces diversity of faculty.
Constituent Relations The school is highly responsive to its multiple constituents and consistently delivers the highest level of service.
Effective Leadership The school encourages strong and consistent leadership among its administration, faculty, and staff who serve as role models for the students.
Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability The school manages its resources in a fiscally responsible and accountable manner.
Graduate Profile
It is our hope that upon graduation, a Maryvale Graduate will be:
a compassionate woman who
- Continues and strengthens her relationship with God
- Sees herself as GodÂ’s creation
- Understands Catholic beliefs and social teachings
- Exemplifies a commitment to social justice through service to others
- Demonstrates humility and exhibits empathy
- Upholds her beliefs and morals especially when faced with challenging situations
- Accepts and appreciates diverse peoples, cultures, and ideas
an independent thinker who
- Expresses ideas, opinions, and perceptions through speaking and writing to a variety of audiences
- Uses her strong academic foundation for problem solving, deductive reasoning, and critical thinking
- Aspires to become a life-long learner
a confident individual who
- Has a realistic sense of her strengths and weaknesses
- Fosters leadership in herself and others
- Demonstrates integrity
- Recognizes and values the gifts, talents, and accomplishments of herself and others
- Accepts challenges with faith and courage
a responsible woman who
- Manages her time effectively
- Recognizes the value of community and her role in it
- Values her physical and emotional health and well being