Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs)
In seeking to form students in the knowledge, love and service of God, The Good Shepherd Academy's standards of success are:*
Knowledge
A successful student is a scholar who:
- Seeks constantly to know God.
- Knows the content of the Catholic faith, and is able to defend it.
- Is knowledgeable about Theology, and understands that, because it orders all other studies toward their ultimate source and end in God, Theology is the queen of the sciences.
- Is trained in the Liberal Arts, especially grammar, logic, and rhetoric, and has thereby cultivated the powers of the intellect and conformed the mind to reality.
- Is capable in Mathematics, and has thereby trained the intellect in precision, logic, and order, and is able to perceive in Mathematics an aspect of the beauty and intelligible design of God's creation.
- Has learned the basics of Science, has understood how scientific inquiry involves faith and reason working together in harmony, and through the study of Science has acquired an appreciation of the order and beauty of God's creation.
- Is knowledgeable about History, particularly European and American History, and is aware of its eschatological dimension.
- Has read in, and developed an appreciation for, the great works of Western Literature, and is able to evaluate and critique those works applying knowledge gained from the study of the Catholic faith and Theology.
- Has a basic understanding of the major perennial questions of Philosophy, and understands how the Catholic faith addresses those questions.
- Has gained an appreciation of great works of classical music, such as compositions by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, and of works of fine art, such as those of Fra Angelico, Botticelli, and Michelangelo, and has appreciated that truly great works of art have a beauty that raises the mind to Divine Beauty.
Love
A successful student is a faithful Catholic who:
- Seeks constantly to love God, and to deepen an understanding of what it means to love God.
- Submits to Christ's command to love others, and seeks to lay down his or her life for others.
- Understands and accepts that love entails sacrifice.
- Has an awareness of, and acts with compassion toward, those in need.
- Engages in acts of charity, prompted by the love that the Holy Spirit imbues in his or her heart and mindful that the Catholic faith requires acts of charity.
- Is chaste, knowing that all genuine love between a man and a woman is chaste.
Serve
A successful student is a citizen leader who:
- Serves God by serving others.
- Treats others with charity, justice, and respect.
- Works with honesty, excellence, and perseverance in all pursuits.
- Demonstrates leadership in various settings: school, community, and parish.
- Seeks opportunities to live a life of service for the good of others and for the glory of God.
*The Knowledge section of the ESLRs is adapted in part from the Front Royal Statement (see Front Royal Statement at page 8).