High School
A World-Class College Prep Education.
Since 1978, Providence St. Mel School has provided a world-class, true college preparatory education to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. With an emphasis on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) along with a premium Humanities curriculum combined with a well-rounded liberal arts focus, PSM students are prepared to succeed in College and beyond.
Accredited for excellence.
As a COGNIA accredited school, PSM must maintain a constant improvement process with an emphasis on improving the outcomes for our students. We are proud to be recognized by COGNIA.
Our Core courses build the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in college and life, while dual-credit STEM and AP offerings give PSM students the opportunity to earn up to 36 college credits before graduation. Our Related Arts and Club Periods provide opportunities for creativity, exploration, and involvement both in and beyond the classroom.
Personalized College Counseling
The goal of our dedicated college counselors is to maximize our students college opportunities at the best schools and most scholarships dollars possible.
“I chose Providence St. Mel because I knew they would get me where I wanted to be”.
-PSM Alumni
Dual-Credit and
AP Course Offerings
IT FUNDAMENTALS: IT Fundamentals introduces students to a broad range of areas in Information Technology. Students will be introduced to computer hardware and software concepts, infrastructure, software development and databases. Students will also learn hardware and software installation, basic network connectivity, identification and prevention of basic security risks. This course will prepare students for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ certification exam. This is a Dual Credit Course with College of DuPage.
COMPUTER AND HARDWARE MAINTENANCE: Computer and Hardware Maintenance
course covers aspects of hardware support relating to personal computers (PCs), including system troubleshooting, configuring and maintaining PCs, mobile devices, networking and security forensics. Prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Core exams. This is a Dual Credit Course with College of DuPage.
INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING: Introduction to Networking. Highlighting practical and conceptual skills required to understand current and emerging technologies. Outlining basic networking technologies including OSI model, TCP/IP model, networking devices, media types, and network addressing schemes. Basic configuration of routers and switches. Prepares students for Cisco CCNA Certification. This is a Dual Credit Course with College of DuPage.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION: This is a college-level course integrating the analysis of works of literary merit and critical writing skills gears students for college credit through the AP Literature Exam in the spring. Rigorous analysis, writing and class discussion skills are required for success in the course. Research skills, critical analysis skills and effective argumentation and writing skills will be required to complete the capstone Senior Paper. (Permission of the teacher required)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT US HISTORY: This course is a college-level survey of American History that emphasizes College Board aligned historical thinking skills. All students in this class take the AP U.S. History exam in May. Students earning a passing score may qualify for college credit.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS: Calculus is a higher math course concentrating on differentiation, integration, and the application of the theoretical work of calculus to concrete situations. College credit via the AP exam is the primary goal of the course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS: This course introduces how statisticians approach variation and practice representing data, describing distributions of data, and drawing conclusions based on a theoretical distribution. Topics include: Variation in categorical and quantitative variables. Students will learn various methods of representing data using tables or graphs.
Core Subject Class Offerings
S.T.E.M Department
S.T.E.M Department
ALGEBRA I: A study of numerical and algebraic
relations using writing, sketching and solving equations, factoring quadratic
equations, solving systems of linear equations, and algebra problems in the
coordinate plane.
GEOMETRY: This course is a study of Euclidean
Geometry. Topics discussed include dimensional objects (lines, planes,
polygons, circles, and polyhedrons), angular measurement, congruency,
similarity, deductive and inductive reasoning, formal proofs, relational computations
(perimeter, area, and volume), right triangle trigonometry, and practical
applications. Algebraic concepts and techniques are integrated and emphasized
through the course to aid in the understanding of geometric concepts and
applications, and to reinforce proficiency in algebraic skills.
ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY: A continuation of Algebra I and geometry,
this course focuses on rational expressions, real and complex numbers,
quadratic expressions and equations, analytic geometry, functions, conics,
exponents and logarithms, trigonometry and matrices.
COLLEGE ALGEBRA: This course is designed to address the
fundamental math concepts that students will need to be successful in their
freshman college math course. It begins with a rigorous ACT math review of each
content area within the ACT math test prior to the senior ACT testing. The
remainder of the year will focus on mastering the concepts of algebra 1 and 2,
including trigonometry, and focus on applications and extensions included in
college content. As a part of the college preparation experience, students will
complete classroom activities using a variety of computer software programs.
Students will also complete many homework assignments online, in a manner
similar to what they will do in college.
