A student taking an Advanced Placement course must take the Advanced Placement exam at the end of the course.  This exam is considered an integral part of the course and the chief evaluation instrument.  A student who declines to take the exam waives the weighted grade and receives a regular grade for the course. 

A teacher can recommend a student not take the Advanced Placement exam, but only under special circumstances.  At the end of the first semester, a teacher may drop a student from an A.P. course if the teacher believes the student is not working at a level expected of an Advanced Placement student.  A MCHS graduate may receive college credit or waived course requirements from a college as a result of an Advanced Placement exam score.  A student who elects more than three Advanced Placement courses in a semester must have a counselor's approval.

Honors

An Honors level course is designed to challenge students with above average ability and motivation.  The pace is accelerated and the content advanced.  A Freshman is placed in an honors course based on entrance exam scores or proficiency placement.   Placement for students at all other levels is based on previous course performance and/or Grade Point Average.  The criterion for placement is noted in each course description.

College Preparatory

A college preparatory course provides a solid, competitive curriculum to prepare a student for college entry. A few of these courses are designed for students who learn best at a slower pace.  In general, the material covered remains the same at all levels of college preparatory courses.

Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 23 credits is required for graduation.

Required:

* - (Must pass U.S. & Illinois Constitution exam)

Current Marian Catholic graduation requirements meet the acceptance criteria of the state universities in Illinois.  Selective colleges may require more courses in some areas.  Students are encouraged to take a strong program of academic courses.  Academic courses can be found in the following departments: English, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science.

Marian Catholic supports its Fine Arts Program and the student who wishes to pursue it while maintaining a full academic program (five academic courses) through four years of high school in two ways: first, offering a six week, one credit, and summer course in World and U.S. History; second, waiving the physical education course requirement while the student is taking a Fine Arts course, and full academic program.

When a student no longer takes a Fine Arts course and a full academic program, or five academic courses the student is expected to take any waived physical education course requirement (except Health) before taking a non-academic elective.

A student must enroll in six subjects each semester.  After freshman year, a student with a 2.5 or above grade point average may enroll in a seventh subject with the approval of a parent and counselor.  Before enrolling in a seventh subject, a student should keep in mind the overall difficulty and level of courses selected, as well as extracurricular and outside school involvement.  All rules governing course changes and drop of courses apply to a seventh subject as well as all other subjects.

It is important to have a four-year course plan in freshman year, but it is also important to realize this plan can be changed as college, career and personal interests change.  Early in the second semester, counselors explain the registration and course selection process to each class in group sessions.  While a student is responsible for the selection of courses, he/she should seek the advice of parents, counselors and teachers.  Course level placement is made by teachers and department chairpersons.  A counselor reviews the course selections to ensure a student is fulfilling all graduation requirements.  Parents are welcome to contact a counselor to discuss course selection or arrange a meeting before, during or after school.  Counselors will also be available on selected evenings to meet with parents and students.

Registration Fee

Registration forms and the registration fee ($250) will be accepted following the small group sessions. The $250 fee holds a place for you at Marian Catholic. It is not applicable to tuition, but $95 is refundable by mutual agreement for a compelling change in family circumstances.

Tuition for the current academic year is $7,400; with many families making payments over 10 months. Our tuition remains at least $700 less than our actual per pupil cost. Limited scholarships (based on need) are available through a special fund established by the Dominican Sisters.

The library is totally automated; an ID is required to check out materials. 

The library is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A student can come before or after school, during study or as part of a class.  Most materials circulate. 

The library provides instructional services on a variety of levels: consultation by appointment, scheduled classroom instruction and formal lectures for freshman orientation and junior and senior term papers.  The library also provides instruction in research methods, library and bibliographic-related software, library and Internet resources, and curriculum development.  The library also provides programs (storytellers, plays, animal visitors, speakers, etc.) to introduce Marian students to other cultural interests beyond the world of academia.

Tutoring

There are a number of options available to a student who needs extra help academically.  A student can arrange to meet with a teacher before or after school.  Occasionally, a student's study period and a teacher's preparation period might coincide.  Besides receiving help from a teacher, a student can receive help from a student tutor.  These arrangements are made through the student's classroom teacher.  A student can also receive peer tutoring from members of the Honor Societies.   Arrangements are made by contacting the classroom teacher who contacts National Honor Society moderators. 

Marian Catholic High School's curriculum emphasizes college preparatory courses.  Graduation requirements as stated fulfill requirements for state colleges, but the college admission process is strengthened by additional courses in math, science, social studies, and language.  Since Marian Catholic serves students of diverse talents, electives appeal to the individual without sacrificing a college preparatory focus.

THEOLOGY COURSES

A credit in Theology is required each year.  The grade is included in the grade point average and class rank.

