Student Preparation & Success is The Goal

Classroom learning is key--
St. Philip Catholic Central High School students have the highest standardized test scores in the area, ranking first among all schools in Battle Creek in Michigan Merit Exam scores.

The Challenge

Nearly all St. Philip students go on to college.

“We’ve challenged ourselves to say it’s not enough. We also want to best prepare students for college and career success. What do students need to know, do and understand to be ready for life in and after high school? Real-world experience!”

St. Philip High School Principal Kathy Grosso.

The Solution

At St. Philip, we’ve researched the issue, visited other schools around the nation, worked with educators, students and local business leaders, and we’ve come up with an integrated plan to deliver real-world experience to our students.

Four-year student development program that culminates in an internship experience like no other in our area.

We link what our students learn in the classroom with what they’ll see and use later in college and career.

At St. Philip High School, every senior student will identify a career interest, work with a business partner and explore the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. The school will help guide the student throughout, asking questions about likes, dislikes, challenges and successes. The school will also help the student identify what types of college programs and classes are best suited for a particular career interest, and work with the business partner to make the experience the most academically relevant and challenging for the student.

Katelyn Lewis Intern, Kellogg Company, Health Promotions Specialist area; seen here with Mentors Dave Tanis and Tonya Collins at Internship/Business Partner Luncheon, May 2008

“Early in my senior year, I knew that I was going to go to Olivet College and study Communications. Going to Kellogg’s as an intern and working in the Health Promotions area has flipped me all around. Now I know exactly what I want to do. I even was offered a job at Kellogg’s as a result of my internship. It really was the best thing to happen to me my senior year.”

Our Unique Four Year Plan

After two years of research, discussion and problem solving, St. Philip High School developed an integrated program for students.

Core subjects of theology, math, science, English, reading, writing and social studies will always be at the forefront of a St. Philip education. But, there’s also so much more.

Learning for Today and Tomorrow

“Our students link classroom learning
with real-world skills and experiences.”

Adam Dingwall, Student Services and Internship Coordinator

Result? Students ready for success in high school and beyond.

All students are exposed to a wide range of professions through regularly scheduled Career Exploration Lunches.
Business professionals talk with students about

how to choose a career
what post-high school classes to take
what major they declared in college
what a typical day at work includes

The idea? Broaden students overall awareness of career options and how to achieve them.

4-Year Program Highlights

Freshman Forum
Students identify personal strengths, challenges, accomplishments and goals for the future through various tests and exercises.

Sophomore Seminar
Students actively review goals, take the ACT PLAN test and discuss identified career strengths; seminar on resume writing.

Junior Workshop
Students discuss successful strategies for ACT/Michigan Merit Exam and SAT test; mock business interviews with local employers; job shadow for half-day in a career area of interest.

Senior Success
First Semester - Students identify future study/career interests; research local businesses; refresh resume and Student Profile; and identify potential internship partners.

Second Semester - Senior Internship--students partner with local businesses for real-world, hands-on experience; set goals and objectives; develop in-depth presentation at completion

“I know the senior internships are extremely beneficial. They help to influence our decisions on college and career choices. I talked with a number of people who already have high-level jobs in my chosen area and they gave me guidance about what types of classes I should take in college. Based on their recommendations, I will be taking more business classes in college to help me on my path to sports management.”

Student Georgette Newman, intern with Western Michigan University Athletics Department, seen here with Business Partners Kelly Schenk, left, and Sean McHugh, right.

St. Philip High School Students:
Best Prepared For College And Career Success