The Summit at a Glance

Mission – To challenge every student, faculty and staff member: to share fully the gifts that have been given to them by God; to grow in grace and wisdom; to develop spiritually, academically, physically, socially, and artistically; and to become people of character who value and improve the world they inherit.

Educating Leaders of Character Program – The quality of a Summit education is measured not only on what one accomplishes but on the character of life to which one aspires. We believe it is important that a Summit graduate leaves this campus with an intrinsic set of values and knowledge that gives one an ethical framework for life. The formalized Education for Character Program follows a servant leadership model and focuses on formation of character at each stage of student development.

About the School – A private, independent, Catholic, coeducational, college-preparatory school, founded in 1890 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Campus: 24 acres in Hyde Park; 16 acre Athletic Complex off I-71.

Montessori Program – Only independent school in area offering full Montessori preschool experience

• Two-year old Toddler program
• Multi-age classes for children ages 3-6; Two certified teachers per classroom; All Head Teachers have Masters in Montessori Education; average Head Teacher experience – 19 years.
• Offerings: 3 day mornings (2 and 3 year olds only); 5 day half day – morning or afternoon; 5 day full day, 2 day mornings (2 year olds only).
• Curriculum: Math, language, science, geography, sensorial, practical life, and religion.
• Distinctive elements: Phonics instruction begins at age 3; foreign language begins at age 5;
• DeNealan handwriting; Orff music instruction; Starlab planetarium.
• State of the art facility built in 2004, wireless technology throughout, on site health clinic, gymnasium, library, rooftop playground and synthetic turf practice field.
• Almost all Montessori children are readers or emergent readers before entering 1st grade.

Lower – Grades 1-4

• Faculty/student ratio: 1:7; Average faculty experience: 18 years
• Language Arts: Three stage, literature-based program with focus on governing rules, phonics, vocabulary, dictionary skills, multiple meanings, drawing conclusions and inferences, grammar, comprehension, etc.
• Math: Ten Strategies for Problem Solving Program; Additional math enrichment specialist for extra focus
• Science: Two science labs, full time science specialist
• Arts: Art studio with kiln, music studio, access to school theater
• Religion, foreign language, keyboarding in computer lab, and physical education round out the curriculum.
• Responsive Classroom Program: Based on the principles of caring, respect and responsibility, the program seeks to develop social skills, including cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control

Middle – Grades 5-8

• Faculty trained and skilled in differentiated instruction
• Core curriculum: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Religion. Music, Art, and Computer Science also required. Public speaking in grades 7 & 8.
• Double bell language arts in 5th and 6th grade; accelerated math begins in 7th grade; all children complete Algebra II by end of 8th grade; Nationally recognized Latin program
• Masses with student participation 2 times/month; daily morning prayer; weekly character pledge

Upper – Grades 9-12

• 18-21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses; 87% of students take at least one AP course; 85% score 3,4,or 5. Additional honors courses available; collegiate schedule; accelerated curriculum; outstanding writing program
• Spanish, French, Latin and Chinese foreign languages offered.
• State of the art science labs and wireless technology throughout. Highly personalized college counseling.