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2 PRIVATE SCHOOLS | JANUARY 2015 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE GAZETTE

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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE GAZETTE JANUARY 2015 | PRIVATE SCHOOLS 3

TRADITIONS:Hallmarks of the Private School Experience

They bind students to people, places and ideas, instill-ing in them a sense of belonging and providing memoriesthat last a lifetime. Traditions at local private schools takemany forms, embracing the arts, academics, athletics,religion and culture. While all remain true to their roots,many evolve over time. The reasons traditions exist are asdiverse as the educational institutions themselves.

Building Community and Reinforcing Academics“We are not a community school. Kids come here

from all over the area. So, it’s important to develop a senseof family and community spirit,” said Katherine Fedalen,head of school at Chelsea School in Hyattsville, whichserves students in grades five through 12. The annualBlue White Challenge does that and more by encouragingreading, camaraderie and fun. “We want to make surewe’re not just working hard together but playing hardtogether,” Fedalen said. “Laughter is one of the thingsthat bond us.”

Each year, staff and students divide into two camps—the blue knights and the white knights. Once a month, theteams don their colors and compete in activities such as alife-size foosball game, trivia contest or talent show. “Thethings we do are not exactly feats of strength but oppor-tunities to have fun and laugh,” said Fedalen.

The competition combines two previous traditions—areading challenge and spirit week—into a highly antici-pated yearlong event. “During professional developmentin the summer, teachers already are asking which teamthey are on,” said Fedalen. While staff members areassigned, students are not. “It’s random,” said Fedalen.“For example, students might wear a blue-and-white Cat-in-the-Hat hat and throw pingpong balls at colored cups.This year we put blue and white pegs in a sorting hat forstudents to pull out.” Teams are formed on the first day ofschool, and the winning team is announced during eighth-grade graduation.

The key to winning is the reading component, a chal-lenge for many. “All of our students have language-basedlearning differences, dyslexia being the most commonlyunderstood,” said Fedalen. “The competitive aspect ofthe program has promoted full participation. If your teamwins and you haven’t submitted a book list, you can’tgo on the trip.” The locale of the celebratory trip—oftenSix Flags Great America, Hersheypark or the beach—isselected by members of the winning team.

Breaking Down Barriers and Uniting Students“Our traditions are centered around our core values.

There’s intentionality on building and celebrating familyand community,” said Marco Clark, president and CEOof Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville. BishopMcNamara High School is the result of a 1992 mergerbetween the all-male Bishop McNamara and the all-female La Reine High School. The school retained manytraditions—including the father-son prayer breakfast,father-daughter dance and junior ring ceremony, nowcalled the junior commissioning ceremony. “When wecame together as one school, we adopted these traditionsin the new, co-ed McNamara,” Clark said. “But, since1992, what is uniquely McNamara is the pervasive senseof community that ties us together.”

That is evident from day one. “When freshmen reportfor the first day of school, they are greeted by banners that

read ‘Welcome Home’ and notes from the senior class,”said Clark. “It’s a goose bump moment. Parents come in,some crying, feeling so good about the welcome and theamazing start to their child’s high-school career.”

BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON

COURTESY OF BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL

Bishop McNamara High School managed to retain many traditionsafter the 1992 merger of the all-male Bishop McNamara and all-female La Reine High School.

COURTESY OF BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL

When freshmen report for the first day of school at Bishop McNamaraHigh School they are greeted by ‘Welcome Home’ banners.

SEE TRADITIONS, PAGE 18


CREATING CITIZENSOF THE WORLD

Private Schools Use Language toBolster Students’ Global Awareness

BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON

It takes more than the three “Rs”for students to succeed in today’sworld. “Our global economy requiresstudents to be comfortable with othercultures and able to collaborate, thinkcritically and solve problems,” saidDonette Dais, head of school at ReidTemple Christian Academy in GlennDale. “Students must be academi-cally strong and culturally aware.”Recognizing that foreign languageproficiency is critical to the creationof global citizens, private schools inPrince George’s County are intro-ducing second languages to studentsearly in their academic careers.

Children who wait until high schoolto learn another language acquireit differently and are less likely tosound like a native speaker, accord-ing to Joy Morrow, principal at NewHope Academy in Hyattsville, whereKorean and Spanish are taught.“Research shows that when you hitpuberty, the brain prunes unused syn-apses. Once those pathways havebeen purged, it’s much harder to learn a foreign lan-guage,” she said. As a result, teens and adults tend torely on their native language to access a new one—not-ing similarities and differences between the two—where-as younger children absorb a second language, much asthey did their mother tongue.

