Standards and Benchmarks

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Standard 1 - An excellent Catholic school is guided and driven by a clearly communicated mission that embraces a Catholic Identity rooted in Gospel values, centered on the Eucharist, and committed to faith formation, academic excellence, and service.  

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Domain 1 - Standard 1

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Summary:

 

Our school has engaged in a comprehensive analysis of its performance, aligning with the benchmarks and employing the guidelines outlined in the appendix.

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Standard 1 indicates a solid foundation in communicating our mission, which embraces a Catholic Identity rooted in Gospel values, centered on the Eucharist, and committed to faith formation, academic excellence, and service, creating a nurturing and productive learning environment.  While we excel in communicating our mission, we recognize that we need to determine ways to review and enhance the understanding of our mission within the school community. 

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Key Strengths for Standard 1  (1-2 in bulleted list)

• The School Mission Statement is posted throughout the school, in all classrooms and most offices.

• The leadership team references/is guided by the mission statement as they plan activities and programs for the school year.

 

Key Growth Areas for Standard 1 (1-2 in bulleted list)

• Find ways to review and enhance the understanding of the mission statement for all constituents.

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Rationale:

1.1  Rationale for rating is found in the Leadership Retreat Minutes found in the Data Library.

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1.2  Rationale for rating is found in the Leadership Team Meeting minutes.  We gave a 3 because of the word “all” planning.

 

1.3  Rationale for rating, the use of the word “regularly”, why would you regularly review and renew the Mission Statement?  The Leadership goes over the Mission Statement at the beginning of each year and at times during a faculty/staff retreat.  More rational would be found in the Data Library in the Catholic Identity section.

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1.4  Rationale for this rating is found in the Data Library under Catholic Identity – pictures of the Mission statement hung in classrooms and office.  All print commuications include the Mission statement.

 

1.5  Rationale for this rating, is found in the survey responses, parent, student, and faculty/staff.  We also struggle with the use of the word “all” know and understand the Mission.  Our community knows the Mission of the school, however, we aspire to a deeper understanding of the Mission of Rosary Academy. 

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Evidence (Links)

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• 1.1 Leadership retreat minutes

• 1.2 Leadership team minutes (retreat)

• 1.3 Leadership team meeting minutes

• 1.4 Catholic identity picture

• 1.5 Survey Q4 where agree or strongly agree all constituents understand our mission: 

Faculty Staff Q4(80.31%), Parent and Community Q4 (90%), Student Q4 (76.61%)

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Standard 2 - An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides a rigorous academic program for religious studies and catechesis in the Catholic faith, set within a total academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture, and life.  ​

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Domain 1 - Standard 2

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Summary:

 

In evaluating Standard 2, which centers on providing a rigorous academic program for religious studies and catechesis within a holistic curriculum integrating faith, culture, and life, our school has undertaken a comprehensive analysis. By following the guidelines outlined in the appendix, we have assessed our performance in alignment with the benchmarks and identified areas of strength and potential growth.

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Benchmark 2.1 highlights the importance of a challenging religious studies curriculum. Our school recognizes the value of providing a comprehensive and engaging program that equips students with a solid understanding of Catholic teachings. We follow the bishops’ curriculum and offer courses that delve into theology, morality, and social justice, thus cultivating a well-rounded faith-based education. 

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Benchmark 2.5 focuses on the use of the lenses of scripture and the Catholic intellectual tradition in all subjects to help students think critically and ethically about the world around them.  Although we excel at accomplishing this goal in many classes, the domain committee felt that this was not the case for “all” classes, thus this category is an area for growth. 

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Our school's evaluation of Standard 2 demonstrates a steadfast commitment to providing a rigorous academic program rooted in the Catholic faith. Our integration of faith across the curriculum, challenging religious studies courses, alignment with church teachings and the bishops’ curriculum, and educator professional development collectively contribute to a strong faith-centered educational environment. While we excel in these areas, we acknowledge the need for continuous assessment to ensure our curriculum remains relevant and our educators are well-prepared to guide students on their faith journeys. As we reviewed the ratings we focused on what would be necessary to move from one rating to another.  If we already accomplished the necessary items to move from one rating to another we increased our rating to the next level. Through our ongoing dedication to growth and improvement, we aim to foster a learning environment where faith, culture, and life seamlessly intertwine.

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Key Strengths for Standard 2  (1-2 in bulleted list)

• Catholic symbols and liturgical environment are placed throughout the school, in classrooms, offices, inside and outside the chapel, in the rose garden, and in the back garden.

• Our religion curriculum is aligned with the bishops’ framework and meets all diocesan framework.

