Advanced Learners and AP

Occasionally, a student has reached an advanced level of achievement in a given subject beyond that which is typically offered at his/her current grade level. In these cases, the Division Head works together with the parents to provide an appropriate curriculum for the student.

Sometimes the decision is to have the student attend class for a given subject at a higher grade level, whenever this can be accommodated in the student’s schedule. Sometimes a special class can be formed for several students with similar needs. Other times a student may take an independent study course with a faculty member.

Guided by the School’s philosophy of nurturing the whole child — addressing physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs — each decision is thoughtfully tailored to meet the specific developmental and academic needs of students in each Division.

Students participate in a variety of competitive opportunities regionally, statewide and nationally. Among them are the following:

• National Merit Scholarship
• Academic World Quest of the Palm Beaches
• Fourth and Fifth National Current Events League
• Continental Math League
• Mu Alpha Theta Math Competitions
• National Spanish Exam

• Florida State Spanish Conference

• Global Seal of Biliteracy

• Indian River Lagoon Envirothon
• Florida Envirothon 
• HOSA
• All-State Chorus
• All-State Band
• Solo and Ensemble for Choir 
• Regional and State Science and Engineering Fairs
• Scripps Howard Regional Bee
• Four County Honor Band
• Thespian State and District Competitions

The Cum Laude Society
Membership in the Cum Laude Society is granted to those comprising the top percentage of the class. 

Mu Alpha Theta
Our Mu Alpha Theta is a chapter of the National Mu Alpha Theta Organization dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing scholarship in the subject and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics among high school students. 

National Art Honor Society
NAHS honors art students with outstanding artistic ability, good character and a commitment to art. Our School's Chapter includes Visual Art students in good standing with at least two years of Upper School Visual Arts classes and/or approved at the sponsor’s discretion. Participating students get to compete in the following competitions: The Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, The National Art Honor Society's Online Exhibition and Mike Haridopolos' Congressional Art Exhibit. 

National Merit Scholarship Program
Over the past thirty-six years, 79 Saint Edward’s students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists, and 117 have received the Commended Scholar designation. 

Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica-Nuestra América Chapter
Each year, high-achieving language students are inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, a national honor society that recognizes students' high academic achievement in the study of the Spanish language. The society promotes interest in Hispanic cultures and service to the community.

Tri-M Music Honor Society
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), which focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy. Tri-M also provides students with leadership opportunities to make a difference in their community through music-based service projects.

International Thespian Society
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is the only theatre honor society for middle and high school students in the United States. ITS recognizes, rewards and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre – performance and production. Each student is honored on a national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school.

The Advanced Studies Program (ASP) offers highly motivated and intellectually curious students the opportunity to pursue independent research alongside a rigorous schedule of honors and AP courses. Students apply in the Spring term of their junior year and are selected based on standardized test scores (top 10%), GPA (3.5 or higher), recommendations from the college counseling department and a personal essay.

ASP projects require a formal presentation in the fall of senior year before a panel of faculty and outside consultants. Projects must demonstrate substantial academic research. If the panel identifies any deficiencies in research, presentation, or documentation, students must address them and schedule a follow-up review to earn the Advanced Studies distinction at graduation. All participating colleges are notified of student involvement in the ASP, and students earn 0.5 honors credit for completing their project.

In special cases, students may pursue an independent course of study not offered in the current curriculum. Designed to complement a student’s regular coursework, this additional course allows students to explore a topic in depth with the guidance of a faculty advisor. The advisor helps define objectives, oversees progress and evaluates the final project.

Students interested in independent study should consult with their academic counselor during spring scheduling of the prior year. A successful project requires careful planning and commitment. After an initial discussion, the student and advisor submit a detailed proposal — including scope, timeline and evaluation method — to the Independent Study Committee, which includes the Director of College Counseling, Academic Dean and relevant Department Chair.