Academics

Bishop Shanahan High School invites your family to discover the impact that a truly unique, faith-filled, nurturing, and dynamic learning environment can have on the intellectual, spiritual, and social development of your student. We are a community devoted to cultivating the God-given talent and potential of every single student.

Our rigorous and innovative academic curriculum, renowned fine-arts and athletics programs, and diverse offerings of cocurricular activities prepare students for success in post-secondary study, citizenship, and career. Our accomplished and dedicated faculty create dynamic learning environments driven by student-centered instruction, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Both in and out of the classroom, students find meaning and build life-long relationships rooted in Christian community and service. Most importantly, we strive to be "People of God; People for Others." At the core of all we do, this is a desire to deepen students’ relationships with God, and to empower them to be future leaders committed to Catholic values and social justice.

I invite you to take some time to explore all of the valuable resources on this website; you will find detailed information about our history and mission, innovative academic programs, and wide-array of cocurricular activities. Better yet–come and see us, and meet the people that make Bishop Shanahan such a special place for students to learn and grow; contact the admissions office today to schedule your visit!

Hope to see you soon! May God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Robert Moran, Ed.D.
Principal

Bishop Shanahan High School motivates lifelong learners through student-centered learning and a commitment to academic rigor. We look forward to helping your family learn more about the BSHS academic program. Please feel free to contact the Academic Affairs Office with any questions you may have:

Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs | Mrs. Teresa Dellicompagni
tdellicompagni@shanahan.org | ext. 6234

Course Selection

Message from Mrs. Dellicompagni

Welcome to the course selection process! This process will require a partnership between students, families, and Bishop Shanahan. I thank all families for taking the time to review all of the information available and for guiding your student with advice and supervision throughout the course selection process. Our mutual goal is to set the students up for success, make data-based decisions, and encourage students to make course selection decisions that will best suit their learning style and goals for the future. As our mission states, Bishop Shanahan will “prepare all students to be critical thinkers and moral stewards in a rapidly evolving global environment.”

For the 2023-2024 school year, we are unveiling the following new courses:

Fine Arts

Performing Arts
String Ensemble

BCIT

Behavioral Economics
Dual Enrollment with University of Delaware Entrepreneurship Experience

We are very excited to continue two innovative academic initiatives for the 2023-2024 school year: The STEM Pathways Program and The Eagle Business Academy. Both programs seek to deepen student engagement and enhance preparedness for college and career through student-centered instruction rooted in creative and collaborative problem-solving. More information about both of these programs is available in the course catalog.

We are also excited to offer an expanded repertoire of electives in the Business and Social Studies Departments. Of particular interest for rising juniors is the opportunity to take American Studies in place of their traditional ELA and history classes. The course, which requires an application, will be a double period each day, team-taught by an English teacher and a history teacher. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying the history and culture of the United States through the lens of Catholic social teaching on social justice.

Course selection will take place online via PowerSchool. Students will have access to online course selection March 13 - March 23rd; during this time, students will log into PowerSchool and select from all the courses for which they have met the necessary prerequisites. For required courses, a student’s level (College Prep/Honors/AP) is determined by current teachers’ recommendations, 1st semester grades, standardized test scores, and GPA/class rank.

Please see more information below for important information unique to each class. To expedite response on emails, please email all questions to rostering@shanahan.org.

'23 - '24 COURSE CATALOG

POWERSCHOOL

Course Selection Timeline

February 13 - February 28

Current teachers make course and level recommendations on PowerSchool

February 28

Course Selection Cafe for 9, 10, 11 grade students and parents

February 28 - March 7

Business Academy Applications due (rising sophomores)
STEM Certificate Program Applications due (rising juniors)
American Studies Applications due (rising juniors)
Dual Enrollment and AVLI Electives Applications due (rising juniors and seniors) - click here to complete the form (Due March 7th)

March 13

Online course selection opens for students on PowerSchool

March 23

Online course selection closed for students on Powerschool

End of March

Parental approval of selections via PowerSchool

If you have questions about a particular course or the AP application process, please reach out to the appropriate Department Head:

