Interested in attending Althoff?
 Our school offers a Spend-A-Day program for interested students in grades 6-8.  Students are invited to spend the day at Althoff and actually go through a regular school day, which gives them an idea of what it what it would be like to attend Althoff.  Arrangements can be made through the Development Office at 235-1124.
 

What sets Althoff apart from other schools?

Like all schools, we strive to offer a strong curriculum.  Students at Althoff have a wide variety of classes they can choose from in all of our various departments.  Each year, over 95% of our students go on to further education.  

But what makes us different?

Perhaps the strongest point is that we can offer an excellent academic program within the context of Catholic values.  We not only want to prepare our students to go on to higher learning but to also help them develop a sense of community.  Research shows that Catholic schools have a lower dropout rate, higher test scores and a greater percentage of students going on to college than other comparable schools.  We believe that Althoff fits this pattern and we continue to try to be faithful to our mission as a diocesan Catholic high school, serving the educational needs of students within our diocese.

Why Althoff?

This year we have 13 alums who are on our faculty as well as 11 others who serve as staff members, coaches and even one of our team doctors!  We are proud of our faculty and staff and know that the impact one teacher or staff member makes on a student can last forever.

"I feel that there is a typical Althoff kid," said coach Carl McKendree to NAIA playoff berths after starting the football program in 1996. "That kid is a good student, has a great work ethic and understands the concept of a team. That's the kind of product that comes out of Althoff."

For more reasons why, click here.

SCHOOL:

Diocesan co-ed high school grades 9-12

ENROLLMENT:

Total:  564    Senior Class:  158

Minority enrollment:  17.0% African-American
                                        3.0% Hispanic
                                        1.0% Asian

FACULTY:

41, all of whom hold BA or BS degrees.  Of these 41, 46% also hold Masters'
degrees and 36% of the remainder faculty are currently working towards their Masters degree.

ACCREDITATION:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

MEMBERSHIPS:

National Catholic Educational Association

GRADING:

A-F; no plus or minus grades are used.  GPA is computed on A=4, D=1
 
Students who take Honors courses receive an extra .25 credit per course per 
semester for grades of "C" or better.  This is computed and averaged at the 
semester and an Honors GPA is given as well as a regular GPA.

HONORS PROGRAM:

Althoff participates in the "1-8-1-8" program sponsored by St. Louis University 
whereby students can earn up to 18 college credits before graduation.  Advanced 
classes are offered for college credit in English and History.
 
Other advanced classes which are offered, but not for college credit, include 4th 
and 5th years of foreign languages -- French, Spanish and Latin.  Advanced 
science classes are also held.

SCHOOL YEAR:

Divided into 2 semesters of 18 weeks each with 9 week reporting periods.

GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS:

24 credits including a minimum of:
4 years of Theology
4 years of English
3 years of Mathematics
3 years of Social Studies
3 years of Laboratory Science
2 years of Foreign Language or Fine Arts
2.5 years of Physical Education/Health
0.5 year of Technology Skills
0.5 year of Information Processing.  
One half of a credit per semester is given for each of these subjects completed with a passing grade.

STUDENT
STATISTICS:

In its 43 years of existence, Althoff has graduated 9123 young men and women.  
During these years, Althoff seniors have merited approximately 2423 
scholarships.  1105 graduates have been named Illinois State Scholars, 28 have 
been National Merit Finalists (top 1% in the nation), 2 have been honored with 
the National Achievement Scholarship for Negro Students, 91 have been 
designated National Merit Commended Students (top 5% in the nation) and 3 
Commended Students for the National Achievement Scholarship for Negro 
Students.

STUDENT LIFE:

Over 90% of Althoff students participate in one or more of the 22 activities 
offered.  Some co-curricular activities include:  Student Council, Drama Club, 
Model UN, Literary Club, FCA, Show Choir, Student Ambassadors, 
Scholar Bowl, Science Club, Speech Team, National Honor Society, newspaper, 
yearbook, Interact (Rotary), St. Vincent DePaul.  In addition, 
Althoff is a member of the Illinois High School Association and fields teams in 
8 sports for boys and 10 sports for girls.  As of 1996-97, students also have the 
opportunity to participate in bowling and club hockey.

