Our Model

1. Extended School Day: The schedule for the school is as follows: each 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 forty-five minutes long with morning and afternoon recesses and a lunch period. The School day ends at 3 PM. SHNS students are provided with the opportunity for teacher supervised study halls four days a week and are strongly encouraged to participate in seasonal team sports (cross country, soccer, basketball, and track) and fine arts (music, drama etc.)

2. College Prep Curriculum: A major objective of the school is to provide an academically challenging and highly structured environment for boys. A goal for the students is that they be 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. The subjects taught are: Math, Science, Art, English/Language Arts, Spanish, Social Studies, Religion, Reading, and Computer & Technology.

3. Admissions and Financial Accessibility: Students from a range of academic ability levels are admitted; however, the school is not equipped to educate boys with major learning and/or behavior disabilities. Priority is given to boys whose families participate in the Sacred Heart Church Community. This represents a significant percentage of the Washington /Gardener District of San Jose. Each student 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.

4. Religious Dimension: SHNS is a Catholic school and religious instruction, as outlined by the Diocese of San JosČ Department of Education, is offered. The school day begins and ends with prayer and regularly scheduled Masses and worship services are held. The beliefs of all students are respected regardless of religion, race or nationality.

5. Parental/Caregiver Involvement: SHNS believes 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.

6. Weekend activities: 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.

7. Summer Activities: An extended academic year has been established for the school. Students enroll at Bellarmine College Preparatory's summer session to take reading and math classes. They also go to summer camp sponsored by SHNS for a Leadership Training Program. This camp experience is a structured time for the boys combining academics, outdoor activities, social skills, and teamwork.

8. Graduate Assistance Program: SHNS's relationship with its students does not end when they receive their 8th grade diplomas. All students will know from the time they are accepted that SHNS has a made a seven 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 with the most supportive and educationally stimulating environment. Once admitted to high school SHNS will be available to assist the student 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 still advocate for its graduates when they are in college.