Theology | Mr. Aquilante | jaquilante@shanahan.org
ELA | Ms. Belefonte | sbelefonte@shanahan.org
Social Studies | Mrs. Ivkovich | sivkovich@shanahan.org
Fine Arts | Mr. Keating | ckeating@shanahan.org
World Language | Mrs. Smink | k smink@shanahan.org
Business and Technology | Mr. Seefeldt | r seefeldt@shanahan.org
Mathematics | Mrs. Moore | jmoore@shanahan.org
Science | Mrs. Mersereau | cmersereau@shanahan.org
Physical Education | Mr. Kauffmann | rkauffmann@shanahan.org

New Courses for 2023 - 2024

UDel Dual Enrollment

Grade: 12
Credit 1 (One Semester Dual Enrollment Course)
Level: Honors Dual Enrollment
Prerequisite: Department Approval
Click here to complete the form - Due March 7th

The “EntreX Lab Delaware” program utilizes curriculum developed for ENTR101:Entrepreneurship Experience, a 3-credit University of Delaware course, which is described in the 2023-24 undergraduate course catalog as follows:

The course utilizes best practices for entrepreneurship education, which include learning by doing, reflecting on experiences and emphasizing an evidence-based entrepreneurship process, to provide students with a strong foundation of entrepreneurship-related knowledge, skills and experiences. The relevance and value of an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset in all organizational contexts, including startups, established companies and social ventures, is also emphasized.

Price - $500 per student paid to University of Delaware for Dual Enrollment This course will become a part of the Business Academy Capstone for the 2024-2025 School year. This year it is being offered as a Second Semester Course.

Performing Arts

Grades: 9,10, 11, 12
Level: Honors
Prerequisite: Department Approval
Credits: 1

This course is designed to enhance a student’s performing ability both individually and as a member of an ensemble, as well as help the individual’s growth in both confidence and self-awareness in presenting/performing. Students in this class will learn basic acting, and singing through individual and group instruction. Students will gain personal experience through improvisation, monologues, 38 scenes, choral work, and playwriting. Participation is required in either the Fall Musical or the Spring Play.

Recently Added Courses

BUSINESS CAPSTONE PROJECT

Seminar Required for all Grade 12 Business Academy Participants. This first semester-long seminar course is designed to allow students in the Business Academy to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned through their participation in the Program. Students will identify real-world problems, develop related research question(s), design and conduct business plans. Through Guest Lectures and working with mentors and on the job related fields, students will rely on critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills to design and implement a research paper, group project and service program.

AMERICAN STUDIES

Rising juniors will have the opportunity to take a brand new course next year called "American Studies." This course would be in place of your regular ELA and history classes. It will be a double period each day team-taught by an English teacher and a history teacher. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying the history and culture of the United States through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching on social justice. It is open to students in both CP and honors, but space is limited, and you must apply for acceptance. Be aware that it will require a significant amount of reading and writing. If you would like to apply, please complete the application no later than Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

This is a half-year elective course which explores the cultural, political and social history of African Americans from the Middle Passage through contemporary American life. Through this course students will develop a deeper understanding of the intricate ways in which African Americans have influenced and shaped the history and culture of the United States. In this course, students will examine the historical approaches to understanding the experiences and contributions of African Americans in the United States.

CASE STUDIES IN CIVIL RIGHTS

This half year guided seminar course invites the students to explore landmark Supreme Court civil rights cases from their historical roots through their contemporary impact. Students will work individually and in groups to research specific cases impacting various minority and historically marginalized groups including Native Americans, women, immigrants, African Americans, people with disabilities, followers of specific religious beliefs, among others. A variety of presentation styles including debate, oral and written presentations, as well as Socratic seminar will be used. This course requires that the student is able to identify areas of specific interest within the topic list, work independently and collaboratively, as well as actively respond in large and small group discussions.

