STEAM

HFCA was the first middle school program in Illinois to become STEM Certified.

"HFCA's pursuit of excellence resulted in this prestigious status! They have demonstrated a commitment to prepare students to be innovative, creative, and systemic problem solvers."
--AdvancED* Review Team

HFCA recognizes the significant role that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers will play in the workforce of the future, and has designed an innovative curriculum that has twice earned HFCA national recognition as a Catholic School for Tomorrow for Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction, a National Blue Ribbon Award and the first middle school in the State of Illinois to pass the rigorous criteria established by AdvancED and become STEM certified.

The following STEM enhancements are included in our middle school curriculum:

Introducing the engineering component to our curriculum further increases our math and science offerings in a meaningful, hands-on way.

These design-based units stress working collaboratively- the teacher is not “telling” the students what to do, but rather the students are using their knowledge to create, innovate, and make decisions to solve problems. Because of the unique aspect of these modules, students will be evaluated in a different, less traditional manner than assigning a letter grade.

Providing a foundation in engineering and economics exposes our middle school students to a variety of careers to help better position them for college readiness and the work world.

Mirroring the work environment, each STEM module will blend students from all three grades. This blending is purposeful and is designed to build leadership and communication skills, along with tolerance and compassion for others-obvious skills needed to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

Click here for a summary of the exciting new STEAM units explored during the 2023-2024 school year

Read more:
HFCA--First Middle School Program in Illinois to be STEM Certified.
HFCA Connects with the Community to Enhance Learning and Help Others
HFCA Prepares and Celebrates Future Women in STEM Careers

* Subsequent to HFCA's certification, AdvancED merged with Cognia. The Archdiocese of Chicago does not have a relationship with Cognia.

Math

HFCA is committed to a differentiated and challenging math curriculum that prepares all students to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. We aim to position middle school students to complete Algebra I and Advanced Algebra before high school. In addition, HFCA offers a new math elective, Honors Geometry to qualifying students. This course uses the same curriculum, textbook, and exams as Fremd High School.

Our math team collaborates with area public and Catholic high schools to ensure our curriculum is aligned and meets or exceeds high schools’ expectations. Building relationships with the high schools also allows HFCA’s faculty to build credibility with the next level of educators and ultimately advocate for the appropriate placement of our students in their respective high school math courses.

Read about how HFCA's students have excelled in area high school’s math competition for the past several years.

HFCA Students Learn from NASA Trained Scientist (1)