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Find a signature program that's right for you
At John Carroll, we offer a variety of unique and exciting programs designed to enrich our students' educational experiences. From our STEAM Academy to our language immersion program, we strive to provide our students with opportunities to develop their skills and explore their interests. Our special programs are designed to challenge and inspire our students, preparing them for success both in and out of the classroom.
Our special programs are designed to challenge and inspire students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners. We invite you to explore our offerings and discover how our special programs can help you achieve your goals and reach new heights in your academic and personal development.
AP Capstone
John Carroll was approved to offer the AP Capstone Diploma starting in the Fall of 2018 — the first Catholic School in the state to earn this right from the College Board. The AP Capstone Diploma is a uniquely distinguished program that offers John Carroll students the opportunity to participate in one of the most rigorous academic endeavors available.
STEAM
The STEAM Academy at The John Carroll School provides opportunities for advanced students who have a strong interest and aptitude to explore different fields in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
College Preparatory Dance Program
The John Carroll School offers a four-year college preparatory dance program as part of the school curriculum, and is a superb conservatory-level training in an academic setting. Classes include Ballet, Modern and Contemporary Dance Technique, as well as studies in Dance Science, Dance History and Composition. Each class is graded and included in tuition for John Carroll students.
St. Joseph Program
The John Carroll School supports students with documented learning differences. In 2015, the St. Joseph Program was formalized to meet the growing needs of these students. We recognize that each student has a unique approach to learning fostered by individual learning styles and previous experiences, and that all students can succeed if provided with the appropriate support and necessary accommodations.
Fine Arts Diploma with Distinction
Seeking to inspire and recognize students who show an outstanding ability and interest in art, The John Carroll School has created the Fine Arts Diploma with Distinction. This diploma recognizes the accomplishments of students who make a commitment to pursuing the Fine Arts throughout their high school experience.
Diploma with Distinction in Science
Highly motivated science students are eligible to apply for the Diploma with Distinction in Science. Students should indicate their interest in working toward this special diploma by applying no later than mid-Junior year. Students who are considered to pursue the diploma will be monitored during their Senior year and must complete requirements as outlined in the Course Catalog. STEAM students are also eligible to earn this special diploma.
Honor Societies
The rigor of John Carroll’s college preparatory curriculum and maintaining a high GPA requires dedication, self-discipline and integrity. At John Carroll, students who excel academically are recognized with the opportunity to join various honor societies, make new friends and get involved. Membership empowers Patriots to develop skills and experience in leadership, character, community service, networking and good citizenship.
The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization of outstanding high school students. NHS membership is a privilege afforded to students deemed to reflect, in exemplary fashion, the qualities for which the organization stands — scholarship, leadership, character and service.
Criterion for Selection
The national constitution requires students to meet a scholarship requirement in order to be an NHS candidate. For the John Carroll chapter of NHS, at the end of the Sophomore and Junior year, students with an actual cumulative GPA of 4.2 or above will become eligible for membership consideration. GPAs are not rounded. Those students who meet the required GPA must have attended The John Carroll School for at least one semester.
Students who meet the cumulative GPA will be notified in June of their Sophomore or Junior year letting them know of eligibility, next steps and deadlines. Eligible students need to document the following:
- Complete an application/intent to apply form before the start of the following school year (Junior or Senior year);
- Rising Juniors who qualify academically must also have successfully completed 60 hours of community service by the beginning of their Junior year, rising Seniors need to have completed 60 hours of community service by the beginning of their Senior year, and students need to have a clean discipline record;
- Students may not have missed more than 10 days of school per semester unless there are unusual circumstances, and students may not have been late to school more than 10 times per semester; and
- Students must demonstrate outstanding qualities in areas of leadership and character.
Once students have completed these steps and meet all deadlines, faculty will evaluate applicants on a scale from 1-4 in the areas of scholarship, leadership and character. No late applications will be considered. A committee of faculty appointed by the administration will then meet to discuss, approve, and/or deny applicants based on the rankings they receive. These rankings are confidential.
Discipline records will be checked with the Deans' Office. Only students with clean records (no major infractions, fewer than 10 unexcused absences and/or tardies per semester) will be considered.
Membership Requirements
If a student is selected to be inducted, the requirements for NHS membership are:
- Assist at Discovering John Carroll Events, Festival of Lights and/or the NHS induction ceremony. Other required events may be added as needs arise.
- Be trained and available to serve as an NHS tutor.
- Complete two hours of service each quarter that does not include the above requirements and cannot double for school hours of service.
- Be an example/role model to the rest of the School.
- Maintain a 4.2 or higher GPA each quarter.
- Maintain a clean discipline record.
- Lead and participate in school-wide service projects.
For information on the National Honor Society, contact Mrs. Hemphill or Mrs. Woosley.