“We teach in a way that mimics how studentsacquire a first language at home. We immerse them init,” said Dais, whose school introduces both Mandarinand Spanish to children beginning at age 2. “As a result,students eventually are able to read, write and speakin the target languages.” Verbal fluency, a focus of theprogram at Reid Temple Christian Academy, is some-thing Dais said she found missing from her own foreignlanguage studies. “While I was a pretty good student in

French, I can’t speak a lick of it …Because we teach language differently,now students can gain fluency andeventually hold a conversation with anative speaker.”

“We take away the ‘foreign’ aspectof the additional language so thatstudents approach learning it as theywould math or science,” said EstherVanDeCruze Donawa, head of schoolat Maryland International Day School(MIDS) in Fort Washington, wherethe motto is “Preparing Tomorrow’sAmbassadors Today.” Instructionin Spanish, which begins at age 4,emphasizes fluency, cross-culturalunderstanding and international rela-tions. “We strive for a 50-50 split,meaning students learn about half ofthe time in English and the other halfin Spanish.”

The MIDS program, which runsthrough eighth grade, is gearedtoward families that do not haveSpanish-speaking parents. Becausestudents may not be able to turn toparents for assistance with certain

homework, the school has an evening homework hot-line. “We tell students not to stress if they can’t dothe homework but, at the same time, recognize thatthere are some kids who won’t let it go. So, we supportthem,” said Donawa.

While Spanish may not be spoken in their homes,MIDS students are encouraged to use the languageoutside of school. The school’s soccer team, the mata-dors, speaks Spanish on the field. “As a result, Spanish-speaking families often approach us,” said Donawa,allowing for an authentic cross-cultural interaction.Some MIDS families regularly provide opportunities forchildren to use their second language. Donawa men-tioned one family’s Friday night tradition of visiting a

COURTESY OF NEW HOPE ACADEMY

Korean and Spanish are taught at New Hope Academy in Hyattsville, Md.

COURTESY OF NEW HOPE ACADEMY

Joy Morrow, principal at New Hope Academy in Hyattsville, says it’sharder for teens and adults to learn a foreign language.


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Bolivian restaurant. The children not only spoke Spanishbut explored the country’s cuisine. “Learning another lan-guage is a commitment for both the student and parents.But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun,” she said.

It was the commitment of families associated with theUnification Church, a religion founded in South Korea sixdecades ago, that led to Korean being offered when NewHope Academy was established in 1990. Four years later,the non-sectarian school added Spanish. While foreignlanguage instruction begins in kindergarten, 4-year-oldsin the pre-kindergarten program learn American SignLanguage. “It exposes them to another way of communi-cating,” said Morrow. “If, for example, they need to go tothe bathroom, they sign it. And, at graduation, they sign asong and sing along with it.”

Throughout early elementary school, New HopeAcademy students study both Korean and Spanish. Infifth and sixth grades, they study one of the languagesexclusively before switching to the other in seventh andeighth grades. “In high school, they choose which ofthe two they want to do to for credit,” said Morrow.“We require two years, encourage three years and offera fourth year of language for those interested.” Severalfactors play into a teenager’s language selection. “Forsome, Spanish is a heritage language. A child may haveHispanic parents or grandparents and [may] want tolearn the language,” she said. Members of the UnificationChurch often choose Korean.

Exposure to both Mandarin and Spanish begins inpreschool at Reid Temple Christian Academy. “During

these three years, parents hear their students speakingMandarin and Spanish,” said Dais. By kindergarten,students must choose between the languages. The schooloffers an immersion program for Mandarin and a hybridprogram for Mandarin or Spanish.

Those selecting immersion receive instruction in socialstudies, math, religion, and Chinese language and culture

exclusively in Mandarin. English is spoken in readingand language arts classes. “It’s not unusual for studentsinitially to fall behind in the language spoken at home buteventually catch up,” she said.

Chinese culture is integrated into all subjects. In math,

SEE LANGUAGE, PAGE 19

COURTESY OF MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL DAY SCHOOL

Students at Maryland International Day School have the opportunity to travel to countries such as Mexico and Costa Rica.


The Academy of Saint Matthiasthe ApostleThrough grade 8Coed,CatholicCall for tuition9473 Annapolis RoadLanham 20706301-577-9412www.stmatthias.org

Al-Huda SchoolGrades K–12Coed,Muslim2014–15 tuition: $7,207 (first child);$5,405 (second child); $4,325 (thirdchild); $2,883 (fourth+ child)5301 Edgewood RoadCollege Park 20740301-982-2402alhuda.org

The Beddow High SchoolGrades 7–12CoedCall for tuition501 Bryan Point RoadAccokeek 20607301-292-1968thebeddowschool.org

The Beddow School Inc.Grades K–6Coed,MontessoriCall for tuition8600 Loughran RoadFort Washington 20744301-567-0330thebeddowschool.org

Belair Baptist Christian AcademyGrades K–12Coed, BaptistCall for tuition2801 Belair DriveBowie 20715301-262-0578bbcacademy.org

