Academics

The Kellenberg Memorial Course of Studies stands as a testament to the school's commitment to forming students of exceptional intellect and character. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition and distinguished by academic rigor, our curriculum prepares graduates to thrive at the most selective colleges and universities while embracing lives marked by VIRTUE. LEADERSHIP. SERVICE.

Areas of Study

Art

The Art Department seeks to provide some of the fundamentals of art and to expose students to a wide range of artists and their works, via art history and the studio experience. All sixth-grade students take Art 6 and all eighth-grade students take Art 8. All seniors will take Art 12. Seniors are offered an optional full credit course entitled, Art Portfolio Preparation, to better train them and gain additional material for their college-entrance portfolio. Seniors who take this course must successfully complete it in order to graduate.

College Test & Application Prep Course

All juniors are scheduled for a college preparatory course as part of their regular school day. The students are helped to prepare for both the ACT and SAT exams by becoming familiar with the types of questions contained in the various sections and learning the most successful approaches to each. Time during the course is also dedicated to the beginnings of the college selection and application processes. No academic credit is awarded for this course.

Computers & Tech

Computer Education offers Using Tech Tools and Horizons & Technology: each is a one year, half credit program for freshman and sophomore students. Generally the courses focus on acclimating students to purposeful use of social and educational technology in order to supplement their academic coursework in other subjects, including some digital SAT and ACT preparation. In the senior year, students may opt for one of three elective computer courses: Advanced Computer Applications, Computer Science, and Digital Media. All seventh-grade students take Computer 7, which meets once each cycle.

English

The English Program combines the study of literature with developmental instruction and exercise in composition, grammar, vocabulary, and reading. Classroom discussion of reading assignments covers the major aspects of American English and World Literature. All sixth-grade students take reading. The writing program exists within the English courses for grades 6-12. In addition, we offer a half-unit course called The Writing Lab and a full-unit course called College Writing which gives particular attention to writing instruction, construction, and output in the freshman and senior years.

Health

The Health Education course is taught during the sophomore year. The course is designed to present students with the information, skills, and resources to achieve optimal physical and mental health and maintain a high standard of health throughout their lives. For seventh-grade students, a health class is taught once per cycle as part of the Physical Education course.

History

Latin School students take three years of history. Courses for the High School include a year of World History, a year of European History, and a two-year course in American History, which includes Economics in the senior year. Students also examine the Constitution, current events, and contemporary trends in the context of political, economic, and social history.

Mathematics

After completing Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2/Trigonometry, students can apply to take courses in advanced math pathways based on their interests, abilities, and future goals. Course options include Academic or Honors Precalculus, Foundations of Calculus, Calculus 1 Honors, Calculus 2 Honors (for students who have completed Calculus 1), and Statistics and Finance. These pathways provide opportunities to prepare for STEM fields, strengthen mathematical foundations, or explore real-world applications of mathematics.

Music

An Introduction to Music course is given to all students during their junior year. This course presents the historical development of music and includes biographies of master composers, their principal works, and their contributions to the advancement of musical composition. All seventh-grade students take Music 7, which presents the fundamentals of music theory.

Students may choose to perform in Chorus, Band, or Orchestra. Interested students should arrange an audition with the appropriate director. During the senior year, students may elect to take a Music Theory class. In this class, students will explore the fundamentals of music composition, harmony, melody, rhythm, form, and structure.

Physical Education

All students are required to take six years of physical education for grades 6-11. Juniors on an athletic team are exempt from physical education class for the trimester of that athletic season. The activities of the program for the six years include but are not limited to physical fitness testing, body conditioning and circuit training, weight training, aerobics, yoga, gymnastics, badminton, softball, basketball, team handball, lacrosse, soccer, flag football, volleyball, wrestling, archery, floor hockey, pickleball, and adventure games.

Religion

The goal of the Religion Department is to capture the vitality of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and present it to our students throughout their Kellenberg Memorial experience. Our goal is for our students to know Christ, to understand the Roman Catholic tradition, and to enable them to articulate their faith. Our seven-year Christocentric program focuses on Scripture, the person of Jesus, the lives of the saints, the Seven Sacraments, Christian Morality using St. John Paul’s Theology of the Body, and apologetics using the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We adhere to the Marian teachings of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, who encouraged us to create missionary disciples who will be the “Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World.”

Science

Latin School students take Life Science in the sixth grade, Physical Science in the seventh grade, and Earth Science in the eighth grade. Students in grades 9 – 12 are required to study four years of science. Students take Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and an elective in their senior year. Electives for seniors include Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, Astronomy, Forensics, Sports Medicine, Geology, and Engineering. The goal of the science program is to develop and encourage an appreciation and an understanding of significant natural occurrences, facts, and events in our human experience.

Senior Seminars

At the conclusion of the senior year, seminars are offered to seniors in Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Introduction to Law and Criminal Justice, and Economics. These seminars are designed to bridge the gap between the high school and college experience of introductory level courses in these fields. The seminars are offered for one to three hours per day two to three days per week throughout late May and June. It is the intention of these seminars to ease the transition to collegiate studies for those seniors who choose to avail themselves of this opportunity.

World Languages

Students in the Latin School study Latin in grades 7 and 8. The High School offers a four-year program of studies in French, Latin, and Spanish for grades 9 – 12. High school students in the Honors Program study World Language for four years, while students in the Academic Program study World Language for three years.