THEOLOGY 1 - BASIC BELIEFS/HEBREW SCRIPTURES  #01114  1 Credit
This course for freshmen begins with the study of basic Catholic beliefs and practices.  To enrich the understanding of the Christian heritage, second semester focuses on Hebrew Scriptures.  A four-six week unit presents the Catholic perspective on sexuality to help students look at Christian values and morals and encourage them to make personal choices according to these values.

ENGLISH COURSES

The English curriculum comprises the study of English grammar, composition and literature.  Required English courses are offered on three levels for freshmen and two levels for sophomores, juniors and seniors.   English electives are also offered.   A student who fails English I, II, or III must make up the needed credit in summer school at Marian before taking the next course level.   A student who does not complete an acceptable English III research paper cannot enroll in English IV.  A student who does not complete an acceptable English IV research paper cannot graduate.

ENGLISH 1 HONORS  #02115  1 Credit
This course includes an in-depth study of the short story, poetry, novel, and drama.  Honor students read a variety of novels in preparation for the more intensive reading in the honors and A.P. courses.  Composition focuses on description, narration and exposition.  Students study grammar, usage, mechanics, vocabulary, and basic library skills.  Finally, students develop skills in technology through making a power point presentation and an electronic portfolio.

ENGLISH 1A  #02124  1 Credit
This course includes the study of the short story, poetry, novel and drama forms.  Composition focuses on description, narration and exposition.  Students study grammar, usage, mechanics, vocabulary, and basic library skills.

ENGLISH 1B  #02133  1 Credit
This course includes the study of the short story, poetry, novel, and drama forms with emphasis on reading skills.  Composition focuses on description, narration and exposition.  Students study grammar, usage, mechanics, vocabulary, and basic library skills.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSES

Two consecutive years of the same language are required for graduation.  If a student fails the second semester of a foreign language, the full course  (both semesters) must be made up during the following school year.  A student who fails the first semester, but passes the second semester receives full credit for the course.  However, the first semester grade is not changed.  Many colleges require two years of the same language for admission.  Some colleges accept four years of high school language for the college language requirement.  Four years of a language is highly recommended for all who are capable of advanced study.  A student may place in Spanish 2 or French 2 based on a proficiency test given to incoming freshmen in May. When a student tests out of level one, the course is recorded on the student's transcript.  Neither a credit nor grade is given for this course.  The Foreign Language department establishes the criteria for placement.

FRENCH 1  #04114    1 Credit
This course introduces the student to the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and to the culture of the French people.

SPANISH 1B #07123     1 Credit
This course covers the same basic content as Spanish 1A at a slower pace.  Students are placed in this course by their entrance exam scores.  Students in "B" track may only take two years of Spanish.

SPANISH 2 HONORS #07215     1 Credit
Grammar, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural background are presented in greater depth and at a faster pace than in Spanish 2A.  Prerequisite:  B+ average in Spanish 1A or a grade of B+ on the entrance exam for freshmen seeking advanced status, and consent of teacher or department chair.

WORLD HISTORY HONORS   #08115     1 Credit
Emphasis is given to the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman civilizations; to the founding and growth of Christianity and the Church; to the modern Western world; and to all major Eastern civilizations.  Independent study includes use of primary and secondary sources.  Frequent essay writing and high development of critical thinking skills are expected. Class size is limited to the most qualified students.  Requires a significant investment of time. Prerequisites: 90th percentile composite on reading entrance scores (freshmen); sophomores with a cumulative GPA 3.5 or above. 

WORLD HISTORY  #08124     1 Credit
This required course for Social Studies is taken in the Freshman or Sophomore year.  Strong emphasis is placed on the developing of reading, writing, note-taking, research, critical thinking, and geography skills.

ALGEBRA 1 HONORS  #09115 Credit
This course includes all topics of Algebra 1 with emphasis on reasoning and analytical thinking and an indepth program on applied problem solving.  Graphing calculators and computers will be used to expand the students' mathematical experiences.  Placement by department on the basis of entrance test scores.

ALGEBRA 1A   #09124     1 Credit
Topics covered include the basic properties of numbers, polynomials, solving linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, systems of equations and the arithmetic of rational expressions.  Placement by department on the basis of entrance test scores.

ALGEBRA 1B  #09133     1 Credit
This course covers the topics of Algebra 1A with less rigor and at a slower pace.  Placement by department on the basis of entrance test scores.

PREALGEBRA  #09143     1 Credit
This course focuses on having students reach mastery of integer operations, rates, proportions and percents, both computations and applications.  In addition, using various methods, students represent algebraic relationships, solve multi-step equations, and employ stategies for problem solving.  Also, some geometry topics are introduced and reviewed, including the use of number lines and other geometric models to represent fractions, decimals, and integers. Placement by department only after required summer session.