Students may become members of the French, German and/or Spanish Honor Societies. The World Languages department holds an evening induction ceremony each spring. Each language honor society operates under a national charter and has its own requirements for admission.
French
The French Honor Society recognizes excellent grades in at least three semesters of French language courses. Students must be in the third semester of French, have a 90 in French in the semester of nomination, have no average lower than 80 in any other major subject, and continue the study of French while they are John Carroll students.
German
The German Honor Society recognizes high achievement in German and promotes interest in German studies. Students must have completed three years of German or place in a third year class, have a 90 in German, and maintain an overall average of 85. Students not enrolled in German 4 may not vote or hold office in the society and are not eligible for the senior award in German.
Spanish
The Spanish Honor Society recognizes high achievement in Spanish and promotes interest in Hispanic studies. Students must have a semester average of 90 in Spanish for three consecutive semesters and continue the study of Spanish while they are John Carroll students.
Recognizes students who excel academically and demonstrate outstanding leadership and character qualities
Purpose
Our school has a strong commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions to society through community service, especially service that directly benefits marginalized populations. We aim to inspire and foster a dedicated spirit towards ongoing service, bringing all types of service to the attention of the School and community. Our goal is to increase service awareness in all aspects of the School's total program and among our members.
To achieve this, we integrate service learning into our curriculum to provide students with a deeper understanding of the value and importance of service. By highlighting the connection between service and learning, we hope to encourage more students to engage in service activities and recognize the significant impact they can have on their communities. We also aim to create a community that is dedicated to service and recognizes the contributions of those who have made a difference in their communities, inspiring more students to engage in service and fostering a culture of ongoing service and giving back.
Criteria for Selection
- Each recommended student should volunteer at least 100 hours of service including at least 20 hours of service directly benefiting marginalized populations (poor, disabled, disadvantaged) and be of upstanding moral character.
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted on the Character Reference Form (by a current teacher, service provider supervisor, mentor) need to be completed by the end of the third quarter and submitted to the Service-Learning Coordinator.
- Candidates eligible for selection must be a student at John Carroll for at least one year and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. This level of achievement shall remain fixed.
For more information on applying to the Archbishop John Carroll Service Honor Society, please email Mrs. Brown.
Recognizes outstanding artistic merit, leadership and academics among dancers
Students accumulate points throughout the year that count toward induction into the NHSDA. Once students accumulate 30 points, maintain a 3.5+ cumulative GPA, and receive a high character rating from chapter sponsor, Mrs. Ward-Moran they can apply for induction into the NHSDA.
Applications for induction are received every March. The induction ceremony is held after the spring dance concert each year. Occasionally, students may be inducted prior to March when a situation requires the student to have an earlier induction and all criteria have been met. Students are responsible for keeping an accurate log with their approved points. The student should follow up with her advisor to make sure the honor is noted on her transcript; NHSDA cords may be worn at Graduation.
Program Goals
- To identify honor students (grades 11 & 12) for nomination to the NDEO Artistic Merit*, Leadership and Academic Achievement Award, one of the highest honor programs for dance in the United States
- To promote a desire for life-long learning in the field of dance
- To encourage an understanding of, and an appreciation for, dance as an art form and develop knowledgeable audiences for tomorrow
*Students who are in 11th or 12th grade and who have been inducted into their school’s NHSDA chapter can apply for the annual NDEO Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Achievement Award, the highest student dance award in the nation.
Recognizes outstanding music students and focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and is the only national honor society for student musicians in grades 6-12. Each year, Tri-M students contribute more than 750,000 service hours to their schools and local communities and raise nearly $1 million for causes they care about. For more information on becoming an active member of the Tri-M chapter at John Carroll, please email Mrs. Novak.
Recognizes high achievement in art and promotes creative thinking in visual arts
The John Carroll chapter of the NAHS consists of approximately 60 students, who add to the distinguished national total of over 46,000 members. In addition to enabling opportunities for growth in leadership, students have access to awards and scholarships, and college and career preparation. Institutions of higher education also view the NAHS as a mark of accomplishment. Outreach and community service are important components of NAHS; students engage in service projects which enable them to utilize their gifts and talents to help others and enrich the environment. Working with Harford County Parks and Recreation, over 80 students and adults recently volunteered to repaint Annie’s Playground in Fallston, MD. For more information on becoming a member of the National Honor Art Society, please email Mrs. Collins.
Provides national recognition for outstanding students and encourages an interest in, understanding of and appreciation for the social studies
Candidates for membership must be a Senior, as well as have a weighted Social Studies GPA of 4.5 and an overall GPA of 3.5. Candidates must obtain one teacher John Carroll recommendation outside the Social Studies Department, have the recommendation of a John Carroll Social Studies teacher, and present evidence of community involvement.
