Letter and FAQ

List of 10 items.

• Who made the decision and why?

  This decision was made by the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation after their prayerful study of the available data, the recommendation of our executive committee, and consultation with Catholic School Management. Our decision was informed by 25 years of enrollment and current demographic data and an extensive junior high study that surveyed hundreds of parents, faculty, and staff, alums, parents of alums from both schools, as well as members of the diocese and parochial and independent schools around the city.

   

  The goal has always been to strengthen both schools, building upon our reputation of excellence in academics and faith that highlights the Dominican Difference.

• What is the timeline for all of this?

  Beginning in the fall of 2022, OS will transition to a preschool-6th elementary school, while SCA will add 7th and 8th grade girls, becoming a 7th-12th  school. OS and SCA will work together to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, with faculty and staff from both schools involved in the conversations and planning.

• Is this the right time to implement this change?

  It could not be a more providential time. This decision was not made in haste. Rather, it reflects a question that has been considered at various times and in various ways over the last 25 years. Coming out of the pandemic stronger than ever, both schools are poised to begin a new chapter.

   

  Both schools have exciting strategic growth plans in place that have already been set in motion. Placing this decision in the context of the larger question of Catholic schools nationally, the acceleration of challenges in our secular culture, the vibrancy of a growing Nashville and the changing landscape of schools in this city, we see that now is a most opportune time to position OS and SCA for a vibrant future.

• Will OS girls have priority and a seamless transition to SCA, as in the past?

  Yes. Any girl from OS who wishes to attend SCA will have the opportunity for a seamless transition with even more expanded opportunities to participate in the various academic programs and co-curricular activities offered at SCA in the arts, athletics, clubs and more.

• Where will the 7th and 8th grade be located?

  The 7^th and 8^th grades will be at SCA in a transitional space for the first year or two.  At the same time, we will be working on a permanent home for the 7^th and 8^th grades at SCA as part of the schools’ master planning process.

• Will 7th and 8th graders mix with high schoolers?

  We recognize the distinct nature of 7^th and 8^th graders and the value of allowing them their own space and a program tailored just for them. At the same time, we want them to have the opportunity to be integrated into the larger SCA community when appropriate and to benefit from the school's resources, not to mention the positive example of its student leaders and faculty members.

   

  The integration of 7^th and 8^th graders into the SCA community will reflect this balance with particular sensitivity to the developmental needs of younger students. The SCA faculty and staff will work diligently to ensure that each and every student is equipped with the resources they need to excel academically, spiritually and socially.

• What advantages will SCA 7th and 8th graders have?

  As a college preparatory school owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, SCA has a 160-year legacy of excellence in the academic and moral formation of strong young women. 7th and 8th grade students will benefit on every level from the early integration into SCA, as they will gain access to various resources typically only available at the high school level. 
  
  

  Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the successful junior high program already well in place at OS by providing students with opportunities for increased acceleration and access to high school courses, fine arts and co-curricular activities.

• Was this decision prompted by enrollment concerns?

  Our decision was informed by many factors: 25 years of enrollment and current demographic data and an extensive junior high study that surveyed hundreds of parents, faculty and staff, alums, parents of alums as well as members of the diocese and both parochial and independent schools around the city. The data collected was straightforward, leading us to decide this will be the best possible path for students and families in our community, both now and for the future.

• Will you share the junior high study results?

  Prior to making this decision, we surveyed hundreds of faculty and staff, parents, alums, parents of alums, as well as friends and colleagues from the diocese and parochial and independent schools around the city. In the interest of preserving the confidentiality and candor with which our participants shared their ideas, we can provide a summary of the main findings.

• When will we hear more about further details?

  Beginning fall 2022, OS will transition to a preschool-6th program, while SCA will add 7th-8th grade girls. OS and SCA will work together to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, with faculty and staff from both schools being an integral part of the conversation and planning. We have several tentative benchmarks throughout the year at which we anticipate being able to share the information below.
  
  

  • September – a plan for special events for current 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
  • Fall Open House – General outline of 6th-grade curriculum and experience beginning 2022-23 and general process in place to assist families in future school choices.
  • January 2022 – a plan for repurposing OS space and future 6th grade capstone experience.
  • Spring 2022 – revised mission statement and articulation of graduate profile.
  • August 2022 – OS starts school year as a preschool-6th coed school.