HONORS PRE-CALCULUS: This higher math course is designed to
provide students with a mathematical background adequate for success in college
level mathematics. This class integrates technology with traditional approaches
to teach students about functions, limits, approximations, and topics from
discrete mathematics. Students learn to make and support conjectures
graphically, symbolically, and numerically.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS: Calculus is a higher math course
concentrating on differentiation, integration, and the application of the
theoretical work of calculus to concrete situations. College credit via the AP
exam is the primary goal of the course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS: This course introduces how statisticians approach variation and
practice representing data, describing distributions of data, and drawing
conclusions based on a theoretical distribution. Topics include: Variation in categorical and
quantitative variables. Students will learn various methods of representing
data using tables or graphs.
BIOLOGY: This is an introductory course in the
biological sciences. Students are exposed to basic concepts pertaining to
Ecology, Cytology, Reproduction, Genetics, Metabolic Processes (photosynthesis
and cellular respiration), and selected Human Body systems (digestion and the
immune system).
CHEMISTRY: This course focuses on chemical reactions;
introduces fundamentals of the atomic theory: the mole concept; kinetic theory
of matter; atomic structure and chemical bonding. Laboratory work is devoted to
a study of chemical reactions, the similar properties of chemical families of
elements, and qualitative analysis of unknowns.
PHYSICS: This course presents the core of physics
study: Energy, mechanics, Newton’s Laws, electromagnetism, wave theory and
optics. The course also relates physics to astronomy, chemistry, applied
science and technology. Physics is taught with emphasis on concepts rather than
deriving a number, and on critical thinking rather than computation. Equations
serve as a guide to thinking, rather than the purpose of a lesson.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY: This course is designed to be the
equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first
college year. AP Chemistry meets the objectives of a good general college
chemistry course. Students in AP Chemistry should attain a depth of understanding
of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems.
The course should contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to
think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity
and logic. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases,
chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of
thermodynamics will be presented in considerable depth. AP Chemistry will
provide a laboratory experience equivalent to that of a typical college course.
College credit via the AP exam is the primary goal of the course.
DATA ANALYSIS AND STATISTICS: The course provides a detailed study of statistics, including four main areas: exploratory analysis, probability, experimental design, and statistical inference. This course is taught as a problem solving-based course in which students actively construct their own understanding of the concepts and techniques of statistics through the use of real-life examples.
STEM ROBOTICS: This is a two semester class which
powerfully integrates the physical sciences, mathematics and the engineering
technologies in introducing the student to 21st century robotics.
Focusing on physical computing as an organizing theme (sensing the environment,
processing sensed data, changing the sensed environment), students will develop
the needed physical insights, master the tools and apply skills in a highly
hands-on, laboratory-centered learning academy. The course covers the
conceptualization, construction, programming and operation of robots.
Topics will include kinematic mechanisms, batteries, actuators, transducers,
electrical and electronic breadboarding, microcontrollers, microprocessors and
control languages. The course will culminate in a semester-long
individual project showing integrated mastery of robotic concepts in
application. Prerequisites and/or corequisites include algebra,
geometry, physical science and introduction to computer science.
ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRONICS FUNDAMENTALS: Basic concepts in
electronics are studied. An overview of direct and alternating current, circuit
laws, components, troubleshooting, and use of test equipment. Hands-on
experience, projects, and practical applications are included.
Humanities Department
Humanities Department
ENGLISH I: This course is an introductory study of high school grammar, usage, and sentence structure/variety applied to a range of analytical and narrative writing assignments. Essay composition assignments will emphasize effective use of claims, support, and text structure. Readings will cover a variety of genres, and will emphasize comprehension and analysis in addition to vocabulary.
ENGLISH 1 HONORS: The honors class is tailored for advanced students familiar with the basics of grammar, reading comprehension and essay composition. This course incorporates critical analysis and pre-AP skills through the study of works of various genres. (Permission of teacher required)
WORLD LITERATURE: World Literature provides a thorough review of standard grammar, usage, sentence structure, and essay composition, with an emphasis on organization, clarity and persuasive thesis. Readings focus on critical analysis of world literature and drama.
HONORS WORLD LITERATURE: The honors class is tailored for advanced students familiar with standard grammar, usage, sentence structure and essay composition with an emphasis on organization, clarity and persuasive thesis. This course maintains a focus on pre-AP skills through the study of world literature. (Permission of teacher required)
AMERICAN LITERATURE: This course extends our study of standard grammar/usage as well as effective use of text structure, word choice, and sentence structure/variety. Writing assignments will emphasize research skills as well as literary analysis and critical thinking. Readings- both fiction and nonfiction- will cover essential American authors and literary movements, and will center on themes of community and conformity.
HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE: This is a complete study of standard grammar, usage, vocabulary, and sentence structure is integrated with the study of exemplary American Literature. A focus on writing is a vital component of this class. Analytical essays and longer critical essays with research will be required. There is a focus on pre-AP skills and analysis. (Permission of teacher required)
ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION: This course offers a thorough review of grammar and usage. College-level vocabulary is studied weekly. Frequent seminars, class discussions, and short presentations will be required and will be combined with critical analysis of works of literary merit. Students will complete a weekly metacognitive paper on the readings. Research skills, critical analysis, effective argumentation, and writing skills will be required to complete the Capstone Senior Paper.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION: This is a college-level course integrating the analysis of works of literary merit and critical writing skills gears students for college credit through the AP Literature Exam in the spring. Rigorous analysis, writing and class discussion skills are required for success in the course. Research skills, critical analysis skills and effective argumentation and writing skills will be required to complete the capstone Senior Paper. (Permission of the teacher required)
CREATIVE WRITING: Creative Writing is a semester course that introduces original composition of poetry, short fiction, and memoir through the reading and study of published classic and contemporary works of literature.
JOURNALISM: This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamental principles of journalism, including copy, layout, interviewing, and photojournalism. Expressions of student efforts will include production of the school newspaper and yearbook. Course requirements involve extensive computer work. (Permission of teacher required)
SPEECH: This semester course will enable students to develop skills in oral communication which are fundamental to all other learning and to all levels of human interaction. Students will understand concepts and processes involved in sending and receiving oral messages, evaluating messages, using nonverbal communication, and listening for a variety of purposes. Students will develop communication competence in interpersonal, group, and public interaction to establish and maintain productive relationships and function effectively in social, academic, and citizenship roles. This course will introduce students to the critical principles of public speaking, concentrating on content, organization, audience motivation, language, and delivery. Students are required to research their topics and present well-prepared speeches.
GEOGRAPHY/CIVICS: This course provides both a foundation in physical, human, and political geography as well as a primer in American civic education. Using a comparative approach, this course evaluates human and physical interaction in the world. Specifically, this course focuses on understanding the political institutions, democratic processes, and current events that shaped and continue to shape the American democratic tradition. These areas will be examined with an eye to how geographical factors have shaped both the United States and the world.
WORLD HISTORY: World History presents a chronological survey of history from prehistory to the present. The focus of this class is on civilizations that have had a global impact and on patterns of cultural diffusion, which have created today’s multicultural world.
HONORS WORLD HISTORY: This course focuses on a chronological survey of history from prehistory to the present, using the content from World History. In this honors course, students use primary source analysis, thesis creation, and seminar to analyze and evaluate civilizations. Students connect past civilizations and their global impacts to the creation of today’s multicultural world. Several research projects are added to the course load.
UNITED STATES HISTORY: U.S. History is the story of freedom. Students will explore the various meanings of “freedom” and the inclusion and exclusion of Americans by race, gender, class and religion from before Columbus arrived through the Obama Administration. The primary goal of the course is to engage students to do the work of historians. Students will utilize primary documents, documentary and film clips, American art and literature, document- based questions and small and large group discussions and debates to study the issues surrounding the development and exercise of freedom in America.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT US HISTORY: This course is a college-level survey of American History that emphasizes College Board aligned historical thinking skills. All students in this class take the AP U.S. History exam in May. Students earning a passing score may qualify for college credit.
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS: This political science course will focus on the study of political structure at the national level in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the study of Congress, the executive and administrative agencies, and the judiciary. Additionally, students will learn how political parties, interest groups, and formal institutions help shape the American political landscape. Students will think like political scientists while developing their analytical and writing skills. (One semester)
LAW AND GOVERNMENT: This class will explore the structure, function, and role of government and law in our society. By looking at specific federal and state laws, students will examine the process of enacting laws, the executive departments and agencies charged with enforcement of the laws, and the ways the courts have expanded or contracted the original intent of the legislation. Students will study trial cases and may participate in a mock trial. (One semester)
AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: This course concentrates on the evolution of African Americans in North American society, from their beginnings in western Africa to the realities of modern day. The course focuses on the challenges faced by African Americans and how they have overcome them, as well as the importance of African American history to and influence on larger United States history and culture. (Semester Elective)
Modern Languages Department
Modern Languages Department
SPANISH I: Spanish I is a comprehensive coverage of
basic language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course
incorporates TPR, grammar exercises and practical vocabulary building to help
lay a strong foundation for the student’s study of a second language.
