Sacred Heart Schools Viewbook (2020-21) | Page 7

THE SACRED HEART DIFFERENCE Curious, motivated, creative, intelligent, problem solvers. These words often come to mind when describing Sacred Heart students. Our low student-teacher ratio (9:1), one of the best among Chicago’s independent schools, enables faculty to genuinely know their students and provide the personalized attention that helps them to excel. Love and respect for each child are foundational to the teaching at Sacred Heart, fostering growth into new self-awareness and confidence. SINGLE-GENDER CLASSROOMS ON A COED CAMPUS After senior kindergarten, students move into single-gender classrooms within the Academy and Hardey Prep. This model of education encourages increased focus on studies and intellectual risk-taking across the genders. Because our campus is coed, the Academy girls and Hardey boys enjoy many opportunities to socialize, make friends, attend field trips, participate in athletics and collaborate on arts and service projects. LEARNING AT EVERY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT Sacred Heart is organized into three divisions—Primary School (pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade), Lower School (3rd through 5th grade) and Middle School (6th through 8th grade). This structure helps teachers focus more broadly on what students need at each grade level while giving attention to individual challenges and strengths. Cultivating a genuine love of learning is an educational goal for us. That’s why our curriculum is rigorous, expansive and designed to inspire. Critical thinking is promoted in all academic disciplines, as well as the development of excellent communication skills. Differentiated instruction allows us to celebrate a diversity of learning styles through whole-class, small-group and one-on-one teaching. The faculty models excellence and lifelong learning—70 percent have advanced degrees and all hone their skills through ongoing instructional coaching. Intellect7