Dear Sewickley Academy Community,

 

I hope this message finds you well, filled with the warmth and joy that summer brings. As I reflect upon the remarkable achievements of the past year, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for our incredible school community. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some exciting updates with you as we eagerly look forward to the upcoming academic year.

 

Our commitment to preparing students for success extends beyond the classroom. I am honored to share that our students have gained admission to top colleges across the country. Among the prestigious institutions that the Class of 2023 will attend are Cornell, Dartmouth, Yale, Northwestern, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Howard, Colby, Tufts, and Pomona, to name just a few. These acceptances stand as a testament to the perseverance and commitment of our students and the comprehensive education that our school provides, and I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments.

 

We also recently received the good news from the College Board that our AP scores continue to exceed state and national averages. More than 86% of exams taken by SA students were awarded scores of a 3 or higher. Additionally, more than half of our AP courses showed significant increases over last year’s already strong average scores. This speaks volumes to the combined effects of increased instruction time, our dedicated and talented teachers, and our bright, highly motivated students.

 

We are thrilled that we will be offering an even wider selection of Advanced Placement courses next year. The highly anticipated additions of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Computer Science Principles increase next year’s total to 18 distinct AP courses. Our science offerings are expanding with the addition of Anatomy and Physiology, and our computer science selections continue to expand with the addition of Artificial Intelligence, Game Design, and Web Development. We are enhancing our mathematics curriculum by adding a trimester of Data Analysis to our core curriculum and offering a trimester course in Finance, and we are enriching our Global Studies program with courses including World Religions and Contemporary World Issues, in addition to establishing our Global Studies program as its own department.

 

This summer we have begun the introduction of a new initiative known as the Dean Model, which will commence critically important academic advising and college counseling as early as Grade 9. This pioneering approach, the first of its kind in our region, will ensure that our students receive comprehensive support, mentorship, and guidance throughout their Senior School journey. By starting the college preparation process earlier, we will empower our students to make well-informed decisions, explore their passions, and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

 

I cannot wait to see the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead for our students as they embark on another transformative academic year. With the right support, guidance, and opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

 

I look forward to welcoming you and your students back in the fall, filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for the exciting journey ahead.