Academics

Marian Scholars Program

MISSION & VISION

The Marian Scholars Program at DSHA is a student-centered, inclusive education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Marian Scholars Program is rooted in a spirit of inclusivity and inspired by Blessed Mary of the Apostles, founder of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, whose mission is to make known the goodness and kindness of Jesus Christ. Blessed Mary and Venerable Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan sought to build an inclusive community of religious men, women, and laity to further the kingdom of God. The Marian Scholars Program is rooted in this spirit of inclusivity. The Marian Scholars program also recognizes that Mary, Mother of Our Savior, who inspires our school chapel, embraced Jesus and all who came into her midst.

The Marian Scholars Program supports the belief that all students deserve opportunities to maximize their academic, social, and spiritual potential. Building upon our mission to educate young women in a Christ-centered community that values diversity, and to develop them to become women of faith, heart, and intellect, it seems only natural for DSHA to embrace the great mosaic of all God’s children.

Students in the Marian Scholars Program participate in all aspects of the DSHA community. They take a variety of classes in the general education setting including English, Theology, Science, Social Studies, Specialized Studies, and the Arts. They join clubs and athletics teams; serve at Mass; and participate in choir, dance, concerts, and school plays.

The Marian Scholars Program relies on a peer mentoring component. Students in the program are paired with Peer Mentors who help engage them in class, implement curriculum modifications, and lend other supports as needed. Peer mentors typically are members of our active Best Buddies club.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

At DSHA, each girl’s schedule is carefully designed with input from parents/guardians, teachers, and the girls themselves. Every girl in the Marian Scholars Program has a schedule that includes a mixture of general education academic and elective classes, as well as special education classes in reading, writing, and math that are specifically designed for students in the program.

Sample Freshman Schedule

1st period: Marian Scholar Resource*
2nd period: Marian Scholar Resource*
3rd period: College Prep English I**
4th period: Foundational Fitness & Freshman Wellness Seminar**
5th period: Cultures and Civilizations**
6th period: The Bible: The Living Word of God**
7th period: Art Foundations**
8th period: French I or Spanish I**

*Classes designed and taught specifically for students in the Marian Scholars Program, e.g. math, reading, writing, etc.
**Marian Scholars work with classroom teachers to modify assignments to the individual needs of the scholar.

Transition to Post-High School

During the girls’ junior and senior years at DSHA, they will work closely with teachers and counselors to explore their post-high school options.

The Marian Scholars Program will culminate in students achieving a certificate of completion and participation in the commencement ceremony with their classmates.

Marian Scholars Faculty

  • Mary Anderson

    Director of Marian Scholars 
    BS in Special Education - Intellectual Disabilities, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
    MA in Special Education - Emotional Behavioral Disabilities, Cardinal Stritch University 
    414-462-3742, Ext. 3881
    AndersonM@dsha.info

    "I am both proud and honored to be a part of the Marian Scholars Program, which the National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion recognizes as the first inclusive Catholic high school in the state of Wisconsin!  What a blessing!  DSHA embraces both diversity and equity in ways that I didn't realize prior to becoming a teacher here, addressing the difficult questions and responding to the mission of the Sisters of the Divine Savior "to foster an awareness of a loving God among peoples in whatever place and by whatever means the Spirit of God inspires." DSHA recognizes that we are all children of God who share our unique gifts with each other, creating a community of inspired individuals who reinforce the dignity of each girl who attends this school.  I am truly grateful to be a part of it all!" 

  • Kate Jirschele

    Marian Scholars Faculty
    BA in Writing Intensive English and Rhetorical Studies, Marquette University
    MS in Special Education, Cardinal Stritch University
    JirscheleK@dsha.info

    "I am honored to be given the opportunity to teach in a rich academic setting that aligns with my Catholic values and that invites all learners to the table.  I believe that all students can learn, self-advocate and use critical thinking.  Witnessing a spark of passion for learning in the students I encounter fills my heart with joy."

  • Gretchen Caraher, DSHA '93

    Marian Scholars Faculty
    BA in Psychology and Sociology, University of Notre Dame
    MEd (Master's of Education) in School Psychology & Specialist Level Degree, Loyola University Chicago 
    414-462-3742, Ext. 3883
    CaraherG@dsha.info

    "Teaching at DSHA is a dream come true for me! During my time as a student at DSHA, I received an outstanding education and grew in confidence as a young woman. Now as a teacher here, I've come full circle. It is my privilege to work with a remarkable team of educators in a supportive, all-girls environment and to witness the academic and personal development of these bright, unique, and thoughtful young women."

Tuition, Fees, & Scholarships

Students in the Marian Scholars Program pay the same tuition and fees as other students.

List of 3 items.

  • Special Needs Scholarship Program | for all Marian Scholar families

    DSHA participates in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Special Needs Scholarship Program. We are committed to each and every student, and the state funds from these scholarships will be applied to offset the unique costs for the program. As in almost every private school, there is a gap in the cost of education for every student between what is charged for tuition and the true cost of educating the student. At DSHA, the gap is quite a bit larger for our Marian Scholars, as our staffing, curricular materials, and assessment tools go above and beyond the traditional academic program. 
     
    DSHA will share the program forms with you, ask you to complete them, and return them to Marian Scholars Program Director Mary Anderson. DSHA is then responsible for processing the forms with your individual school districts and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. 

  • Financial Aid | for Marian Scholar families seeking tuition assistance

    We are committed to supporting our Marian Scholars and their families in every way possible to keep our program strong and successful. If you are in need of assistance with tuition, you must fill out a financial aid application. If you do not fill out the application for financial aid, you will be expected to pay full tuition.
     
    If you are in need of financial aid, please fill out the application online as soon as possible. We are currently determining financial aid for the 2024-25 schoolyear, and will need your application for consideration. Financial aid information can be found here, or you can reach out to Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.

  • Choice Eligibilty

    Because this is not a diploma program and because DSHA participates in the Special Needs Scholarship Program, Marian Scholars are not eligible via the Milwaukee Parental School Choice program.

Marian Scholars News and Stories

Edward Foy, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

DSHA's Marian Scholars Program is an innovative and mission-centered program that is changing the landscape of Catholic education. Catholic schools from across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee are learning from the staff, students, and parents in the program. DSHA serves as a shining example of how a full inclusion program strengthens the Catholic identity of its school community. By accepting the Marian Scholar students as equals in their community, DSHA's student leaders are sending a clear message of acceptance and compassion.

Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

4257 N. 100th Street Milwaukee, WI 53222 | Phone: (414) 462-3742
Sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior
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