Beltsville Adventist SchoolGrades K–8Coed, Seventh-day AdventistCall for tuition4230 Ammendale RoadBeltsville 20705301-937-2933baschool.org

Berwyn Christian SchoolGrades K–8Coed,Christian2014–15 tuition: $5,624 (K); $6,360 (1–8)4720 Cherokee St.College Park 20740301-474-1561berwynchristianschool.org

Bishop McNamara High SchoolGrades 9–12Coed,Catholic2014–15 tuition: $13,2506800 Marlboro PikeForestville 20747301-735-8401bmhs.org

Bowie Montessori Children’s HouseThrough grade 8Coed,MontessoriCall for tuition5004 Randonstone LaneBowie 20715301-262-3566bmch.net

Capitol Christian AcademyGrades 9–12CoedCall for tuition8601 Jericho City DriveLandover 20785240-223-2467capitolchristian.org

Chelsea SchoolGrades 5–12Coed, special needs2014–15 tuition: $37,3572970 Belcrest Center Drive, Suite 300Hyattsville 20782240-467-2100chelseaschool.edu

PRIVATE SCHOOLS DIRECTORYInformation is deemed current at the time of publication but may be subject to change throughout the year. Some schools may also offer pre-K programs;

call or visit the website. Schools that are exclusively pre-K are not included. To report errors or omissions, end an email to [email protected] updates or corrections will be made online at Gazette.Net.Compiled by Tiffany Arnold and Deirdre Parry.

Photos courtesy of the school shown. Cover photo courtesy of Maryland International Day School

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEDDOW SCHOOL


Clinton Christian SchoolGrades K–12Coed,ChristianCall for tuition6707 Woodyard RoadUpper Marlboro 20772301-599-9600clintonchristian.org

College Park Nursery Schooland KindergartenKindergarten curriculum availableCoedCall for tuition4512 College Ave.College Park 20740301-864-5355cpnsk.com

Corkran Methodist Preschooland KindergartenKindergartenCoed,United Methodist2014–15 tuition: $265–$490(monthly); extra care, $5.25 per hour5200 Temple Hill RoadTemple Hills 20748301-894-6886corkranschool.org

Cornerstone Christian AcademyThrough grade 8Coed,ChristianCall for tuition16010 Annapolis RoadBowie 20715301-262-7683ccabowie.org

DeMatha Catholic High SchoolGrades 9–12Boys,Catholic2014–15 tuition: $15,6004313 Madison St.Hyattsville 20781240-764-2200dematha.org

Divine Peace Lutheran SchoolGrades K–8Coed, Lutheran2014–15 tuition: $7,5001500 Brown Station RoadLargo 20774301-350-4522divinepeace.org

Edified Christian AcademyThrough grade 2Coed,Christian2015-16: $36 biweekly; $720 monthly1441 McCormick Drive Suite 1050Upper Marlboro 20774301-583-1300edifiedchristianacademy.org

Elizabeth Seton High SchoolGrades 9–12Girls,Catholic2014–15 tuition: $12,3005715 Emerson St.Bladensburg 20710301-864-4532setonhs.org

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH SETON HIGH SCHOOL


Evangel DaycareKindergartenCoed,ChristianCall for tuition5900 Old Branch Ave.Camp Springs 20748301-899-5940eagcs.org

Excellence Christian SchoolThrough grade 8Coed,Christian2014–15 tuition: $8,3949010 Frank Tippett RoadUpper Marlboro 20772301-868-1873goecseagles.org

Fairhaven SchoolGrades K–12Coed, Sudbury2014–15: $9482 (first child); $8059 (sec-ond child); $5689 (third child)17900 Queen Anne RoadUpper Marlboro 20774301-249-8060fairhavenschool.com

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SUCCESSSTARTSHERE

St. Mary’s Catholic School7207 Annapolis Rd.

Landover Hills, MD 20784

Call 301-577-0031or visit

www.stmaryslh.org

Open House on January 25th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PMSchedule a tour on Tuesday or Wednesday morningsOpen Registration for Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) to 8th grade

National Junior Honor Society • Study Buddy Program • Catholic Identity

Academics:Emphasis on Reading and MathNationally ranked in middleschool Math contestsSpanish class offered from K-8thAlgebra offered in 8thUtilization of web based mathprograms

Arts:Performing Arts: Annual musicals, School Chorus,Gospel Choir, and Instrumental bandsVisual Arts: Art fairs and Community Exhibitions

Athletics:CYO Soccer, Basketball, Track andField, Cross Country

301-459-5000

Offer Expires 8/17/14

Offer Expires 8/17/14Offer Expires 8/17/14

Any order over $75.00Offer Expires 5/31/15

Coupon must be presentedat time of purchase.