 

Key Growth Areas for Standard 2 (1-2 in bulleted list)​

• Incorporate the use of scripture, Christian ethics, and morals (cross-curricular) in lessons whenever possible to encourage and empower our students to discover and live out their faith in all aspects of life.

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Rationale:

2.1  Rationale for rating is found in the Data Library under the Catholic Identity section (Religion Department Curriculum link).  Rosary Academy is in full compliance with the USCCB Framework for Religious Studies.

 

2.2  Rationale for rating is found in the Data Library under the Catholic Identity section in the Surveys (students, parents, faculty/staff, Textbooks for Religion department, Master Schedule, Bell Schedule).  Our Religious Studies classes receive equal time with all other academic classes offered at Rosary Academy.

 

2.3  Rationale for rating is found in the Data Library under the Catholic Identity section (spreadsheet of current Religion Teachers – link).  The Diocese of Orange has given permission to our Head of School to allow 3 of our current Religion Teachers who do not hold a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies to teach in the Religion Department based on BA in subject area as well as participation in Emmaus Program. 

 

2.4  Rationale for rating is found in the Data Library under the Catholic Identity section (Religion Dept. syllabi link as well as in the stakeholder surveys of students, parents, and faculty/staff).

 

2.5  Rationale for rating is found in the Data Library under the Catholic Identity section through the stakeholder surveys of students, parents, and faculty staff.  We hope to enhance our faith formation program for all teachers to enable them to infuse the Catholic faith into all subject areas that are taught on the Rosary Academy campus.

 

2.6  Rationale for rating found in the Data Library in the Catholic Identity section (pictures, statues, Stations of the Cross, Advent environment, and Lenten environment).

 

2.7  Rationale for this rating is found in the Data Library in the Catholic Identity section (Service Requirement document) and on the school website.

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Evidence (Links)

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2.1  Religion Department Curriculum

2.2 Religion Department Textbooks

2.3 and 2.4 Surveys Q7 where Agree or Strongly agree:

        Student Q7 (78.74%), Faculty and Staff Q7 (80.3%), Parent Q7 (91.45%)

2.5 Surveys Q8 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q8 (60.89%), Faculty and Staff Q8 (66.67%), Parent Q8 (82.59%)

2.6 Prayer Shelves in every room, Statues, Stations of the Cross, Advent Wreath, 

        Lenten and Easter displays

2.7 Service Requirement by grade level

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Standard 3 - An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides opportunities outside the classroom for student faith formation, participation in liturgical and communal prayer, and action in service of social justice.  

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Domain 1 - Standard 3

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Summary:

 

Standard 3 underscores the provision of opportunities beyond the classroom for student faith formation, engagement in communal prayer, and active involvement in social justice initiatives, aligning with our school's mission. Our comprehensive analysis, guided by the benchmarks and the guidelines in the appendix, reveals a robust commitment to fostering holistic student development in these areas.

 

Benchmark 3.4 centers on every student's experience as a role model of faith and service for social justice among administrators, faculty, and staff. Although we feel our administrators, faculty, and staff do an exceptional job of modeling faith and social justice, we realize that "every" student may not share in this experience within our community. Our school places a strong emphasis on instilling a commitment to social responsibility. Through service projects, community outreach, and advocacy efforts, students actively address societal challenges while embodying the Catholic principles of compassion and justice. 

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Our school's evaluation of Standard 3 demonstrates a holistic approach to student faith formation, communal prayer, and social justice engagement. Our commitment to providing diverse opportunities for spiritual growth, facilitating meaningful prayer experiences, and instilling a sense of responsibility for social well-being is evident. While excelling in these aspects, we acknowledge the importance of continuous evaluation and innovation to ensure our programs remain relevant and impactful. We recognize that we must enculturate a deeper understanding of Catholic social teaching with students, faculty, and staff. That being the case, by maintaining our dedication to these core principles, we aspire to guide students in becoming empathetic, active, and spiritually grounded contributors to their communities and society.

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Key Strengths for Standard 3  (1-2 in bulleted list)

• Students, faculty, and staff are given opportunities for prayer, worship, sacraments, and service on a regular basis.

 

Key Growth Areas for Standard 3 (1-2 in bulleted list)

• Ongoing improvement and fine-tuning of the service outreach program at Rosary Academy.

• Enculturate a deeper understanding of Catholic social teaching with students, faculty, and staff.

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Rationale:

3.1  Rational for this rating can be found in the responses to question 9 on the parents, students, and faculty/staff surveys. Evidence can also be found on our Master Calendar which can be found on Rosary’s website as well as the Data Library

 

3.2  Rational for this rating can be found in response to question 9 of all surveys, the retreat link in the Catholic Identity section in the Data Library, our school’s website, and the Royal Review communication.

