The mission of Cardinal Newman High School is to educate the whole person, spirit, mind, and body, and to help all students develop their God-given talents according to the gospel values of Jesus Christ. The school provides a Catholic-Christian Community in which students learn self-fulfillment through Catholic teachings, retreats, liturgies, and para-liturgical experiences. In addition, the school strives to provide academic, religious, extracurricular, athletic, and community service programs in order to form individuals who accept leadership, are academically inquisitive, spiritually alert, and physically sound. The school is dedicated to discovering each student’s unique talents and to prepare each student intellectually to make mature decisions about his or her future.
Notable Academics and Extracurriculars
In addition to rigorous Honors and Advanced Placement courses, Cardinal Newman High School also offers the International Baccalaureate Program. The I.B. Diploma Program, with its three subjects at higher level and three at standard level, requires all participants to engage in the study of languages, sciences, mathematics, and humanities until the completion of their secondary schooling. The intent is that students will learn how to learn, how to reach considered conclusions about man, his languages and literature, his ways in society and the scientific forces of his environment. This critical reflection is intended to extend also to the larger issue of international awareness.
During the 2019 school year, the high school was proud of its 100% graduation rate, with the class of 2019 earning over 8.5 million dollars in scholarships. The class of 2018 was pleased to have one student enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, one student recognized for the National Hispanic Scholar for Excellence in Academic Achievement, one student be the National Commended Student, three students recognized as A.P. Scholars and one student recognized as an A.P. Scholar with Honors.
Notable athletic accomplishments include 2008 graduate, Brooks Koepka, making golf history with his latest win on the P.G.A. Tour as the W.G.C. FedEx Champion. John C. Collins was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and is making a name for himself on the basketball court.
Individualized Attention Tailored to Each Student
Flextime is an initiative that has been introduced to the students’ schedule in the last few years. Flextime is a 30-minute period after lunch that allows students to see a teacher for academic assistance, catch up on homework, study for an afternoon class or just take a break. It was well received, and similar initiatives will be introduced to see what works best for the students and faculty. This year, once a week, the school will have an Advisory Period instead of Flextime. The Advisory Period will be used to build stronger relationships between students and faculty, provide academic mentoring, focused topics for discussion groups, as well as class and group activities.
Fostering of Spiritual Growth in Faculty and Students
Students and faculty have opportunities to attend Mass in the Chapel, spend time with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, attend the Stations of the Cross, pray after school in our rosary garden, as well as participate in and lead Emmaus and class retreats. The Campus Ministry team provides training for students to be Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Altar Servers. The Chapel is the center of spiritual growth for Cardinal Newman students. At the beginning of each year, classes visit the Chapel and have the opportunity to write and leave a prayer request.
Last year, the students and Campus Ministry team started a new Youth Group, offering student the chance to grow and share in their faith. Students also practice their faith publicly by going to the Palm Beach County Courthouse with Bishop Barbarito in January to pray for an end to abortion. Students participate in the Knights of Columbus Poster and Essay Contest each year, as well as in Catholic Days at the Capitol, where they have the opportunity to speak with legislators about pending legislation important to the Catholic faith.
Initiatives in Support of a Wholistic Education
Service to our community is an important part of the Cardinal Newman High School mission. Every year, the Fine Arts students perform throughout the community, including the “Dance with Seniors” at Noreen McKeen Assisted Living. Other activities include St. Jude’s Walk, Habitat for Humanity, beach cleanups, St. Mary’s Children Hospital, and much more. Quarterly, the school features a student who is a “Community Service Superstar” on the website. The faculty also give back each year by preparing dinners for families staying at the Quantum House and preparing Baskets of Love for area nursing homes on Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Students are very active in leadership opportunities outside of Cardinal Newman. Over the last several years, they have been selected for Palm Beach County’s G.R.O.W. Leadership program, Student A.C.E.S., and the Mayor’s Council.
Why Cardinal Newman High School is Something Greater
Cardinal John Henry Newman was recently canonized a saint, and so to celebrate this momentous occasion the school has placed a quote by him in the library that encompasses why the high school is Something Greater.
“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” -Saint John Henry Newman