GEOMETRY HONORS #09215     1 Credit
This course presents plane and solid Euclidean geometry, logic, and deductive proofs with an emphasis on precise mathematical language.  The study of geometry is integrated with the study of algebra and the real number system.  Prerequisite:  8th grade Algebra 1 and passing qualifying exam; B in Algebra Honors; or A in Algebra 1A.

BIOLOGY HONORS  #10116   1 Credit
The pace of this course, open to sophomores and select freshmen is faster and the content more intense than Biology A.  Prerequisite: 3.3 GPA (for Sophomores) and an entrance exam reading and composite score above the 90th percentile for incoming freshmen.

BIOLOGY A  #10124     1 Credit
Emphasis is on the unity of the molecular, cellular, and organism levels.  All human systems are studied.  Open to freshmen and sophomores with at least a 50th percentile reading and composite score on entrance exam.

BIOLOGY B  #10133     1 Credit
This course, slower in pace and less intense than Biology A, is open to sophomore and/or freshman students below 50% in reading or composite.  Reading and Math skills are reinforced.

ART 1  #11114     .5 Credit
Art 1 is an introductory course in observation and study of three-dimensional forms as found in Still Life.  Students develop the skill required to record these studies realistically through line and value study in drawing and painting.  A strong emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design while working in a variety of media.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS (SPEECH)   #12114     0.5 Credit
This course introduces the student to preparing and delivering informative, demonstrative, persuasive, and other types of speeches, as well as making the student critically aware of public speaking today.

CONCERT CHOIR  #13113     1 Credit
Concert Choir is an introductory level treble choir.  All freshmen girls as well as sophomore and junior girls entering their first year of choir at Marian should enroll in Concert Choir.  Emphasis is placed on the basics of good vocal production, music theory and self-direction.  A wide variety of music of all styles, periods and languages is presented.  Students also have the option to enroll in private voice lessons and participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest.  Four major performances per year are a course requirement and attendance is expected.

COLOR GUARD/FLAG  #14924     0.5 Credit 
Accompanies the Marching Band with precision routines and dance.  Extended summer and after school practice required.  Audition required for placement.

POTTERY I: FROM THE EARTH TO THE TABLE #11124     0.5 Credit
This semester course will explore the properties of kiln-firing clay. Students will learn hand-building techniques, such as: pinch, coil and slab, along with learning about the properties of kiln firing and glazing processes. Students will study the history of pottery starting from the Egyptian Era to present day. This class meets the Fine Arts requirement. No prerequisite is required.

MULTI-MEDIUM THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCULTURE #11134     0.5 Credit
This semester course is designed to raise students’ awareness, appreciation and understanding of the important role that ethic diversity plays in our society today, particularly in the Visual Arts. Students will learn to collaborate, manage, and create three-dimensional large scale sculptural forms that become permanent pieces of artwork to be displayed around the school. This class meets the Fine Arts requirement. No prerequisite is required.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES  

Physically injured students must be able to participate in at least 1/2 of daily classes to receive credit for nine weeks.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 1   #15114    .5 Credit
This is a freshmen course with an emphasis on an introduction into physical education.  Students will be involved in a variety of team and individual activities that stress teamwork, sportsmanship, a basic knowledge of the rules, and getting to know their new classmates.  Fundamental instruction will be given in softball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, archery, and juggling.

KEYBOARDING AND INFORMATION PROCESSING   #16114    .5 Credit
(Required for graduation)
Information Processing is a one semester course designed for the college-bound student, which reflects current business practices.  The first quarter will be spent on keyboarding and the introduction to Microsoft Word.  The keyboarding goals are for the student to be able to touch-type the alphabetic keys (35 words per minute for three minutes with no more than five errors) and numeric keypad.  Students will also have a clear understanding of symbols on the keyboard, their uses, and the proper spacing around them.  The second quarter will be a continuation of MS Word emphasizing report/outline/personal use applications, language arts skills, and critical thinking.  Excel and PowerPoint will also be introduced.  This course may be waived with proficiency testing to allow for course #15347.

COMPUTER CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS  #16224    .5 Credit
In this course students develop an understanding of the concepts and applications of the personal computer.  Students are involved in hands-on activities and practical applications of word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentations, and Internet use.  Prerequisite:  Keyboarding and Information Processing.

As Jesus walked with his disciples and guided them even after his death, so too, will Marian faculty and staff guide each and every student during their education at Marian.  Emmaus will be small groups of approximately 20 students which will meet every day for twenty minutes.  Students and guides will engage in discussions involving goal setting, academic success, stress management, relationships and choices, Christian responsibility, leadership, cultural diversity and non-violent solutions to problems.  The calendar drive, student council activities and elections, Christmas Food Drive, and daily announcements will be part of the Emmaus program also.

Froshmen also participate in the Freshman Year of Studies which is a part of a sequential leadership program currently being developed at Marian Catholic.