Academic Enrichment
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Catholic Academic Enrichment
Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools emphasizes academic excellence by offering advanced programs and courses for our students to excel in and outside of the classroom. Our Catholic academic program has a dynamic curriculum, dedicated faculty, and a supportive learning environment. We foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
Students of Academic Rigor (SOAR) Program
We created the Students of Academic Rigor (SOAR) program to support our identified gifted, academically advanced, or talented students. This program is unique within the Diocese of Erie and includes small group and independent learning experiences once per week during the school year to enhance proficiency and competency in multiple areas.
SOAR Program Features
Academic Enrichment
Small group and independent learning experiences once per week during the school year.
Activities
- Academic Games and Competitions
- Career Exploration and Job Shadowing
- Field Trips
- Community Service Projects
- Inter-District Workshops with Gifted Students from Public Schools
Academic Excellence
Enhances students’ competency and proficiency in:
- Investigation and Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Creativity
- Interest Exploration and Self-Awareness
- Research
- Independent and Small-Group Studies
Criteria for Participation
Students exhibiting most or all of the following attributes are candidates for SOAR:
- High-level Thinking Ability
- Academic Creativity
- Leadership Skills
- Intense Interest in Specific Subjects
- Communication Skills
- Technological Expertise
- Problem-Solving Capability
- Creativity and Originality
SOAR Admissions Process
1. Identification of Potential SOAR Candidates
Potential candidates for the SOAR program at Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools can be identified through three methods:
- Parental Request – Parents who believe their child is gifted or highly talented can request a multi-disciplinary evaluation from KCFS to determine eligibility for the SOAR program.
- Teacher Referral – Teachers may refer students whose classroom performance suggests they may be gifted or highly talented, notifying both administrators and parents.
- Test Score Review – SJPII administrators and staff annually review the Stanford Achievement Test scores for students in grades two through five to identify those who may be gifted or highly talented. Parents will be notified if their child qualifies.
2. Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation
Once a potential candidate for SOAR has been identified, parents will be asked to complete a “Permission to Evaluate” form. This form authorizes KCFS to conduct a multi-disciplinary evaluation of their child. The evaluation, following Pennsylvania state guidelines, will include an assessment by a KCFS-certified school psychologist.
3. Final Evaluation
Admission to the SOAR program is based on multiple factors, including the results of the multi-disciplinary evaluation:
Gifted – IQ scores of 130 and above
Enrichment or Highly Talented – IQ scores of 120-129
IQ scores are not the sole factor for admission. Students scoring slightly below or above these benchmarks may be admitted if they exhibit advanced creativity, exceptional performance in specific subjects (e.g., Math), or other recognized attributes of gifted students. The principal, in consultation with the Gifted Program teacher, will make the final admission decision.
Enroll Today
At Kennedy Catholic Family Schools, we are committed to providing an exceptional education that shapes students into well-rounded individuals ready to excel in life. Choose Kennedy Catholic and Enroll Today!
