 |
Faith
Rooted in the principles of the Catholic faith, Archbishop Spalding is committed to the development of the whole person both intellectually and spiritually. With a day-to-day focus on offering every student a faith-based education,courses in religious studies and participation in community service are our top priorities. An education in Gospel values is integral to the tradition of a Spalding education.
From lively debates during religious studies classes to the small group discussions on Senior retreat to serving meals at an inner city soup kitchen, the importance of spiritual life at Spalding is evident in all that we do. This spirit is fostered through a vibrant Campus Ministry program that offers students the opportunity to actively participate in the planning of school-wide liturgies, prayer services, and community outreach projects.
As a Catholic college- preparatory secondary school, Archbishop Spalding High School is committed to challenging our students to grow spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. The school community provides a caring environment that affirms the dignity of the individual and promotes learning.
Campus
In May 2003, the school acquired the adjacent Upton farm property, enlarging the school's campus to a 52-acre site. The additional property insures the school's future and its ability to accommodate the academic, athletic, and extra-curricular needs of our current and future students. Our tradition of providing quality Catholic education to our students will continue far into this new century.
The current building houses 47 academic classrooms, including four science labs that were recently renovated with state-of-the-art case work and new equipment. The school's Library Media Center houses approximately 14,000 volumes, and offers students access to 22 desktop computers for research. With a focus on integrating technology within the academic program, the main classroom wing is networked as a wireless environment, allowing faculty and students to have immediate access to the worldwide web of information. All classrooms are equipped with closed circuit systems and access to video and computer projection units that allow for enhanced visual presentations.
The Archbishop Spalding auditorium, with seating capacity for 1,200, is home to the school's well-known theater and music productions. The auditorium serves as the central location for school-wide assemblies and liturgies. The school also has a chapel, which students, parents and faculty utilize for quiet reflection, personal meditation, prayer services and group liturgies. One area of the campus that is recognized as a privileged tradition is the Senior Garden, an outdoor area where only Senior students may go during their lunch.
Archbishop Spalding presently has five playing fields. Plans are now underway to build additional playing fields and parking. A new Academic and Athletic Center that will house eight new classrooms and a new gymnasium with seating capacity for 1,100 is slated for completion by 2005. This new facility will also have a state-of-the-art weight training center, new locker rooms and a concession area with indoor and outdoor access. The current gymnasium will remain as a secondary athletic facility.
With the presence of a school Chaplain and a Director of Campus Ministry, students are given the time and attention to discuss their personal faith, address social issues, receive spiritual counseling and embrace their future life goals.
Each year students participate in a retreat program designed specifically for the grade level. New Students are welcomed into the Spalding community at the beginning of their Freshman year with a day-long retreat and class social activities during their orientation. The treat program for the Sophomore class involves a day of service, and Junior students take part in a one-day off-campus retreat. A Spalding tradition, the Senior retreat experience is held as a three-day and two-night stay at the Monsignor O'Dwyer Retreat House in Sparks, Maryland.
Community service and outreach are commitments fulfilled by every student who graduates from Archbishop Spalding. Each graduating Senior at Spalding is required to complete 45 hours of volunteer community service. The community service requirement is intended to reinforce the Christian call to a life service to others.
|