All American Wear School Uniforms & More5001-B Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706

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$10.00 off $20.00 off

$55.00 off$35.00 off

CREATAS/THINKSTOCK


Firm Foundation & Faith AcademyKindergartenCoed,ChristianCall for tuition2261 Oxon Run DriveTemple Hills 20748301-630-7994firmfoundationfaithacademy.org

First Baptist School of LaurelGrades K–82014–15 tuition: $6,60015002 First Baptist LaneLaurel 20707301-490-1076fbslaurel.com

The Foundation SchoolGrades K–12Coed, special needsCall for tuition1330 McCormick DriveLargo 20774301-773-3500foundationschools.org

Friends Community SchoolGrades K–8Coed,Quaker2014–15 tuition: $17,050 (K–4), $17,580(5–6), $19,340 (7–8)5901 Westchester Park DriveCollege Park 20740301-441-2100friendscommunityschool.org

Genesis Christian Day SchoolKindergartenCoed,ChristianCall for tuition6717 Glenn Dale RoadGlenn Dale 20769301-464-3981genesischristianschools.com

Genesis Christian Day SchoolKindergartenCoed,ChristianCall for tuition12103 Windbrook DriveClinton 20735301-292-4710genesischristianschools.com

George E. Peters Adventist SchoolThrough grade 8Coed, Seventh-day AdventistCall for tuition6303 Riggs RoadHyattsville 20783301-559-6710gepeters.org

Glenn Dale Montessori SchoolGrades K–6Coed,Montessori2014–15 tuition: $9,950-$10,5007500 Hillmeade RoadGlenn Dale 20769301-805-2845glenndalemontessori.orgadmin@glenndalemontessori.org

Goddard Child Development CenterKindergartenEnrollment limited to children of God-dard and other federal employeesVisit website for tuitionNASA/GSFC Code 200.9Greenbelt 20771301-286-8588nasagcdc.com

Grace Brethren Christian SchoolGrades K–12Coed,Christian2015-16 tuition: $8,295 (K–5), $8,495(6–8), $8,795 (9–12)6501 Surratts RoadClinton 20735301-868-1600gbcseagles.org

Grace Christian SchoolGrades K–8Coed,Christian2014–15 tuition: $6,8007210 Race Track RoadBowie 20715301-262-0158gcsbowie.org

Greenwood SchoolKindergartenCoedCall for tuition6525 Belcrest Road,G-90Hyattsville 20782301-458-4860greenwoodschoolmd.org

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Celebrating Our 50th AnniversaryGRACEBRETHRENCHRISTIAN SCHOOLPK3-12 • College Prep • FullyAccredited • Before &After School CareComputer Labs •Athletics • Music/Band/Drama • Educational Therapy/Tutoring Small Classes • Certified Teachers NurturingAtmosphereBiblically Integrated Curriculum •Art • Foreign Language H.S.New Library Open AP, Honor Courses for High School.

ACCEPTINGAPPLICATIONSNOW• GBCS considers all applicants without regard to religion, sex, race, or national origin.

“Yearly mission trips to the U.S. and foreign countries”6501 Surratts Rd., Clinton

301-868-1600 www.gbcseagles.org1935627


Henson Valley AcademyGrades K-6Coed,Montessori2014–15 tuition: $10,8628701 Woodyard RoadClinton 20735301-485-6055hvmacademy.org

Heritage Christian AcademyGrades K–12Coed,Christian2015-16 tuition: $8,5005120 Whitfield Chapel RoadLanham 20706301-577-8874heritagechristianacademymd.org

High Road Academyof Prince George’s CountyGrades 3–12Coed, special needsCall for admission process5100 Philadelphia WayLanham 20706301-429-6191sesi-schools.com

High Road Schoolof Prince George’s CountyGrades 2–12Coed, special needsCall for admission process1220 Caraway Court, Suite 1070Largo 20774301-636-6614highroadschool.com

High Road Upper Schoolof Prince George’s CountyGrades 9–12 and non-graded(Ages 14–21)Coed, special needs,autism,emo-tional disabilitiesCall for admission process12050 Baltimore Ave., Suite 100Beltsville 20705301-210-4860sesi-schools.com

Highland Park Christian AcademyGrades K–8Coed,ChristianCall for tuition6801 Sheriff RoadLandover 20785301-773-4079hpcalandover.org

Holy Family Catholic SchoolGrades K–8CoedCall for tuition2200 Callaway St.Hillcrest Heights 20748301-894-2323holyfamilymd.org

Holy Redeemer SchoolThrough grade 8Coed,CatholicCall for tuition4902 Berwyn RoadCollege Park [email protected]

Holy Trinity Episcopal Day SchoolGrades 1–4Coed, Episcopal2014–15 tuition: $9,80013106 Annapolis RoadBowie 20720301-262-5355htrinity.org

