High School Boarding Program- New for 2010-2011
The Donahue Academy of Ave Maria will begin to accept Junior and Senior high school boarding students starting fall of 2010. Freshman and Sophomore students will be considered for placement with a Host Family in the Town of Ave Maria. We estimate enrolling about 220 students next year, with about 65 in the high school program and 2-8 boarding students. The unique program and healthy academic and spiritual culture present at the Academy has been a strong draw for families not only from around Naples, but also from around the country. In addition some qualified Donahue Academy juniors and seniors can dual enroll at AMU. Several families have moved across the country to join our growing efforts, but several others, who would love to have their students benefit from the Donahue Academy program, cannot make the move as a family. It is in response to this situation which has prompted the Academy to make boarding for high schoolers available next year.
The boarding program is for college prep students with strong academic credentials and who will be completely "on Mission" with us academically and spiritually. It is not for those who are struggling academically or rebelling socially or spiritually. Independence, integrity and a willing spirit are absolute requirements of enrollment.
The boarding program will serve students from Florida who may want to stay just 5 nights a week as well as students from Florida and beyond who may need a full seven day boarding program. Students will benefit from a full cafeteria available for meals, as well as walking distance to restaurants, a grocery store and medical facilities. Many of the non-boarding high school students live in the small town, so boarders will have a chance to engage with many of their classmates, not just those living in the residence hall. Classes start August 16, 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Freshman and Sophomores be housed? The Academy will assist you in finding housing with a family in the town of Ave Maria. You will be living with a host family as one of their household members. Depending on the family, you may share a room. You will pariticipate in household chores and activities as the others in the household. The fee for room and board with the family is $5,000 per year. You will pay the regular school tuition in addition to this room and board.
Where will Juniors and Seniors be housed? While juniors and seniors may also chose to stay with a host family, the norm is for them to be housed in the AMU single sex residence halls. Many of these concerns about life in the dormatories is addressed in more detail in the Resident Student Handbook (click here)
What is the residence hall like? The residence hall is a 3 year old state of the art dorm building equipped with wireless internet, a kitchen, common room, study area, and laundry. The area is located approximately 1 mile from the school. Daily transportation to and from school will be the responsibility of the student. It is about a 15 minute walk or a quick bicycle ride. Students of driving age are allowed to bring a vehicle, but may at no time transport other residents without advance written approval from driver and passenger parents.
Will I share the space with AMU students? Yes, You will essentially be living a lifestyle not unlike a college freshman. You will not share a room with a college student, but you will encounter them daily, including in the cafeteria where you will take your meals with them. If a junior or senior Academy student dual enrolls with AMU classes there will be even more contact. As a rule Academy students do not attend AMU social activities such as dances, retreats, concerts, student life events, etc. There will be plenty of time for college activities after they complete high school with us.
Who will supervise me? You will be under the guidance of a type of Resident Assistant (RA). Your dorm building will have its own RA constantly on duty to assist you if need be, but you will have an special RA dedicated to meeting your particular needs as a dual enrolled student at the Donahue Academy. You will largely be on your own and essentially living they type of independent life expected of a college students, but there will be some restrictions such as: when you are expected to be in the room at night, lights out, checking in with your weekend plans, making sure your are doing your homework and going to school etc. These details will be worked out with you and your parents and the program RA. In addition we will hook you up with a Donahue Academy family living within walking distance of the dorms. This family will also be available to assist you with your needs and provide you with a sense of community.
Is it safe? There is always a Donahue Academy Employee, usually the special RA, on call while students are in residence. The dormitories are locked 24 hours a day and patrolled on the regular rounds of AMU's security patrols. Key card access is required for the dorms and each room or suite. AMU has security cameras as well as a 24 hour security staff on duty as well as a Residence Life staff member on duty 24 hours a day.
What's in my room? Each room is furnished with twin size bed, chairs, and desks. Each person will share book case(s) with others in the room.
Can I access the internet from my room? Yes, the entire campus is outfitted for wireless internet.
Can I mail stuff ahead? Sure. The Academy accepts packages one week before your arrival and will not accept any prior to that. Please address the boxes to the Donahue Academy at 4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria, Fl. 34142.