 

3.3  Rational for this rating comes from the survey responses to question 10, as well as the “Service Requirements by Grade level” document linked in the Catholic Identity section in the Data Library. 

 

3.4  Rational for this rating comes from the stakeholder survey responses to question 11 found in the Data Library.

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Evidence (Links)

3.1  Surveys Q9 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q9 (90.05%), Faculty and Staff Q9 (98.49%), Parent Q9 (95.91%)

3.2 Surveys Q9 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q9 (90.05%), Faculty and Staff Q9 (98.49%), Parent Q9 (95.91%)

3.3 Surveys Q10 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q10(82.42%), Faculty and Staff Q10 (93.94%), Parent Q10 (89.63%)

3.4 Surveys Q11 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q11 (61.42%), Faculty and Staff Q11 (78.47%), Parent Q11 ( 88.89%)

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Standard 4 - An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides opportunities for adult faith formation and action in service of social justice.  

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Domain 1 - Standard 4

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Summary:

 

In reviewing Standard 4, we engaged in a comprehensive analysis of our performance, aligning with the benchmarks and employing the guidelines outlined in the appendix. The rating for benchmark 4.1 was found in the faculty/staff survey responses, questions 12 – 19.  The rating for benchmark 4.2 was supported through our Theology on Tap, I Thirst Series, and Women’s Retreats.  Benchmarks 4.3 and 4.4 were supported with additional survey data responses via parent surveys and stakeholder surveys.  Benchmark 4.5 stressed “every”; thus, the rating was lower for this particular benchmark.  In conclusion, our assessment indicates that Rosary meets the benchmarks in providing meaningful opportunities for adult faith formation and active engagement in services of social justice in alignment with our overarching mission.

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Key Strengths for Standard 4  (1-2 in bulleted list)

• We offer a Lenten parent series.

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Key Growth Areas for Standard 4 (1-2 in bulleted list)

•  Work on enhancing the dissemination of information about faith across the campus community, including starting class with prayer.

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Rationale:

4.1  Rationale for rating found in faculty/staff survey responses, question 12 – 19, found in the Data Library.

 

4.2  Rationale for rating found in Data Library under parent survey responses, question 13, and under the Catholic Identity section – Theology on Tap/I Thirst Series, and Women’s Retreats.

 

4.3  Rationale for rating found in parent survey, question 13, found in Data Library (I Thirst, Women’s Retreats).

 

4.4  Rationale for rating is found in the stakeholder surveys, question 15, found in the Data Library.

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4.5  Rationale for rating is found in the stakeholder surveys, question 16, found in the Data Library.

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Evidence (Links)

4.1  Surveys Q12 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q12 (62.46%), Faculty and Staff Q12 (83.33%), Parent Q12 (66.91%)

4.2 Surveys Q13 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q13 (63.87%), Faculty and Staff Q13 (80.31%), Parent Q13 (84.44%)

4.3 Surveys Q13 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Parent Q13 (84.44%)

4.4 Surveys Q15 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q15 (57.48%), Faculty and Staff Q15 (78.79%), Parent Q15 (77.78%)

4.5 Surveys Q16 where Agree and Strongly agree:

        Student Q16 (77.21%), Faculty and Staff Q16 (86.36%), Parent Q16 (88.89%)

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Summary of Domain 1 

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Communication and understanding of our mission statement, core values, and charism are vital to who we are at Rosary Academy. We expect that all students, faculty, and staff can articulate the values that help to form a Rosary graduate. Our Catholic values are the instruments we use to form our young women as strong leaders who will lead us into the future. Two of our primary core values focus on faith and service; we live those two values through our service outreach and retreat programs.

 

Rosary Academy has worked hard during the past three years to develop, evaluate, enhance, and sustain a strong service outreach program for our student body. We have solidified our requirements for service on each grade level.  100% of our student body participates in service outreach from an approved list of agencies. Service outreach is part of our graduation requirements for all students. The requirements are given to each student and listed in the student/parent handbook.  We will continue to work to educate our students, faculty, staff, and families about Catholic social teaching. Our charism of “reaching out to the dear neighbor without distinction” will continue to guide and inspire our service outreach projects. We are called through Baptism to reach out to the dear neighbor in need serving as the hands and feet of Christ. Development of class-level retreats is ongoing. We strive to offer vibrant, strong formational experiences to enable our students to encounter God. Class-level retreats are a graduation requirement found in the student/parent handbook.

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