Holy Trinity Episcopal Day SchoolGrades K and 5–8Coed, Episcopal2014–15 tuition: $ $9,820 (K); $11,550(5–8)11902 Daisy LaneGlenn Dale 20769301-464-3215htrinity.org

Hope Christian AcademyGrades K–5Coed,Christian2014–15 tuition: $5,9603215 Powder Mill RoadAdelphi 20783301-937-4673hopecaeagles.org

Horizon Learning AcademyGrades K–3CoedCall for tuition3111 Forestville RoadForestville 20747301-420-0980

Independent Baptist AcademyGrades K–12Coed, Baptist2014–15 tuition: $5,500 (first child);$9,200 (two children); $12,850 (threechildren)9255 Piscataway RoadClinton 20735301-856-1616ibcministries.org/academy.html

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH ROAD ACADEMY OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY


Jericho Christian AcademyThrough grade 8Coed,ChristianCall for tuition8500 Jericho City DriveLandover 20785301-333-9400jerichochristianacademy.org

Kiddie Academy of Oxon HillKindergartenCoed2014–15 tuition: $198 weekly6031 Oxon Hill RoadOxon Hill 20745301-839-7808educationaldaycare.kiddieacademy.com/oxonhill

Lanham Christian SchoolThrough grade 12Coed,Christian2014–15 tuition: $7,450 (1-5), $8,150 (6-8), $8,550 (9-12); 20 percent discountfor second child, 40 percent discountfor third child; maximum family dis-count of $21,0008400 Good Luck RoadLanham 20706

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Saint Ambrose Catholic School6310 Jason Street, Cheverly, MD 20785

Pre K - 8th Grade

*Diverse Student Body*Special Classes

*Extended School Program*CYO Sports

*After School Activities

*Faith*Academics*Friendship*Adventure

For more information Contact: 301-773-0223or on the web at sacheverly.org

St. Ambrose School is a Roman Catholic Schoolaffiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington,DC. The school is located in the town ofCheverly, MD in Prince George’s County. St.Ambrose is located just 2 miles from the NEborder of the District of Columbia. Cheverly iseasily accessed by Rt. 50 or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLY REDEEMER SCHOOL


301-552-9102lanhamgbc.org

Maryland Gospel Assembly SchoolGrades K–12Coed,ChristianCall for tuition12406 Brandywine RoadBrandywine 20613301-372-6345

Maryland International Day SchoolGrades K–8Coed,dual language(English/Spanish)2014–15 tuition: $14,0002317 Brinkley RoadFort Washington 20744301-567-9101themidschool.org

The Messiah AcademyThrough grade 1Coed,ChristianCall for tuition3214/3216 Brinkley RoadTemple Hills 20748301-505-0001

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL DAY SCHOOL

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Celebrating Over 50 Years of Building Faith,Values, Service, and Academic Excellence

ST. PIUS XREGIONAL SCHOOL

Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade

• Catholic Traditions, welcoming of all faiths• Maryland State Certified Faculty• 1:1 iPad devices given to all 8th Graders• 2 Mobile iPad Carts for use in all classrooms• Spanish in grades 3-8• Computer & Science Labs, Library, P.E., Art, Music, Band, and Chorus• Extra-curricular Activities, including Robotics, Sports, Scouts, and Clubs• Before and After Care• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

301.262.0203 www.stpiusbowie.org14710 Annapolis Road • Bowie, MD 20715

Come VisitDuring Class*

Wed., FEB 4Wed., FEB 11Wed., FEB 18Wed., FEB 25

9:00-11:00am*Tours by appointment only.Contact Kathy Vassallo atkvassallo@ stpiusbowie.org

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Mount Calvary Catholic SchoolThrough grade 8Coed, Catholic2014–15 tuition: $6,175 (Catholic);$7,970 (non-Catholic)6704 Marlboro PikeForestville 20747301-735-5262mountcalvarycatholicschool.org

National Christian AcademyThrough grade 12Coed, Christian2014–15 tuition: $6,854 (first child, K–6),$6,169 (second child, K–6), $7,420 (firstchild, 7-12), $6,678 (second child, 7–12)6700 Bock RoadFort Washington 20744301-567-9507ncaeagles.org

New Chapel Christian AcademyThrough grade 5Coed, Christian2014–15 tuition: $700 (monthly)5601 Old Branch Ave.Camp Springs 20748

301-899-0877ncbcthechapel.org

New Hope AcademyGrades K–12Coed, multi-faith2014–15 tuition: approx. $1,000 monthly7009 Varnum St.Hyattsville 20784301-459-7311newhopeacademy.org

Outreach Christian Center AcademyKindergartenCoed, ChristianCall for tuition6701 Clinton Manor DriveClinton 20735301-856-1183, ext. 205outreachcc.org