 ADMISSION AND ACADEMIC INFORMATION  

 
ADMISSION POLICY
ALTHOFF CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.  In order to meet the educational needs of students, however, there are restrictions on the acceptance of students with certain academic/ behavioral deficiencies.  Students must live with legal guardians/parents in order to be a student at Althoff.
 
INCOMING FRESHMEN
Incoming freshmen take the STS High School Placement Test that yields both verbal and quantitative ability scores and achievement scores in math, reading and language.  The Guidance Department and the Administration use results of this test to place students in appropriate classes.
 
Before registration in March, the students’ 7th and 8th grade semester grades are sent to ACHS along with any standardized test results in the students’ file.  In addition, the principal and 8th grade teachers from the students' grade school are asked to complete a recommendation form on each student based on academic potential, emotional maturity, behavioral appropriateness and adaptability to ACHS.  Registration will not be accepted until the grades, test scores, and recommendations are received by ACHS.
 
Students who score in the 90th percentile or above on the High School Placement Test generally are eligible for placement in appropriate honors courses at ACHS.  Students who score in the 40-89th percentile are placed in average level classes.  Students who score in the 39th percentile or lower are required to take basic classes in English and math.  Student transcripts from 7th and 8th grade will also be taken into consideration for student placement in classes.
 
ACADEMIC PROBATION         
ACHS is a diocesan high school and, as such, we feel that all students who wish should be given a chance to attend.  However, we are also aware that our school is not large enough to provide a full range of academic opportunities.  Most classes are geared to the average or above average student.

Students who score below the 30th percentile on the High School Placement Test are accepted on ACADEMIC PROBATION.  Students who are on academic probation are given a semester to show that they are able to handle the educational challenges of ACHS.  If, during the semester of probation, the students maintain a cumulative average of "C" or better, they will be taken off probationary status.  Students whose average falls below "C" will be reevaluated at the semester.
 
If these students have a "D" or lower in any two or more classes, fail to do assignments or appear to need special help, they may not be allowed to continue at ACHS.  Decisions to terminate a student's enrollment at ACHS because of academic difficulties will be made on a case-by-case basis by the administration, Guidance Department, and appropriate teachers.
 
 Students who score at the 20th percentile or lower will be accepted only if they have:
 1.  a "C" average in both semester of 7th grade and the first semester of 8th grade
 AND
 2.  three written letters of recommendation one each from the grade school principal, a teacher in the school, and the student's pastor.
 Students who meet the above two criteria will be accepted on ACADEMIC PROBATION according to the terms given in the preceding paragraphs.
 
ACADEMIC PROBATION FOR CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS
Currently enrolled students may be placed on academic probation for the following reasons:
1. failure to maintain a "C" (2.0) cumulative average
2. repeated failure to do class assignments
3. evident need of special help - i.e. learning deficiencies, attention deficit disorder, etc.
 All students' records will be reviewed at the end of each semester.  Students who fall into one of the categories listed above may be placed on academic probation.  This will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will involve discussion with the student's teachers.  If a decision is made to place a student on academic probation, parents will be contacted and requested to attend a meeting with Guidance and Administrative personnel.
 
 TRANSFER STUDENTS – FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE JUNIOR YEAR
 Students who wish to transfer into ALTHOFF CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL must provide:
1. a transcript from the previous school showing they have taken a course of studies similar to the curriculum at ACHS;
2. standardized test scores showing a composite score in the 40th percentile or higher;
3. grades from all previous high school semesters (grades must be of "C" average or higher);
4. two (2) ACHS recommendation forms to be completed by:
a. The student's former guidance counselor, teacher, or principal
b. The student's pastor or minister.
 Students who do not meet the criteria in No. 2 or No. 3 above may be accepted on Academic Probation at the Principal's discretion.
 
TRANSFER STUDENTS - SENIOR YEAR 
Transfer students will not normally be accepted for senior year.  Exceptions will be made at the principal's discretion.  Students who are considered for senior year transfer must provide the same information as listed in the previous section on Transfer Students for freshman, sophomore, and junior years.
 
STUDENTS WISHING TO RETURN TO ALTHOFF CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Students who were previously enrolled at ACHS and then transferred WILL NOT normally be allowed to re-enroll.  We feel that repeated transfers during a student's four years are not usually beneficial to the student and create difficulties with scheduling and continuity of the student's education.
 
