Partnership with UD

Beginning with the upcoming academic year, Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School will embark on a long term and wide-ranging partnership with the University of Dallas, a leading Catholic university, nationally recognized for its academic excellence and fidelity to the faith.
 
This beautiful one-of-a-kind partnership will benefit our parish school in countless ways. First and foremost, because academic excellence and a superior curriculum are essential for our students to grow in wisdom and holiness, the University of Dallas will provide a traditional Catholic K-12 curriculum, that is both unified and dynamic. In addition to providing the scope and sequence for the K-12 curriculum, the University of Dallas will also oversee and ensure its implementation within our school. To aid perhaps the most vital element of our school, the University of Dallas will also provide the best in professional development for our teachers and, should they desire, the opportunity for them to obtain advanced degrees. Additionally, our Catholic school students will be given access to the University of Dallas resources, such as summer academic, athletic, and fine arts camps. Students who attend our school will also be given access to University Dallas research tools and nationally ranked study abroad programs. Lastly, and perhaps most exciting of all, our students will be given preferred admission to the University of Dallas.
 
Beyond these benefits, this endeavor is poised to unquestionably magnify our legacy for generations to come because it is a true partnership. Bishop Reicher Catholic School will remain independent and locally governed and its staff will be valued partners, helping to refine and collaborate with the staff of the University of Dallas in an environment of mutual enrichment. In addition, the curriculum implemented within the school gradually over the next few years will offer our students a world-class experience. Our students will grow in their natural sense of wonder and awe and will be developed in their ability to think critically, synthesize ideas, solve problems, effectively process, organize and articulate their thoughts. Happily, all of these benefits and the other elements already highlighted, come at no cost to the school except the regularly scheduled purchase of replacement textbooks. 
 

Why is this so innovative?

Instead of being restricted to one element of the school, our partnership includes every facet of education and formation. By allowing this to enhance all areas of the school, across all grades and areas of formation, we are able to provide an unparalleled and enriched environment for our students. This opportunity is all the more unique because it is a true partnership that maintains the independent and local governance of the school. 

When will this partnership begin?

Immediately, the University of Dallas and the administration of Bishop Louis Reicher will work over the spring semester and summer to prepare our curriculum and to provide professional development for our teachers. This will ensure our teachers are ready to begin implementing the first elements of the curriculum starting in the 2020-2021 school year.

Which elements of the curriculum will be implemented first?

Beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year, a skeleton curriculum will be implemented. After a thorough evaluation of our campus, the University of Dallas and the administration of Bishop Louis Reicher will discern which elements to begin implementing first. The intention is a thoughtful integration of the resources that already exist within the school, balanced by those elements of the curriculum that are ready. 

How long will the implementation take?

We expect that it will take a few years to fully implement this new dynamic and traditional Catholic curriculum.

How much does this cost?

This opportunity comes at no additional cost. The only costs associated with the partnership are those associated with the regularly scheduled replacement of textbooks. 

Will this new curriculum enhance our science and technology classes?

A dynamic and traditional Catholic curriculum will seek to grow our commitment to excellence in science, fully employing our state of the art science labs and robotics team. Our rich tradition of honoring these subjects will only grow as we invite our students to integrate within themselves the various academic disciplines and fields of study.

Is my child academically ready for this type of curriculum?

Students at Bishop Louis Reicher vary in intellectual talents, from exceptionally intelligent to below average. Many parents assume that this type of curriculum is only accessible to gifted children. In reality, this curriculum will challenge your child while also leveraging their natural abilities during different stages of childhood. In short, we employ proven methods to help ordinary children across all levels of learning deliver extraordinary results. Students who currently receive learning accommodations should expect to receive those same accommodations. 

As a parent, how can I learn more?

Please be on the lookout for upcoming parent meetings to help you and your family become an even more joyful part of the legacy of excellence as a Catholic School community.