The Pathways Schools—Crossland Re-EntryGrades 9–12Coed, Special education, direct refer-rals from Prince George’s CountyLocated within Crossland High School6901 Temple Hill RoadTemple Hills 20748

301-449-3173pathwayschools.org

The Pathways Schools—DuVal Re-EntryGrades 9–12Coed, Special education, direct refer-rals from Prince George’s CountyLocated within DuVal High School9880 Good Luck RoadLanham 20706301-850-6441pathwayschools.org

The Pathways Schools—NorthwoodGrades 6–12Coed, Special education, direct refer-rals from Prince George’s County4600 Powder Mill Road, Suite 100Beltsville 20705301-595-3483pathwayschools.org

Patuxent Montessori SchoolUp to age 12CoedCall for tuition14210 Old Stage RoadBowie 20720

301-464-4506patuxent-montessori.org

Reid Temple Christian AcademyThrough grade 8Coed, Christian, dual Mandarin im-mersion (K–7)2014–15 tuition: $8,240 (K–5); $9,095(6–8)11400 Glenn Dale Blvd.Glenn Dale 20769301-860-6570reidtempleacademy.com

Riverdale Baptist SchoolThrough grade 12Coed, Baptist2014–15 tuition: $9,804 (K); $9,300(grades 1–5); $9,900 (grades 6–8);$10,980 (Grades 9–12); sibling dis-counts available1133 Largo RoadUpper Marlboro 20774301-249-7000rbschool.org

BOWIE AND GLENN DALE, MDwww.htrinity.org

* Small Class Size* Exceptional Academics* Financial Aid Available* Spanish* Technology Initiatives

Give your child the academic advantage of a lifetime!

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* Music* Before & After Care* Athletics* Summer Camp

Serving Preschool through Grade 8

[email protected]

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St. Columba SchoolProviding a

Catholic Educationdedicated to

“Faith, Academics, and Service”for over 50 years

St. Columba School7800 Livingston RoadOxon Hill, MD 20745

To learn more aboutSt. Columba,

contact Lera Rickling in ourEnrollment Office at

[email protected] (301) 567-6212 Ext. 2

www.stccatholic.org


SACRED Life Academy for BoysGrades K–8Boys,Christian2014–15 tuition: $6,5007230 Central Ave.Capitol Heights 20743301-350-7360sites.google.com/site/practice202/home

Saint Ambrose SchoolThrough grade 8Coed,CatholicCall for tuition6310 Jason St.Cheverly 20785301-773-0223sacheverly.org

SHABACH! Christian AcademyThrough grade 7; through grade 8 for2015–16 school year

Coed,ChristianCall for tuition3600 Brightseat RoadLandover 20785301-386-9400shabachca.org

St. Ann’s Center for Children,Youth & Family ServicesGrades 8–12,plus GED programGirls, pregnant and parenting teensCall for tuition4901 Eastern Ave.Hyattsville 20782301-559-5500stanns.org

St. Columba SchoolGrades K–8Coed2014–15 tuition: $5,800 (Catholic);$9,250 (non-Catholic)7800 Livingston RoadOxon Hill 20745301-567-6212stccatholic.org

St. Jerome AcademyThrough grade 8Coed,Catholic

Visit website for tuition5207 42nd PlaceHyattsville 20781301-277-4568stjeromes.org

St. John’s the Evangelist CatholicElementary SchoolThrough grade 8Coed,Catholic2014–15 tuition: $6,270 (Catholic),$9,460 (non-Catholic)8912 Old Branch Ave.Clinton 20735301-868-2010saintjohnsschool.org

St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic SchoolGrades K–8Coed,Catholic2015-16 tuition: $5,988 (Catholic),$8,280 (non-Catholic); two children,$9,900 (Catholic), $16,560 (non-Cath-olic); three children, $13,500 (Catho-lic), $24,840 (non-Catholic); fourchildren or more, $16,938 (Catholic),$33,120 (non-Catholic)11011 Montgomery RoadBeltsville 20705301-937-7154stjos.org

• Grades K3-8th• Ful ly Accredi ted By Middle States Associat ion• Every Classroom Equipped with Interact ive SMART TM Board Technology• Smal l C lass Sizes• Col lege Preparatory Curr iculum• Breakfast & Lunch Included in Tuit ion• State-of- the-Art Computer, Media & Science Labs• Col legiate-s ize Gymnasium with Athlet ic Programs• Dynamic Creat ive Arts Program• Structured After-School Programs• Qual i f ied, Experienced & Caring Staff

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2014-2015

UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES:January 21 @ 9 amFebruary 18 @ 9 am

March 18 @ 9 am and 7 pmApril 22 @ 7pmMay 20 @ 7 pm

www.goecseagles.org

GLENN DALEMONTESSORI SCHOOL

• MSDE approved• AMS certified• High quality Montessori education• Certified and Academically qualified teachers• Montessori Toddler class 2 yrs thru 6th grade• Before and After care• Activity Clubs• Summer Enrichment Program

