Admissions

Marian Scholars Program | Admissions

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.

Apply for the Marian Scholars Program

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 INTO 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.

Tuition, Fees, & Scholarships

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

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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.

Learn More About Tuition

Marian Scholars News and Stories

The Journey of DSHA's First Marian Scholar, Mia Ruge, DSHA '24
Mia Ruge, DSHA ’24, is a masterclass in human connection. As described by her classmates and teachers, she is genuine, brave, and spunky. She is curious and interested in the lives of others—she loves to ask questions. She loves freely. She is cheerful, uplifting, and full of life. She is goodness and kindness.
Marian Scholars Peer Mentors Reflect on Involvement in Program
Eight DSHA juniors and seniors reflect on their time serving as a mentor to Mia Ruge, DSHA '24, DSHA's first Marian Scholar, during the first semester of the program's existence.
Working Towards an Inclusive and Whole Community
Learn more about how DSHA students played an integral role in the creation and implementation of the Marian Scholars Program. Story by Honor Callanan, DSHA '21, and Emily Capper, DSHA '21.
Light Shines Upon Us
A reflection of gratitude by Principal Dan Quesnell.
DSHA Incorporates Marian Scholars Program
Article by the Milwaukee Catholic Herald.
Introducing the New Marian Scholars Program
Meet Mia, DSHA's first Marian Scholar, and learn more about the program.