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Academic Clubs

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STEM Course Offerings

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Math & Science Electives

Kellenberg Memorial’s Math and Science electives offer students the opportunity to extend their STEM education through advanced coursework, research, and hands-on learning. Designed to foster analytical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry, these courses help students deepen their knowledge, develop technical skills, and prepare for future study and careers in STEM fields.

Math

After completing Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2/Trigonometry, students can apply to take courses in advanced math pathways based on their interests, abilities, and future goals. Course options include Academic or Honors Precalculus, Foundations of Calculus, Calculus 1 Honors, Calculus 2 Honors (for students who have completed Calculus 1), and Statistics and Finance. These pathways provide opportunities to prepare for STEM fields, strengthen mathematical foundations, or explore real-world applications of mathematics.

Astronomy

Explore the wonders of the universe in this engaging, inquiry-based astronomy course. Students investigate the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life while learning to identify constellations and analyze the motions of celestial objects through hands-on experiences in the planetarium and nighttime observatory labs. Dual college credit is available, providing an opportunity to earn college credit while discovering the science behind the night sky.

Explore the wonders of the universe in this engaging, inquiry-based astronomy course. Students investigate the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life while learning to identify constellations and analyze the motions of celestial objects through hands-on experiences in the planetarium and nighttime observatory labs. Dual college credit is available, providing an opportunity to earn college credit while discovering the science behind the night sky. 

Engineering

Designed for juniors and seniors, this hands-on STEM course immerses students in authentic engineering challenges using industry-standard tools, including MATLAB and Arduino. Through project-based learning, students develop skills in programming, engineering design, problem-solving, and technical communication while tackling real-world applications. Modeled after a first-year college engineering curriculum, the course also offers the opportunity to earn dual college credit.

Environmental Studies

Explore today’s most pressing environmental challenges through a hands-on, science-based approach. Students investigate topics such as climate change, sustainability, energy, pollution, and resource management while building skills in data analysis, technology, and scientific inquiry. Dual college credit is available for this course. 

Forensics

Discover how science helps solve crimes in this engaging, hands-on forensic science course. Students explore the techniques used to analyze biological, trace, impression, and ballistic evidence while learning how scientific principles support criminal investigations and the legal system. Through laboratory investigations, students gain practical experience applying biology, chemistry, and physics to real-world forensic cases.

Geology

Explore the dynamic processes that have shaped Earth through the study of geology. Students investigate topics such as rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, and Earth’s history through engaging lectures and hands-on laboratory experiences. Dual college credit is available for this course.

Health Sciences

Designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions, this course provides a strong foundation in Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Science. Students gain early exposure to essential concepts that prepare them for undergraduate study and future careers in a wide range of allied health fields.

Sports Medicine

Ideal for students interested in athletic training, physical therapy, and sports medicine, this year-long course introduces the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Through classroom instruction and hands-on lab experiences, students develop foundational knowledge and practical skills while exploring careers in sports medicine. Dual college credit is available for this course.

Senior Electives

The senior schedule permits students to replace up to two study halls with additional half-credit elective courses. Seven elective courses are available to seniors: Advanced Computer Applications, Art Portfolio Preparation, Computer Science, Digital Media, International Studies, Music Theory, and Science Research and Inquiry. Participation in a senior elective is not required; however, enrollment constitutes a full-year commitment. Students who elect to take one of these courses are required to remain enrolled for the duration of the academic year and may not withdraw after the course has commenced.

Advanced Computer Applications

Build the technology skills essential for college and career success in this practical, hands-on course. Students develop proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Apps, create a professional résumé, and learn valuable tools for research, organization, and productivity. This course is ideal for students looking to strengthen their digital skills and prepare for future academic and professional opportunities.

Art Portfolio Preparation

Designed for serious art students, Art Portfolio Prep provides an advanced opportunity to refine artistic skills, explore diverse media, and expand creative expression. Students develop a strong portfolio of work while preparing for college-level art programs and exploring their potential as artists. College credit may be available for this course.

Computer Science

Explore the fundamentals of computer science through hands-on programming and technology applications. Students learn Python, develop individual coding projects, and gain an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, and problem-solving techniques. No prior programming experience is required, making this course an excellent foundation for students interested in computer science, engineering, and information technology.

Digital Media

Unleash your creativity through the power of digital design in this hands-on Digital Media course. Students develop skills using industry-standard Adobe Creative Suite tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, to create professional-quality digital and print projects. Through project-based learning, students explore graphic design, layout, and visual communication skills essential for today’s creative industries.

International Studies

Explore the complex forces shaping our interconnected world in this engaging International Studies course. Students examine global politics, religions, cultures, human rights, and current events while studying the role of organizations such as the United Nations in addressing worldwide challenges. Through country studies, discussions, and debates, students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of global issues while earning the opportunity for college credit.

Music Theory

Discover the building blocks behind the music you perform, create, and enjoy in this engaging Music Theory course. Students explore the fundamentals of notation, rhythm, melody, harmony, and composition while developing a deeper understanding of musical structure and expression. This course provides a strong foundation for future musicians and prepares students for college-level music study.

Science Research & Inquiry

Challenge yourself to design, build, and innovate in this hands-on engineering and research course. Students develop independent research skills and technical expertise through projects such as balsa structures, flight vehicles, cars, and trajectory-based designs. Emphasizing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, the course provides opportunities to apply STEM concepts through real-world construction challenges and competitions.