SPEAK TO LEAD
(PUBLIC SPEAKING)

This course will focus on developing all aspects of rhetoric and oratory so that students become engaging, persuasive, and competent public speakers. Students will delve into different types of public speaking such as persuasive and informative speaking, business presentations, and radio and TV announcing. Students will practice making a variety of formal and informal speeches both individually and with a team, using multimedia resources. Basic workplace etiquette will also be discussed and addressed at various stages throughout the course. This course will increase students’ comfort level when speaking in front of a group and improve daily communication and interactive skills (skills they will need the rest of their academic and professional careers) which employers currently rate as the most desired job skill.

STEM CAPSTONE
PROJECT SEMINAR

This year-long seminar course is designed to allow students in the STEM Certificate Program to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned through participation in the STEM Pathways Program. Students will identify a real-world problem, develop related research question(s), design and conduct research, analyze results, report findings, and if applicable, design a physical solution to the problem. Working with a mentor currently in a STEM related field, students will rely on critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills to design and implement their project. They will present their final project to a panel of Shanahan faculty and STEM professionals.

Important Information for Rising Sophomores

To expedite response on emails please email all questions to rostering@shanahan.org.

All sophomores are required to take 7 credits.

Theology (1 credit)
ELA (1 credit)
Social Studies (1 credit)
Math (1 credit)
Science (1 credit)
World Language or Academic Strategies (1 credit)
Health/PE, Band/Choir, or Business Academy (1 credit)

What is the Eagle Business Academy?

The Eagle Business Academy is an academic pathway which empowers rising students to begin studying business and entrepreneurship during their sophomore year. Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a Business Academy Certificate. Requirements include 1 credit of Business Academy electives per year, participation in DECA (business club), attendance at Business Academy Speaker series events, and the completion of a senior year capstone project. Interested students must complete this application form by March 7, 2023.

Important Information for Rising Juniors

To expedite response on emails please email all questions to rostering@shanahan.org

All juniors must take at least 6 credits, but are strongly encouraged to take 7 credits:

Theology (1 credit) Option to apply for Faith in Action 1 - application found here
ELA or American Studies (1 credit)
US History or American Studies (1 credit) (application found here)
Math (1 credit)
Science (1 credit)
Electives (2 credits):
- For most students this will include 1 credit of a World Language
- Some electives are semester classes (.5 credits). If you select a 1st semester elective, you must also select a 2nd semester elective.

Juniors are invited to apply for the STEM Certificate Program:

The STEM Certificate Program represents a substantial commitment, and is designed for students who have a strong desire to do and study STEM in the future.
Students who successfully complete the STEM Certificate Program will graduate Bishop Shanahan with an official certificate denoting their participation in the program, and that they have displayed advanced proficiency in STEM.
Requirements of the STEM Certificate Program
- 4 years of Math and Science
- 2 credits in STEM Electives
- Attendance at all STEM Certificate Events (Speaker Series, field trips, etc.)
- Active membership on the STEM Team or Science Research Club
- Senior STEM Capstone Project
Applications for the STEM Certificate Program are due Tuesday, March 7th.

Rising juniors will have the opportunity to take "American Studies."

This course would be in place of your regular ELA and history classes. It will be a double period each day team-taught by an English teacher and a history teacher.
It takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying the history and culture of the United States through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching on social justice.
It is open to students in both CP and honors, but space is limited, and you must apply for acceptance. Be aware that it will require a significant amount of reading and writing.
If you would like to apply, please complete the application no later than Tuesday, March 7,2023

Important Information for Rising Seniors

To expedite response on emails please email all questions to rostering@shanahan.org
All seniors must take at least six (6) credits; you are encouraged to take seven (7).
All 12th graders are required to take Theology 4 (or Faith in Action II) and ELA 4.
Faith in Action Application here
That leaves you with 5 spaces to fill with electives.
For most of you, that will include a social studies course, a math course, and a science course.
You may also choose to take another year of a world language or academic strategies.
You are also free to choose from among the many electives we offer here at Shanahan.
If you choose a 1st semester elective, YOU MUST ALSO CHOOSE A CORRESPONDING 2ND SEMESTER COURSE.
If you are interested in TCHS, Allied Health, or Teacher Academy, contact Mrs. Saggers at bsaggers@shanahan.org