Community Corner
A Pathway to Success- In College and in Life
Paramus Catholic High Provides a Rigorous College Prep Environment and Curriculum that Challenges Students to Reach Their Maximum Potential
This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
Ask Dr. Stephanie Macaluso, lifelong advocate of Catholic education, just how she feels about the importance of a real-world, Faith-centered co-educational and college prep environment and she is likely to speak volumes about her beliefs.
After all, Dr. Macaluso is President and Principal of Paramus Catholic High School. For the past decade, she and her talented staff have dedicated their lives every day to creating an environment where each and every student can reach their maximum potential- in college and in life.
“It begins with me here,” Dr. Macaluso states with conviction. “A Principal leads by example, ” she adds. “Our entire team – from the teachers to the coaches to the cafeteria staff is aligned on the academic success of every student. Today, we are equally focused on a student’s mental health, their sense of security and goals toward the future. “
College and life preparation are at the center of Paramus Catholic’s philosophy. That means for the high academic achiever as well as the average, even struggling student. The school is large enough to offer over 135 diverse course offerings, 26 Advanced Placement courses, 34 Honors courses, 31 performing arts offerings and an 80-seat music conservancy along with a sprawling 27- acre campus for many athletics and events.
Paramus Catholic is focused on quality over quantity. PC, as it is known in the region, prides itself in its students excelling in courses that are most valuable in life- and in the college paths they choose. Students are free to explore the many pathways available to them and that interest them.
The Paramus Catholic opportunity starts well before a student is even enrolled here.
“Much action goes into the placement process,” states Dr. Macaluso, who evaluates every transcript personally, HSPT test results and the academic profile of every student. She will also call with questions on the HSPT student application before enrollment to understand the total profile of the applicant.
For incoming freshmen, mid first quarter the Principal, Academic Deans and counselors assemble to view and analyze student’s performance to assess their progress and provide valuable direction and steering to the individual student early on in their high school tenure.
At the heart of the Paramus Catholic magic are its administration, faculty, and staff.
Paramus Catholic teachers are a highly specialized and talented group of educators. All teachers are certified, with many having doctorates, multiple masters’ degrees and specialized degrees aligned with the courses they teach.
“Paramus Catholic teachers teach classes they are passionate about,” states Dr. Macaluso. “Each and every department identifies courses where this passion exists.”
Each teacher commits to staying after school for a minimum of thirty minutes to help every student who wishes extra help. The school by design challenges students to strive harder, to develop habits and self-discipline that will serve them well in their independent college years as well as later in life in their chosen fields of endeavor.
While addressing the Juniors and Seniors during class meetings, Dr. Macaluso has often quoted Duke University woman’s basketball coach, Kara Lawson. “Kara said, “We do hard better. We teach students that as people we are capable of much more than we realize.”
Even so, Paramus Catholic recognizes that many students still need help.
By policy, the school offers several academic tools to students. These include English and Math help, peer tutoring by National Honors Society students and a Learning Center where students can enhance their study skills. Parents are communicated with regularly on their children’s progress.
Paramus Catholic is proud of the achievements of many students-indeed entire classes- as they prepare towards their college journey.
One example is Paramus Catholic’s Class of 2022. The Class received over $63M in scholarships and grants from the universities they were accepted to. College grants and scholarships of over $50,000 per student over the past five years exceeds that of a family’s investment in tuition at Paramus Catholic for a four-year college prep education.
Academics without a view of health and wellness are incomplete.
The school’s Wellness policy seeks a balance in student’s lives alongside challenging them. Tests are not given on Mondays and homework is not given over the weekends. Students are encouraged to spend time with family on the weekends, to avoid burnout, and to enjoy being young.
The faith-centered environment teaches them virtues and values that may have been overlooked in other schools.
Beyond rigorous, college-prep academics, many students at Paramus Catholic are involved in activities as diverse as varsity athletics, a club or two, theatre, and music, among the schools’ top-notch arts programs. The “whole” student is at the focal point of the Paramus Catholic experience.
Dr. Macaluso believes that the success of the investment families make in their student’s education at Paramus Catholic is directly aligned with the four foundational “pillars” of the Paramus Catholic experience- Faith, Academics, Security and Wellness.
“We are challenged academically here at Paramus Catholic,” notes Aubrey Rice, a Junior at PCHS who volunteers as an Open House tour guide and is member of the school’s varsity Cheerleading squad. ”It is a great environment in which to learn,” she adds. “My interests are in business and finance after college, and I believe I am on the right path to achieve these goals.”
At the end of each school year, the administration surveys students and staff. “Assessing the School Climate” asks five questions of the staff and administration to reflect on over the summer. The “Voice of the Student” program brings the students and principal together throughout the year, over lunch, to hear students’ concerns and input. And the school’s Parents Seminar not only gets parent’s feedback and participation in their children’s education at PC but on issues important to all parents in and out of school.
“Paramus Catholic is an environment that prepares students for college, and for life,” adds Dr. Macaluso. “We want students to become Faith-filled, responsible citizens of our community. Their happiness as well as future well-being are the essence of our existence.”
~
Applications are still being taken for the 2024-2025 school year. Prospective students interested in applying to Paramus Catholic may do so on-line at: https://www.paramuscatholic.com/apps/pages/application-process or by calling 201-445-4466.
Paladin for a Day tours are available, by appointment, for interested 8th grade students and transferees to be able to spend a day at PCHS and explore all the school has to offer. Contact Admissions, at 201-445-4466.
This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.
