Our Model

The SHNS model consists of eight integral components:

  1. Extended School Day
  2. College Prep Curriculum
  3. Admissions & Financial Accessibility
  4. Faith-based
  5. Parental/Caregiver Involvement
  6. Saturday School Twice Monthly
  7. Summer Camp and Summer School
  8. Graduate Assistance Program

     

Extended School Day
Each school day begins with breakfast from 7:30 to 8:00 AM.

Assembly and prayer follow until 8:30 AM.

There are seven class periods, each 45 minutes in length, with morning and afternoon recesses and a lunch period.

The School day ends at 3 PM.

SHNS students have the opportunity for teacher-supervised study halls four days each week, and are strongly encouraged to participate in seasonal team sports (cross-country, soccer, basketball, and track) and fine arts (music, drama, etc.).

College Prep Curriculum
At SHNS, one of our major objectives is to provide an academically challenging and highly structured environment. A goal for the students is that they become:

  • Bilingual,
  • Bi-literate, and
  • Computer literate

Students pursue a college preparatory academic program with the anticipation that most will be accepted into private or public college-prep high schools. Subjects include:

  • Math
  • Science
  • Art
  • English/Language Arts
  • Spanish
  • Social Studies
  • Religion
  • Reading
  • Computer & Technology

Admissions and Financial Accessibility
Students from a range of academic ability levels are admitted; however, the school is not equipped to educate students with major learning and/or behavioral disabilities. Priority is given to students whose families participate in the Sacred Heart Church Community. This represents a significant percentage of the Washington /Gardener District of San José. Each student’s family is expected to make some financial payment, but the level of financial assistance is such that no student will be denied admission because of inability to pay.

Faith-based
SHNS is a Catholic school, and religious instruction—as outlined by the Diocese of San José Department of Education—is offered. The school day begins and ends with prayer, and we provide regularly scheduled Masses and worship services. We respect the beliefs of all students, regardless of religion, race, or nationality.

Parental/Caregiver Involvement
At SHNS we believe that parental/caregiver involvement is vital to the well being and self-esteem of its students. Therefore, the school requires parents and caregivers to participate in such events as parent- teacher meetings. Parents are asked to help with some meal preparations and transportation. Parent education classes are also offered.

Saturday School Twice Monthly
All students participate in Saturday tutoring and field trips to add a cultural and service element to SHNS. Trips expose students to the richness of the metropolitan Bay Area and give them the opportunity to perform community service, a hallmark of Jesuit education.

Summer Camp and Summer School
SHNS provides an extended academic year. Boys enroll at Bellarmine College Preparatory's summer session—and girls enroll at Notre Dame and Presentation High Schools—and take reading and math classes. The students also attend summer camp, sponsored by SHNS, and participate in a Leadership Training Program. This camp experience is a structured time for the students, combining academics, outdoor activities, social skills, and teamwork.

Graduate Assistance Program
SHNS's relationship with our students does not end when they receive their 8th grade diplomas. All students will know from the time they are accepted that SHNS has made a 7-year commitment to support them. The commitment runs all the way through the college application process.

Upon reaching 8th grade, the students work with the Director of High School Admissions to determine the best match for their future education. That is, the student will be assisted in determining which school will provide him or her with the most supportive and educationally stimulating environment.

Once our students are admitted to high school, SHNS remains available to assist the students financially with tuition money, and educationally with tutoring, peer support and academic guidance.

The Graduate Support Program is crucial in the early identification and resolution of problems that could otherwise cause a student to drop out of secondary school. SHNS will continue to advocate for our graduates when they are in college.