Are there laundry facilities? Yes, Washing machines and dryers are located within each building.
Will I have a phone? Yes each room has a telephone that is connected with the Ave Maria server therefore it also has a voicemail already programmed that may be personalized.
Can I make long distance calls? Yes, Long distance calls can be made using a calling card.
Can I bring a pet? No pets, except fish, are allowed in any residence hall.
Do you accept international students and offer international student visas? Yes
How many boarders do you have and where do they come from? As this is our first year, we do not have a solid number yet. We are anticipating between 2 and 6.
How is the food? The students will eat breakfast and dinner in the cafeteria, most nights with the program RA. The RA will work with the students and parents to ensure dietary health is maintained. There is a full service grocery store and several restaurants in Ave Maria.
What about going off AMU or Donahue Academy campuses? During the weekdays heading off campus is not normally necessary. There is a full grocery store and university bookstore as well as mail and medical and dental services in the town center which is just a short walk from the dorms and school. The RA will determine when and if leaving the town is necessary and arrange for transportation as necessary. On some weekends the RA will plan trips to the beach, a water park, the mall, a big box store (e.g., Target, Walmart, etc.) or other South Florida sites. Students may also participate in activities or social events with non-resident Academy students or their families, but must get explicit permission from the program director before leaving the town of Ave Maria and sign back in upon return. They must also follow the preference plan specified by their parents.
What if I get sick? There is a medical office as well as a dental office in the town center open during business hours. In the event that a student needs to go to an outside medical appointment or if an emergency results in a hospital visit, transportation will be arranged, and the RA will accompany the student. The family will be notified immediately.
What if my child doesn't get along with her roommate? We have a mediation process that we believe in. This is always our first resort. However, we are understanding of personality differences and realize that some people who may ultimately become good friends just weren't meant to live together and will make adjustments accordingly.
What kind of interaction is there between boy and girl resident students? Residents students in our small program will see a lot of each other and share meals and most social events. Boys and girls will live in separate dorm buildings. Residents are not allowed to date while under the Academy's care. A resident student is never allowed to be alone with a member of the opposite gender at any time in or out of the facility.
Can I dual enroll at AMU? Yes, for qualified juniors and seniors, dual enrollment options are available with AMU. For joint high school/university credit, courses are limited to Math, Science, Foreign Language, and Theology. Students may take additional university credit only courses in addition as their schedule and abilities allow. For the 2010-2011 up to one class a year at AMU will be tuition free for dual enrolled boarding students. Additional fees will apply for additional classes.
What is the Cost? The cost for tuition, room, and board in the dorm for the Academic year is $23,000 for 7 days a week, $20,000 for 5 days a week. Limited financial aid is available for those who qualify.
What is the Daily Schedule Like? Like all Donahue Academy High School Students you will work hard, play hard and pray hard! And you will have a rich and full academic, social and spiritual life. There will also be plenty of opportunities for sports and arts, for time with friends, traveling around beautiful Southwest Florida, or for going to the beach. A typical school day looks like for a residential student:
6:30 a.m.
Rise and Shine!
7:00 - 7:30
Breakfast
7:45
You're at the Academy, putting your books in your locker and greeting your friends
8:00 am
Daily Mass at the Academy with more than 200 schoolmates and community members
8:45
Your academic day begins- a tour through a broad array of integrated academic subjects, plus specials like gym, music and art.
12:15
Brown Bag Lunch at the Academy
(or you can order in at and additional fee from area restaurants including the Bean of Ave Maria and Tropical Smoothie)
12:50 - 3:20 p.m.
Back to class for the afternoon of continuing exploration of the things that matter most.
3:20 - 5:45
This is your free time. You can enjoy it hanging out with friends- attending football, basketball, cross country, track, or dance. You can schedule a session for extra help with a teacher, or visit the town center or University Library
5:45 - 6:45
Dinner with your fellow resident students and the RA
6:45 - 8:00
Open time: for study and social time- to be coordinated with the RA.
10:30
In your room- Lights out.
Weekends:
The weekend schedule will be worked out between the students and program director. Occasional scheduled activities will be available. Attendance at Sunday Mass is a requirement.
What if I have other questions? Please call us at 239-280-2450 if you have any other questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
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