Local private schools offer unique and interesting programs
Northern Kentucky is home to many great private schools that are each in excellent in their own unique ways. We spoke with two schools to see what makes them great for families who choose to look at private instead of public education.
Holy Cross High School
Holy Cross High School in Covington opened its doors in 1919 offering a two-year trade program. By 1924, more than 80 boys and girls attended the high school. Today, roughly 340 students attend HCHS, taking advantage of unique educational opportunities like the Academic Enhancement Program for students with special needs/requirements.
“Our program is the only one like it in the Diocese of Covington,” says Michael Holtz, Holy Cross principal. “We also teach students real-life skills, like personal finance.”
“Our mission and philosophy is that all students, despite varying ability, are capable of meeting high academic expectations if given a personalized education, small class sizes and a wide-ranging curriculum that meets needs at all academic levels,” adds Jamie Lameier, Holy Cross development director. “For this reason, we have adopted the motto, ‘A Size For All.’ That means a tiered curriculum, with five course levels, allowing students the opportunity to build customized educational programs.”
Students can engage with character-building extracurricular activities, such as Y-Club, in which members participate in the Kentucky Youth Assembly and perform mock state-level government. The Kentucky United Nations Assembly is another program featuring a three-day experiential-learning conference in which students participate directly in international government.
A fairly new program is Magnified Giving. Students select nonprofits in the area and vote on which organizations they see as most deserving. Students then practice philanthropy by holding fundraisers to support those nonprofits throughout the school year.
Villa Madonna Academy
Villa Madonna Academy is a K-12, co-ed, Catholic private school. Founded in 1904 by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery, the school currently serves 486 students.
“Opportunities abound at Villa Madonna Academy,” says Director of Admissions Janet Baugh. “The school is proud to have an inclusive policy that allows every student to participate in athletics, theater productions and clubs.”
Villa Madonna is the only private high school in Northern Kentucky to offer the AP Capstone Diploma Program. High school and junior high students are paired with a teacher who will serve as their mentor throughout their high school years. Language study starts in elementary school with students choosing French or Spanish and continues through high school where students have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Bi-Literacy.
Annual traditions at Villa include an annual STEM-challenge Cardboard Boat Regatta that allows students in grades 7-12 to race boats built of cardboard and duct tape around one of Villa’s lakes; lunch-of-the-month featuring meals brought in from restaurants and caterers; and the Senior Picnic, where students face off during an afternoon of fun and games.
“STEM programs at Villa include weekly Fab Lab classes for elementary students that complement the existing language arts, social studies and STEM classes,” Baugh says. “There is also a Maker’s Club and a makerspace.”
High school students may take Advanced Placement math, science and technology classes as well as dual-credit classes offered online through Northern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University and Thomas More University.
Crescent Ridge Academy
2625 Anderson Road, Crescent Springs, KY 41017|
859-331-3725
crescentridgeacademy.org
GRADES: PK-6
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Nonsectarian
Crescent Ridge Academy (CRA) is a premier Montessori school focused on the holistic development of its students—educating the whole child, providing an academic, social and emotional foundation for lifelong impact. CRA celebrates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of each student and has an unwavering commitment to social justice. CRA provides students guidance for becoming independent, compassionate members of the community. CRA is the only AMS accredited school in Northern Kentucky.
Notre Dame Academy
1699 Hilton Drive, Park Hills, KY 41011
859-292-1829
ndapandas.org
GRADES: 9-12
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic
Notre Dame Academy is Northern Kentucky’s only Catholic college-preparatory high school exclusively for young women. Sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame, NDA provides a premier education empowering young women to become intelligent and compassionate leaders who strive to make a difference in the world. NDA graduates are poised, confident, loving and intellectually competent young women prepared for a life of service to others centered in the Catholic faith.
