Curricular Philosophy
At Sion, our belief in the transformative power of learning is rooted in the unique charism of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion.
In 1843, the sisters established schools open to all levels of society and all religions. At the time, this openness was unprecedented for Catholic education and transformed the way students learned about their place in history and the world. Curriculum and instruction at Notre Dame de Sion High School are designed to support learning that transforms the hearts and minds of our students. In order to meet this goal, as well as the needs of all our learners, Sion teachers are encouraged to employ several different methods of instruction with a focus on inquiry-based learning in an environment where the student-teacher relationship is a unique pedagogical space, a space where the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and perspectives enliven both individuals and build understanding.
Methods of Instruction
Strong student-teacher relationships that foster belonging are at the heart of our students’ academic experience. High quality teachers employ innovative and diverse methods of instruction with a focus on:
- Design thinking
- Interdisciplinary learning
- Experiential education
- Community partnerships
- Global connections
- Inquiry-based learning.
Sion’s well-rounded program of study includes advanced college course offerings and collaborative Signature Programs that go beyond the traditional college-preparatory curriculum.
Portrait of a Graduate
Sion graduates are well-rounded individuals, faith-filled global citizens, and servant leaders. The Sion faculty is committed to developing learning experiences that connect each individual to her unique purpose. Upon graduation, Sion students are:
- Confident Practitioners, Informed Critical Thinkers, and Growth Minded Learners who engage in deeper learning experiences that expand their knowledge, connect them with community organizations, and give them the opportunity to earn college credit and industry credentials.
- Empathetic Perspective Takers, Mindful Communicators, and Inclusive Community Builders who collaborate with partners to identify problems impacting the lives of people in a religiously and culturally diverse world.
- Humble Difference Makers, Solution Focused Creators, and Collaborative Team Players who utilize the design thinking process to create meaningful and lasting human-centered solutions in their local and global communities.
Graduation Requirements and Course Sequence
A total of twenty-six credits are required for graduation from Notre Dame de Sion High School. Specific credit totals are required in the following subject areas. The remaining credits are earned through electives that the student takes to suit her own particular interest. ALL STUDENTS must take a minimum of 6.0 credits per year. To be on schedule for graduation, students should average 6.5 credits per year. Our Academic Advisors work with each student individually to create the best academic path that optimizes the student’s overall success and growth.
| Subject | Number of Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4.0 Credits (Four Year Sequence) |
| Science | 3.0 Credits (Four Year Sequence) |
| Theology | 4.0 Credits (Four Year Sequence) |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 1.0 Credit (Four Year Sequence) |
| Social Studies | 3.5 Credits (Four Year Sequence) |
| Mathematics | 4.0 Credits (Four Year Sequence) |
| World Languages | 2.0 Credits (Four Year Sequence) |
| Physical Education | 1.0 Credit |
Course of Study
The charts below outline a typical course of study for each grade level.
9th Grade
| Credit | Course |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | English I |
| 1.0 | Algebra I or higher |
| 1.0 | World History I |
| 1.0 | French I, Spanish I, or higher |
| 1.0 | Biology I |
| 1.0 | Rooted in Sion & Christian Scriptures |
| 1.0 | Elective |
10th Grade
| Credit | Course |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | English II |
| 1.0 | Geometry or higher |
| 1.0 | World History II |
| 1.0 | French II, Spanish II, or higher |
| 1.0 | Bioscience C21/Environmental Science or Chemistry |
| 0.5 | Catholic Social Teaching |
| 0.5 – 1.5 | Electives |
11th Grade
| Credit | Course |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | English III |
| 1.0 | Algebra II or higher |
| 1.0 | Chemistry I or Physics H |
| 1.0 | US History |
| 0.5 | Hebrew Scriptures |
| 0.5 | Theology Elective |
| 1.0 – 2.0 | Other Electives |
12th Grade
| Credit | Course |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | English IV |
| 1.0 | Precalculus Algebra ACCP or higher (or as recommended) |
| 0.5 | Faith-Filled Life |
| 0.5 | Theology Elective |
| 0.5 | Senior Service Project |
| 3.0 – 4.0 | American Government (.5) and Other Electives |
Advanced Offerings (Honors, AP, and ACCP Courses)
Sion offers Honors classes, AP courses, and ACCP courses. AP courses give students the opportunity to earn college credit through College Board Advanced Placement exams. AP exams are standardized tests given across the nation each May. Based on test scores, many colleges and universities accept AP courses for credit or advanced placement. Our ACCP courses, in partnership with some of our local universities, allow students to co-enroll for college credit courses.
We are proud to offer the following courses for the upcoming academic school year:
- 12 ACCP Courses through Avila University, University of Missouri - Kansas City, and Rockhurst University
- 18 Honors Level Courses
- 14 Advanced placement courses