7500 Hillmeade Rd. Glenn Dale, MD 20769 • (301)-805-2845www.glenndalemontessori.org • [email protected]

“The child is both hope and a promise for mankind.” Maria Montessori

Hours6:30am to 6:30pm

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT AMBROSE SCHOOL


St. Mary of the Assumption SchoolThrough grade 8Coed,Catholic2014–15 tuition: K–8,$5,970 (first child,Catholic),$9,401 (first child,non-Catholic)4610 Largo RoadUpper Marlboro 20772301-627-4170stmaryum.org

St. Mary of the Mills SchoolGrades K–8Coed,Catholic2014–15 tuition: $6,222 (Catholic),$8,517 (non-Catholic)106 St.Mary’s PlaceLaurel 20707301-498-1433stmaryofthemills.org

St. Mary’s SchoolThrough grade 8Coed,Catholic2015-16 tuition: K–8 $5,300 (Catholic),

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St. Mary’s School of PiscatawayThrough grade 8Coed,CatholicCall for tuition13407 Piscataway RoadClinton 20735301-292-2522stmaryspiscataway.org

St. Matthew’s Early Education CenterKindergartenCoed2014–15 tuition: $745 (monthly)14900 Annapolis RoadBowie 20715301-464-1813stmatthews-bowie.org

St. Matthew’s Parish Day SchoolKindergartenCoed, Episcopal2014–15 tuition: $565 (monthly)5901 36th Ave.Hyattsville 20782301-559-7118 301-935-5026stmatthewsdayschool.com

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic SchoolThough grade 8Coed,Catholic2014–15 tuition: $5,630 (Catholic),$7,450 (non-Catholic)5414 Henderson WayCamp Springs 20746301-423-4740stphiliponline.com

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St. Vincent Pallotti High SchoolGrades 9–12Coed,Catholic2013-14 tuition: $13,995113 St.Mary’s PlaceLaurel 20707301-725-3228pallottihs.org

Victory Christian AcademyThrough grade 2Coed,Christian2014–15 tuition: $5,50013701 Annapolis RoadBowie 20720301-352-3407 or 301-272-4244

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Woodstream Christian AcademyGrades K–12Coed,Christian2014–15 tuition: $9,700 (K); $9,350(1–5); $9,525 (6–7); $9,600 (8); $9,990(9–11); $10,540 (12); sibling discountsavailable9800 Lottsford RoadMitchellville 20721301-955-1160woodstreamacademy.com

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Every morning, students start their daywith a prayer, the Pledge of Allegianceand the McNamara student code, whichare recited en masse. “We focus on whatunites us and work to break down thingsthat divide us—be they socioeconomic,arts versus sports or something else,”said Clark. And it appears to be working,judging from a recent visit by members ofthe Archdiocese of Washington. “I wasamazed to watch the kids lock arms atthe end of Mass, swaying and singing ouralma mater together,” Clark said.

Reinforcing Culture andPreserving Ancient Practices

Daily prayer also is a tradition atAl-Huda School in College Park. “Everyschool day, students come together—bothgirls and boys—at 1:20 p.m. for prayer,”said Minhaj Hasan, one of the school’sboard members. “That tradition is rootedin our religious teachings.” In fact, thebulk of the traditions at Al-Huda are tiedto Islamic culture and spirituality.

Memorization of the Quran is aschool tradition embraced by a handfulof students each year. “It is not a require-ment of the religion but a tradition estab-lished to preserve the holy book by com-mitting it word for word to memory,”said Hasan. The practice dates back some1,400 years to the time of the ProphetMuhammad, who shared his revelationsorally with followers.

“Every year, four or five boys and girlstake the challenge, eventually committingto memory the 77,000 words in the holybook,” said Hasan. It generally takesstudents, most of whom begin in middleor high school, two or three years tomemorize the Quran’s Arabic text. That,he said, is because students are requiredto continue their regular schooling, andmany who memorize the holy book arenot well versed in Arabic. Still, they per-severe, devoting an hour or two daily tothe Quran.

“It is an honor throughout the Muslimworld when one memorizes the holy bookcover to cover,” said Hasan. “There ismuch prestige associated with becominga hafiz or hafizah,” a male or female whohas committed the Quran to memory. Itis not unusual for families of children,who are memorizing their final passage, tobring food or sweets to school to celebratethe accomplishment.

There is more to becoming a hafiz orhafizah than rote memorization. Studentsmust be able to recite the Quran. “The

recitation is very melodic,” said Hasan.“The idea is to beautify the text and makeis as appealing to the ear as possible. It isan art form.”

