Whole-Person Education

INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION

While grounded in its 130-year tradition, DSHA is committed to a progressive, innovative, and departmentally integrated approach to education. Highly intentional about all aspects of the DSHA experience, the school recognizes the imperative to combine strong academics and superb college preparation with a deliberate and successful commitment to the development of the whole person.

The result is a school-wide commitment to grounding students in an understanding of and ability to manage their own whole-person wellness – intellectual, spiritual, physical, and mental/social/emotional during high school years and beyond. Woven into curriculum, structure of schedule, and co-curricular programming, this approach promises a life-long impact on the formation of each student.

AREAS OF WHOLE-PERSON FOCUS:

COLLEGE-PREP ACADEMICS

From the rigorous academic curriculum and schedule suited to optimal learning, to the ALPHA Center and electives where students get to explore their passions, the DSHA academic environment is structured to prepare students for the college experience.

FAITH FORMATION

Whether planning for an all-school Mass in the Campus Ministry Center or leading peers in a small group on retreat, serving through VOCARE or taking a Wellness hour to pray, DSHA offers a variety of integrated options for spiritual growth.

APPLIED WELLNESS

The intention of the Applied Wellness Program is to allow students to explore their self advocacy and personal accountability through the process of assessment, choice, engagement, and reflection. This experiential program offers students a variety of wellness experiences, allowing them to learn more about themselves and grow within their own wellness journeys.

CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT

With the implementation of Dasher Time, students have deliberate, built-in opportunities to explore their passions through participation in a wide range of clubs, activities and student groups – during the school day. Students work together and serve one another through these offerings, benefiting from collaboration across a variety of disciplines – from robotics and social justice, to ministry opportunities and forensics.

MENTAL, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

With access to counselors – without missing class time – students are given more specific opportunities for growth in the Qualities of a DSHA Graduate, while Freshmen Seminar equips girls to make the most of their time at DSHA. In addition, Student Services distinguishes College Advising from School Counseling, so counselors are free to focus on the individual needs of each student.

An All-Inclusive School Day

At DSHA, an innovative weekly schedule will allow you a structured environment to prioritize your own overall wellness as you grow in all areas of who you are. In addition to your academic courses, there are opportunities built into each week to help students transition into the college-prep environment in a healthy manner. This includes set times throughout the week to participate in faith formation and co-curricular activities; opportunities to meet with a teacher or counselor; and designated hours for applied wellness.