Salpointe Catholic High School

Introduction

Since opening its doors in 1950, Salpointe Catholic has enjoyed a distinguished reputation for its strong curriculum, competitive athletics, highly-acclaimed fine arts, faith-strengthening religious program and spirited co-curricular activities. Salpointe is a private, Catholic college-preparatory high school enrolling approximately 1200 students. The school is certified by the Western Catholic Educational Association and accredited as a college-preparatory school by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Academic Departments

Modern Languages

The Salpointe Catholic High School Foreign Language Department offers the study of three languages: four levels of French, three levels of Latin (four as of 2010-2011) and five levels of Spanish. The department also offers honors levels in all three languages, Advanced Placement (AP) courses in French and Spanish as well as a program for native Spanish speakers.

Requirements

At least two years of the same foreign language are recommended for college. Arizona universities require two years of study in the same foreign language. It is recommended that students choose a language and stick with that language for at least two years before taking another one. The Salpointe Foreign Language Department highly recommends four years of high school language study for any student who would like to receive college credit. The Arizona universities require fourth semester college level language proficiency for the majority of their degree programs. After four years of Salpointe foreign language study, many students are able to test out of some college classes and receive higher placement as well as credits toward the college level proficiency requirement for college graduation. Students may not take French I, Spanish I or Latin I at the same time as English Skill Building. Placement in a language class is always at the discretion of the department. Students who have some experience with the language they wish to take must take the Language Placement Test.

Campus Ministry

Under the guidance of the Carmelites, Salpointe has developed an active campus ministry. Students are encouraged to attend a number of retreats throughout their time at Salpointe, culminating in the Kairos experience during their junior or senior year. Salpointe's four-year retreat program is directed by the Campus Ministry Department and is led by well-prepared students and adult teams. All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are expected to take part in their retreat day. Each retreat is part of a four-part program. Part I, for freshmen, has its focus on the celebration of our diversity and the dignity of all people. Part II, the sophomore retreat, focuses on the value of respect of one's self and in our relationships. Part III for juniors, is centered on servant leadership. Part IV is the Kairos retreat.

Days of Recollection

The Days of Recollection are a time for students to reevaluate themselves, their peers, and their faith. During this day, the students will participate in exercises involving self evaluation, reflection, and learning from the experiences of their peer leaders. The Freshman and Sophomore classes participate in these days, each focusing on a specific theme. The Freshman focus on the celebration of dignity and diversity and recognizing these aspects of their school and social lives. The Sophomore’s focus is on respecting the relationships in their lives, with others as well as themselves.

Junior Day of Servant Leadership

The Junior class participates in a Junior Day of Servant Leadership. In compliance with the mandatory Social Justice class that Juniors must take, the Juniors get a chance to put what they learned into action. With projects like The Community Food Bank, Bens Bells, Democratic and Republican Headquarters, and Bufflegrass removal, these students work on improving the community that they have found faults in.

Kairos Retreat

The Kairos retreat for juniors and seniors is a four-day experience in which the students have the opportunity to reflect upon their experience of God, family, and friends throughout their high school years, and to look ahead to what the future holds and how God is present in both. These retreats are held during school days. The retreat is not mandatory, but most students participate by the end of their senior year. Seven retreats are offered per class, with two opportunities to attend at the end of junior year or five opportunities to go during senior.