Beyond prestige, there are tangible aca-demic benefits that come from memorizingthe Quran, according to Haroon Baqai,Al-Huda’s principal. Baqai committed theholy book to memory at age 10. “Suchmemorization improves analytic skills,”he said. “By the time they finish theiracademics have improved, some even skipa grade.”

Looking Back and Forging AheadThe past and present converge

when students at DeMatha CatholicHigh School, an all-male institution inHyattsville, celebrate the feast day of theirpatron, St. John de Matha. “It is a day inwhich members of the DeMatha commu-nity come together to honor our past, rec-ognize those who support our ideals andalso have some fun,” said Tom Ponton, aDeMatha alumnus and the school’s direc-tor of development.

Formerly celebrated with Mass and ashort concert on Dec. 17, the actual feastday, the now daylong event is held on aFriday in mid-December—a date basedon final exam schedules—and includes thebestowal of the St. John de Matha Medal,a festive lunch and caroling. “It’s some-thing that stays with a student long afterhe’s left DeMatha,” said Ponton.

Established in 2003, the St. John deMatha Medal honors a school alumnus.“The individual we choose has not onlybeen successful and supportive of theschool, but has stood by the ideals wewant our students to aspire to,” saidPonton. The award is given after an all-school Mass and prior to the instrumen-tal concert. Lunch follows and carolingensues. “Our choral director tours thehallway with his portable piano and mem-bers of the chorus sing Christmas carols,”Ponton said. “Students come out into thehall, taking a break from exam review,and Santa even puts in an appearance.”

Traditions provide students withopportunities to expand their horizons.“We are here to learn,” said Ponton, “butlearning takes place in many differentways. Traditions are one of them. Theyground students in the past and, in ourcase, open doors to the future by dem-onstrating how hard work, integrity andhonor pay dividends. They can see, first-hand, the rewarding opportunities avail-able to our graduates.”

TRADITIONS, CONTINUED FROM 3


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students use an abacus; in art, they prac-tice calligraphy; and in physical education,they do tai chi. “We’re always looking foropportunities to compare and contrast,”said Dais. “We talk in math about what itcosts to feed a family for a week in the U.S.versus China, Indonesia or the DominicanRepublic. We look at average salaries andfood costs in the countries and figure outwhere it’s easier to feed a family.”

The academy’s hybrid program is amore traditional approach to foreign lan-guage. English is used for instruction inall classes except Mandarin and Spanish.Foreign language classes meet three timesa week.

Regardless of the language being stud-ied, all academy students participate inthe school’s Global Embassy MentorsProgram. The goal is to enhance culturalunderstanding and sensitivity, and pro-vide students with opportunities to usetheir second language. Embassies—suchas those from Indonesia, Taiwan and theDominican Republic—support students ina particular grade, visiting the school eachquarter and hosting a student field trip.

Students at MIDS also visit embassiesof Spanish-speaking nations and, everyother year, have the opportunity to travelto countries such as Mexico and CostaRica. Maryland International Day Schoolhas established relationships with schoolsin these countries and hosts visits from for-eign students. “One of our goals it to makesure kids understand that Spanish is notowned by just one country,” said Donawa.To that end, the school has teachers fromseveral countries.

TeachersatMIDSuse thearts—perform-ing, fine and culinary—to further immersestudents in Spanish culture. Students learnfolk dances from Mexico and Peru, inaddition to traditional and contemporarysongs. “Listening to music helps bring thelanguage and culture to life,” said Donawa.“When we heard the music of Celia Cruz[a legendary singer known as the Queen ofSalsa], students wanted to learn more aboutCuban culture.”

Aspects of Korean culture are on dis-play at New Hope Academy in a spe-cially designed classroom that simulatesthe inside of a traditional Korean home.Featuring a varnished hardwood floor,low-level tables with floor pillows, andrice-paper windows, the room containsartifacts, such as dolls, stacks of traditionalclothing and Korean drums. The room isused for a variety of purposes. “Studentsmore fluent in the language may dress inthe clothes and do a play in Korean,” saidMorrow. “Sometimes we’ll play Koreanmusic and students will beat the drums.Other times they may sit quietly at thetables working on their studies.”

Trips to Korea—sponsored by groupssuch as Youth for Understanding andthe Foundation for Korean Language &Culture in USA—give select New HopeAcademy students an opportunity to studyabroad, according to Morrow. “Anytime astudent has an experience like this, they gaina level of cultural competency and literacy.”

That global awareness, coupled withforeign language proficiency, pays divi-dends for students. “Whether they arecompleting a college application or jobresume, being able to say that they canspeak another language catches people’sattention,” said Dais. “It not only givesstudents confidence but a leg up.”

LANGUAGE, CONTINUED FROM 5

COURTESY OF MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL DAY SCHOOL

Teachers at Maryland International Day School use an immersive approach to teach foreign language.


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