Academics
at Holy Cross Lutheran SchoolOur School’s Mission & Vision
Christian Faith and Challenging Academics
The mission of Holy Cross Lutheran School is to provide a Christ-centered, nurturing ministry for children and their families, with an emphasis on academic excellence.
Academics
The curriculum at Holy Cross Lutheran School is challenging, yet flexible, and designed to meet or exceed the standards set by the State of Indiana. Our teachers are dedicated to providing excellence in an atmosphere of personal warmth and Christian love, recognizing the individuality of each child and nurturing a positive self-concept.
Preschool
Ages 2-5
Kindergarten
Elementary
Grades 1-5
Middle School
Grades 6-8
Accreditation
Holy Cross Lutheran School is accredited through the Indiana Department of Education and through the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA). NLSA is a rigorous national accrediting process designed to evaluate schools based on their unique purpose as Lutheran schools. It helps schools evaluate not only the quality of the academics and programs, but also most importantly the spiritual dimension of the school. The “Standards for Lutheran Schools” and report forms are similar to those used by other accrediting agencies, both secular and religious.
Standardized Testing
Holy Cross Lutheran School administers the ISTEP+ test for students beginning in the third grade. In addition, Holy Cross has partnered with the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) for our student assessments. Students at Holy Cross take tests called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). These tests are state-aligned, and are used to determine the instructional level of students, to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and to measure growth from year to year. Students in Kindergarten and First Grade take tests in the areas of Reading and Math. Students in Second Grade and above take tests in the areas of Language, Reading, Math and Science. All of the tests are taken on a computer. MAP tests are similar to standardized testing such as ISTEP, CAT, etc., however, they are unique in that they adapt to the student’s ability, accurately measuring what a child knows and what a child needs to learn. The tests measure academic growth over time, independent of grade level or age. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
High-Ability Program
Holy Cross is committed to meet the needs of high-ability students whose performance is consistent with nationally-recognized criteria for giftedness. We provide them with advanced experiences beyond grade-level curriculum through acceleration and/or enrichment of the curriculum.
We Are Social
Holy Cross Lutheran School
8115 Oaklandon Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46236
317.826.1234
High Ability Program at Holy Cross Lutheran School
Holy Cross is committed to meet the needs of high ability students whose performance is consistent with nationally-recognized criteria for giftedness. We provide them with advanced experiences beyond grade-level curriculum through acceleration and/or enrichment of the curriculum.
High Ability students perform at or show the potential for performing at an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain (areas of aptitude and talent) compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interest.
Cluster Model
Cluster grouping is when gifted and talented and/or high-achieving students are identified as being within the top five percent and placed in a standard, mixed-ability (heterogeneous) classroom within their grade. Groupings of three to six or five to eight are typical cluster groups. If there are more than eight to ten students meeting the necessary criteria, another cluster group is typically formed and placed in a different class.
Advantages of Clustering
Grouping all gifted children in a regular classroom provides:
- Social, emotional, and academic advantages to students.
- Inclusive spaces.
- Gifted students often feel more comfortable among students with similar abilities.
- Cluster groupings help facilitate this comfort level by increasing the number of high achieving students within one class.
Cluster Model
Cluster grouping is when gifted and talented and/or high-achieving students are identified as being within the top five percent and placed in a standard, mixed-ability (heterogeneous) classroom within their grade. Groupings of three to six or five to eight are typical cluster groups. If there are more than eight to ten students meeting the necessary criteria, another cluster group is typically formed and placed in a different class.
Advantages of Clustering
Grouping all gifted children in a regular classroom provides:
- Social, emotional, and academic advantages to students.
- Inclusive spaces.
- Gifted students often feel more comfortable among students with similar abilities.
- Cluster groupings help facilitate this comfort level by increasing the number of high achieving students within one class.
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