SPANISH II: The second year of Spanish study provides
advanced work in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Level II
work includes the production and use of all-important grammatical concepts
along with a broadened Spanish lexicon used in authentic contexts. Students
will gain conversational competence in Level II using a variety of valuable
grammar and vocabulary. (Prerequisite: Spanish I)
SPANISH III: This course provides advanced practice in
oral and aural skill building as well as in reading and writing. Emphasis is
placed on advanced grammar and conversation. The history and culture of
Spanish-speaking people and original writings are studied. This course is
intended for the student who has exhibited interest and ability in the language
learning process and in Spanish in particular. (Prerequisite: Recommendation of
Spanish II teacher)
Related Arts Class Offerings
Art Department
Art Department
STUDIO ART: Studio Art provides an introduction to the basic techniques and processes of design, incorporating both two-dimensional and three-dimensional concepts. Through meaningful and challenging studio projects, as well as the study of art history, criticism and aesthetics, students will begin to develop the creative thinking and problem-solving skills demanded in our global society. (No Prerequisite – Year-long course)
ADVANCED ART: This art course is designed for students who have a basic understanding of art fundamentals and techniques and are looking to expand their skills and knowledge. Students will explore a variety of art media and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. They will also develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects and assignments.
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Students will learn and apply fundamentals of various software applications (such as Illustrator and Photoshop), web design, image editing, drawing and graphic animation. Advertising and marketing projects coordinate technical skills with organization, management, communication, ethics, and teamwork. Students will be given challenging real-world projects and assignments, typical of the graphic design industry. High-quality work is expected. Classroom activities will include reading, research, projects, and problem solving. Students will often work in teams, but will be expected to complete individual assignments in relation to the team’s work. Assessment methods will include written exams, tests, and quizzes, oral and written research reports, reading assignments, and projects.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: This course is an introduction to the basic principles and applications of digital photography as a medium, a skill-set, and an integral part of today’s digital literacy needs. Students will learn how to find, compose, and capture compelling images using digital cameras while emphasizing the manipulation of camera controls, lighting, and digital imaging software for photo correction and output. (No Prerequisite – Semester elective)
Music Department
Music Department
CHAMBER CHOIR: Chamber Choir is the vocal ambassador for Providence St. Mel School. This choir challenges itself to be a college-level performance ensemble with motivated and musically literate students. These high school students must have successfully completed two years in a PSM choir or band (or can test out of the second level of musical skills). Emphasis is placed on individual vocal development. Students will master advanced works in a variety of styles. The choir will be required to perform approximately eight to ten times per year.
Physical Education Department
Physical Education Department
PHYSICAL EDUCATION I, II, AND III: This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn fitness and conditioning techniques used for obtaining optimal physical fitness. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of overall fitness training and conditioning. This course includes both lecture on the history and rules of specific sports and activity sessions. The HEALTH portion of the class will cover the following topics: human ecology and health, human growth and development, the emotional, psychological, physiological, hygienic, social responsibilities of family life including sexual abstinence until marriage and evidence-based and medically accurate information regarding sexual abstinence; prevention and control of diseases including instruction on the prevention, transmission, and spread of AIDS; public and environmental health, consumer health, safety education and disaster survival; alcohol/drug use, and abuse including the medical and legal ramification of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use; abuse during pregnancy; tobacco, nutrition, and dental health; and cancer, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, the importance of early prevention and detection, and information on where to go for help. The course will also provide course material and instruction to advise pupils of the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act.
Religion Department
Religion Department
SCRIPTURE: This course introduces students to the Gospels of the Bible, as well as the major stories and themes of the Bible, and issues raised by the foregoing. It also helps students explore what the stories and teachings of the Bible can mean for a person’s life.
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS: This course will cover a number of the major world religions, also helps students explore a Christian perspective on this pluralistic world and what it means for someone to follow Jesus.
MORALITY: This course is designed to give the student an understanding of basic moral, religious, and ethical issues we are faced with as members of society; each student will have the opportunity to evaluate his/her stance on these same issues.
Guidance Department
Guidance Department
TEST PREP I: This is a quarter-long class designed to help students develop test-taking skills and reasoning strategies with a focus on the format of the PSAT/SAT tests. Students will also begin to explore their interest in and compatibility with selected colleges and majors.
TEST PREP II: This is a quarter-long class designed to help students develop test-taking skills and reasoning strategies with a focus on the format of the ACT test. Students will also refine their college and major selections, as well as prepare for a range of college and career skills that emphasize professionalism and accountability.
SENIOR COLLEGE PREPARATION: This course provides instruction to seniors to enable them to successfully complete the college/financial aid/scholarship application process.
JUNIOR COLLEGE PREPARATION: This course introduces students to the college application and scholarship process.
Club Period Offerings
Students can select a club for their club period, offered during the school day 3 days per week.