At Saint Columbkille Partnership School, academic excellence is measured not only by achievement, but by growth. This year, students demonstrated exceptional gains on the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment, a nationally normed test used by more than 13 million students to measure academic growth over time. Across every grade level, Saint Columbkille students outperformed the national average in both reading and mathematics. Notably, students consistently achieved High Growth on the MAP assessment, demonstrating exceptional academic progress among students at every achievement level.
These outstanding results reflect the intentional work happening in classrooms every day. This year, faculty strengthened literacy instruction through a renewed emphasis on reading, introduced elementary book clubs that encouraged student choice and discussion, enhanced the middle school English Language Arts curriculum, and implemented an updated summer reading program, culminating in a Celebration of Reading Day each fall. Teachers also collaborated across grade levels, sharing instructional strategies and building on one another's successes to better support every learner.
Head of School Jen Kowieski shared, “While these test scores are exciting, what we are really celebrating is the story behind them. We are so proud of our teachers for designing differentiated learning experiences to challenge and support every student, of our students for giving their best effort and persevering through challenges, and of our families for supporting learning at home. These results are a reflection of what is possible when a school community works together to help every child grow.”
These results demonstrate that Saint Columbkille is committed to helping every student reach their full potential. Students who need additional support receive the guidance they need to succeed, while high-achieving students continue to be challenged to grow. The result is a learning environment that combines the values of a Catholic education with a deep commitment to academic rigor.
The Saint Columbkille community celebrated these accomplishments together. Faculty were recognized with a celebratory luncheon, while students marked the achievement with an ice cream celebration - a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and growth are always worth celebrating.