Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart

The foundation of the Princeton Academy language arts curriculum is the belief that language arts are integral to the learning process of any subject at any level. Boys at Princeton Academy have ample opportunity and time to read and write independently, as well as to experience excellent modeling of reading and writing. The Junior Great Books program assists in reinforcing high-level comprehension skills. The Lower School also employs Word Journeys and Words Their Way, developmental spelling and phonics programs based on the philosophy that understanding of the printed word occurs in clear stages. Instruction is designed to meet the specific needs of each boy. Handwriting Without Tears meets the fine motor needs of boys through its clear, simple letter formation and interactive learning style.

Everyday Math emphasizes a balance between learning concepts, skills, and problem solving. In each grade level, content is divided into six strands: number and numeration, operations and computation, data and chance, measurement, geometry and patterns, functions, and algebra.

Through FOSS inquiry-based science, the boys develop skills of observation, documentation, data collection, and data analysis. Curriculum connections to science and social studies units that are studied in the regular classroom assist in developing content knowledge through varied means.

Students are introduced to Spanish beginning in Kindergarten, and by third grade are attending classes four days a week for 30 minutes. Instruction occurs through games, songs, and literature, with a focus on conversational skills. Students are gradually introduced to the printed word and in third grade begin to read and write in Spanish.

All Princeton Academy students attend religion, music, art, and physical education for two periods a week.

The Middle School program consists of five core academic subjects: English, mathematics, science, social studies, and Spanish. There are four special subjects: religion, music, art, and physical education.

The English program promotes an understanding and appreciation of literature and strengthens basic writing skills. Students read and study fiction of various genres, non-fiction, short stories from the Junior Great Books program, plays, poetry, and films. In response to literature, students acquire thinking, planning, drafting, and editing skills through expository, narrative, and creative writing. Students also continue to study English grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

The Middle School mathematics program uses the University of Chicago Mathematics Project. This program uses a multi-dimensional approach emphasizing skills, properties, uses, and representations. The program stresses problem solving and the use of real-life applications.

The science program promotes an active learning process where students build a strong knowledge of scientific processes, principles, and ideas, as well as develop inquiry skills for problem solving in both an analytical and creative manner. A highlight of the Princeton Academy science program is the Independent Science Project (ISP).

The social studies program aims to develop and strengthen students’ skills in reading and research, observation and listening, recording and organization, interpretation and analysis, and clarity in written work. Students are encouraged to think critically, formulate their own opinions about the past, and apply what they have learned to the present day.

The Middle School Spanish program presents an integrated skills approach to Spanish. Both receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) proficiencies are developed. Students in Princeton Academy’s 8th grade participate in the International Sacred Heart Exchange Program with a Sacred Heart school in Barcelona, the Colegio Sagrado Corazon de Sarria.

Princeton Academy offers competitive sports teams for students in the Middle School (grades 5-8). The mission of the athletic program is to provide opportunities in which students can acquire skills, experience leadership, and grow personally. All students are encouraged to participate and to learn to balance academics, athletics, and the arts. The goal of the Athletic Department is to provide a positive experience for the boys on the field of competition. Every boy, from the novice to the advanced player, has the opportunity to participate in the program.

Princeton Academy offers the following sports:

• Fall
  • Golf
  • Cross Country
  • Soccer
• Winter
  • Basketball
  • Squash
  • Wrestling
• Spring
  • Baseball
  • Lacrosse
  • Tennis

Princeton Academy embraces the approach of Service Learning. This is a “teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities”.[4] From JK – grade 8, students are involved in community service both for the school community and the community at large, with many of the activities created, designed, and implemented by the boys themselves under faculty guidance.

Princeton Academy was incorporated in October 1998 and opened its doors in September 1999 with 34 students in grades K- 3.

Starting June 2012, the campus became a construction site as the school's so-called Master Plan was carried out. Years of needs assessments, feasibility studies, and financial estimates have translated into a two-phase renovation project that positioned the school for future growth and employed smart energy alternatives to conserve resources. The 2012-13 school year for students started amidst of construction vehicles, high-tech machinery, underground conduits, and demolition crews. Far from being a distraction, the activity has actually benefitted the boys academically. Thanks to architects and educators who recognized a unique "teachable moment," students learned first-hand about building, geophysics, and environmental stewardship.

Phase One of the Master Plan called for a complete renovation of one wing of the school and the creation of new lower and middle school classrooms, two science labs, and common spaces. In addition, a geothermal field is being installed to provide for the school's future cooling and heating needs. In Phase Two, work was done to move to the school's central wing where new art and music rooms and administrative offices were created.

Green and sustainable features of the project included a geothermal field to more efficiently heat and cool the school, a layer of closed cell spray insulation in exterior walls, insulated glass units in the windows, an updated roof design to allow more natural light and provide space for photovoltaic panels to be placed in the future, and compact fluorescent and LED light fixtures with occupancy sensors in each room.

During construction, classes and administrative offices had been moved around and some had overflowed into the Manor House, but with completion in the Fall of 2013, students, faculty, and staff moved back into the renovated space.