Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education Hosts Summer Bridge Program

Over 215 Incoming Freshmen Students Will Participate

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education is hosting its Summer Bridge Program (SBP) to assist incoming freshmen prepare for high school. The SBP is an accelerated learning initiative to help students build their confidence and reach their academic potential. This year’s program has over 215 participants. 

The curriculum is taught by Archdiocesan High School teachers with a focus on reading comprehension, math, study skills, and time management. The program also provides guidance on the transition from elementary school to high school and information about the culture of each high school.

Students are invited to participate in the program based on their placement test results, TerraNova scores, and/or elementary school academic performance. The program begins at 8:00 a.m. and runs until 12:00 p.m. with 20 sessions scheduled from Wednesday, June 21 through Thursday, July 20, 2023. A break is built into each day to provide students and teachers with the ability to interact. In addition to the students’ exposure to a high school curriculum, they become familiar with the high school setting. From a social perspective, it provides incoming freshmen with an opportunity to develop a sense of community and friendship prior to the start of the school year.  

Schools participating in this year’s program are: Archbishop Ryan High School; Cardinal O’Hara High School; Father Judge High School for Boys; Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls; Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School; Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls; Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School; and West Catholic Preparatory High School.

Background on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education Summer Bridge Program

The concept for this program originated with two long-time Archdiocesan High School administrators, Father James Dalton, O.S.F.S., former Principal of Father Judge High School for Boys and current School Minister at Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School, and Dr. Joanne Walls, former Principal of Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, and current Principal of Saint George Independent Catholic School.  The SBP started in June 2016 with students attending Father Judge and Saint Hubert. It has since expanded greatly due to its success.

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Editor’s Note: For more information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/.

Contact:

Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747