CURRICULUM -click here to view the entire Curriculum Guide
The ALTHOFF CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL curriculum contains more than 100 courses, some of them year long courses and others semester courses.  To graduate, a student must have successfully completed 24 credits.


Theology	4 Credits
English	4 Credits
Mathematics	3 Credits
Science	3 Credits
Social Studies	3 Credits
P.E./Health	2.5 Credits
Technology Skills	0.5 Credits
Information Processing	0.5 Credits
Art, Music, Foreign Language or Vocational Education	2 Credits

               
The Illinois Board of Higher Education has established statewide minimum admission standards for public colleges and universities in Illinois.  The following high school subjects will be required of freshmen entering community college transfer programs and public universities.


 

STATE OF ILLINOIS REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC COLLEGES
SUBJECT	Illinois Public College Requirements	ACHS Graduation Requirement
English	4 years	4 years
Math	3 years (Algebra1,Geometry, Algebra 2)	3 years
Science (Lab Sciences)	3 years	3 years
Social Studies	3 years	3 years
Foreign Language, Music or Art	2 years	2 years

 
Admission requirements vary from one college to another.  To determine the requirements for a specific college, check the computer in Guidance, check the college handbook, or contact that particular school.  
        
CLASS LOAD
Most students take seven subjects, including P.E., each semester.  Seniors are no longer required to take P.E., but are NOT granted Early Dismissal with a Study Hall in place of P.E.  All other students must have permission from a guidance counselor to waive P.E. for another class.  

FAILURES
• Religion:  Failures in these courses must be made up by repeating the semesters failed.
• English 1, English 2, Mathematics, and Foreign Language (full year courses):  First semester failures can be made up if the student passes the second semester.  Second semester failures MUST be made up in summer school or by repeating the entire course.
• All Sciencess except Environmental Science: First semester failures can be made up if the student receives a “C” or better for the second semester.  A second semester failure may be made up in summer school or by repeating the semester.
• Failures in Environmental Science, Spanish Literature, Spanish Conversation, Spanish Grammer, and Spanish Civilization may be made up by repeating the semester course.
• Failures in ALL other required courses MUST be made up in summer school or by repeating the semester failed.
 
ACADEMIC STANDING
Credits are indicated on the report cards each semester.  Ordinarily, a student should have at least the following:

	Semester One	Semester Two
Freshmen	3.00	6.00
Sophomores	9.00	12.00
Juniors	15.00	18.00
Seniors	21.00	24.00

A student who falls too far behind in credits will not be able to advance with the rest of the class.
 
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Students who participate in any extracurricular activities (athletics, speech, music, etc.) must have--at a minimum --passing grades in at least four of their subjects exclusive of PE.  Coaches/moderators will be notified of students failing any course(s).  A copy of the IHSA eligibility rules is included in this handbook.
 
SCHEDULE/COURSE CHANGES
Students are strongly encouraged to complete all courses for which they register.  If it is to be in the student’s best interest, a student may withdraw from a course upon obtaining approval of a guidance counselor, course teacher, and parents.  A student may withdraw from class two weeks after the beginning of the semester with no penalty.  A student withdrawing in the next two weeks will receive a “W” which will become part of the permanent record.  A withdrawal after the first four weeks but before the progress reports will result in a “WF” or “WP” and be recorded on the transcript.  A withdrawal after the progress reports will result in “F” which will be recorded on the transcript and will be averaged in the cumulative GPA.  There will be a fee of $10 charged for schedule changes initiated by a student.  Credit is not given for a withdrawal nor will any course fees be refunded.

2007-2008 TUITION RATES

Students whose family is a contributing member of a Catholic Parish within Belleville Diocese:
• 1st Student - $4,950
• 2nd Student - $4,950
• 3rd Student - no charge

Out-of-Diocese Catholic students:
• $5,230

Non-Catholic students:
• $5,545

*Please note:  This does not include the cost of books or fees.

In April, after students are accepted, parents may obtain a financial assistance application. These applications are a report of financial status and circumstances, and are reviewed by a financial aid service.  Assistance is granted through this process.  A summer work program is available on a first come, first serve basis for students wanting to work for tuition assistance.

For Further Information about courses, grades or requirements, see Academics