How many students attend Edgewood High School? How many are in each grade? And how many are in an average class?
What are the course requirements?
What kind of electives are offered?
Edgewood is a Catholic school. How is faith life lived out at EHS?
Can you go to Edgewood if you are not Catholic?
How can students get involved in clubs, sports or the arts at Edgewood? Is participation limited for freshman, or is it encouraged?
How does Edgewood aid the transition academically and socially from middle to high school?
Does EHS provide services to students with learning challenges?
What is the service requirement at Edgewood, and how do students find connections to service opportunities?
How diverse is Edgewood High School?
What type of orientation is offered to freshmen?
What does Edgewood do to integrate transfer students?
Do Edgewood students wear uniforms?
Is transportation offered to Edgewood?
What type of college and career guidance is offered?
What are the outcomes of "the Edgewood Experience"?
What is the cost of tuition, and in what ways can we arrange for payment?
How can we be considered for financial assistance, and in what way is it allocated?
How many students attend Edgewood High School? How many are in each grade? And how many are in an average class?
Edgewood's enrollment in recent years has been in the upper 600s. The average number of students per grade level is about 160, and the average number of students per class section is 19.
- This school is the perfect size -- it's not too big and it's not too small. - Freshman
- There is never one day that I enter the doors of Edgewood and feel like nobody cares.... The feeling is almost indescribable. Knowing there is always somebody there for you can help you in many ways. - Freshman
What are the course requirements?
For graduation, EHS requires four years of English and Religious Studies, three years of Math, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education, one year each of Computer Literacy and Fine Arts, and a half-year of Public Speaking. Students also can take one or two electives each semester. As part of these electives,
all students are encouraged to take two years of a single foreign language, required by most universities for admission. Other available electives are diverse. Each student attends one retreat a year and gives 100 hours of volunteer service over the course of four years.
- The learning environment helps bring out the students' best. Every student is supported and encouraged to succeed. - Freshman
- The learning environment encourages me to push myself but doesn't compare my success to the success of others. - Freshman
What kind of electives are offered?
EHS requires about two electives per semester. One elective credit must be in any of the Fine Arts, and Edgewood offers a full range of Drama, Visual Arts and Instrumental and Vocal Music. Foreign Language credits are strongly encouraged; offerings include five levels each of French, Latin and Spanish. Other electives include Aviation I and II, half a dozen Computer or Business courses, Advanced Public Speaking, Multicultural Literature, and
12 Advanced Placement courses in Science, Social Studies, Math, English and Foreign Languages. See list of all
Courses Offered .
- I appreciate ... the quantity and quality of classes offered. - Freshman
Edgewood is a Catholic school. How is faith life lived out at EHS?
Edgewood is a Catholic school in the Dominican tradition, with particular emphasis on the values of Truth, Compassion, Justice, Community and Partnership. Our school's mission is to educate the whole person, spiritually, intellectually and physically.
Edgewood expresses our faith tradition in a variety of complementary ways: Content-based Religious Studies courses are required each semester; Edgewood regularly has all-school liturgies; students participate in a retreat at each grade level; and they complete 100 hours of service for graduation, including participating in our annual, all-school,
Edgewood in the Community service day. Additional opportunities for spiritual growth and action are available through our Campus Ministry program. See more information on
Catholic Life at EHS.
- Students ... [can] voice their thoughts on God and their relationship with Him. - Freshman
- Teachers and students are very compassionate toward others at this school, and for this I am grateful. - Freshman
Can you go to Edgewood if you are not Catholic?
Absolutely, and many do. In any given year, one quarter to one third of Edgewood's student population is non-Catholic, representing a diverse group of both Christians and non-Christians.
Catholic means universal, and it has been within our mission since our origin in 1881 to welcome students of all faiths. Students who attend will be taught about Catholicism; however, they are not required or requested to be or become Catholic. Liturgies are all-school; the messages shared address the school community as a whole and are appropriate and uplifting for all. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their particular faith traditions as an impetus for understanding, community and fulfillment.
- Students have a right to believe what they want, and they are not judged for their beliefs. - Freshman
How can students get involved in clubs, sports or the arts at Edgewood? Is participation limited for freshman, or is it encouraged?
EHS offers 27 boys and girls sports and about 30 clubs and activities. There is a no-cut policy for most freshmen teams, and yes, freshmen are encouraged to get involved in clubs and activities that interest them. An amazing 95% of our students do participate in one or more clubs, activities or sports during the course of a year. This has a major effect on the sense of belonging felt by students at Edgewood. Click here to see a complete list of
Sports or
Activities.
- [Edgewood] has chances for students to participate in a huge variety of extra-cuuircular and athletic programs. - Freshman
- The coaches are respectable, intelligent role models. - Freshman
How does Edgewood aid the transition academically and socially from middle to high school?
EHS freshmen participate in a program called the Freshman Interdisciplinary Team or FIT. Academically, FIT establishes the building blocks of critical thinking, analytical reading, effective writing and communication, and examining topics within different contexts.
Socially, FIT ensures that students make an immediate connection with a small, consistent group of classmates; in addition, by rotating class groupings throughout freshman year, each freshman will have been in class for a month with half of all other freshmen. They also have the opportunity to meet the other half of the freshman and some upperclassmen in their non-FIT classes -- Math, Foreign Language, Phy. Ed., Arts or other electives -- through co-curricular activities, and at lunch.
Finally, the FIT program allows teachers to collaborate in keeping an eye out for problems any students may be experiencing. Teachers meet daily to discuss both curriculum and student adjustment, which can help identify needs a student may have right away.
- I came to Edgewood knowing two people. The caring and accepting attitude of everyone at this school allowed me to meet new people very quickly. - Freshman
- It all starts with great and dedicated teachers. - Freshman
Does EHS provide services to students with learning challenges?
Yes, two formal programs are available for students who struggle with study skills, organization, and learning challenges or disabilities. A quarter of all EHS students take advantage of one or both of these programs.
- The Academic Success Program (ASP) provides a guided study hall atmosphere with a moderator and the aid of Edgewood College and National Honor Society student tutors. This service is available to freshmen in place of regular study halls and to upperclassmen during free periods. Guidance counselors provide mini-seminars in the ASP on such topics as study skills, note-taking and testing.
- The Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides a tutoring atmosphere with a 1 to 3 teacher/student ratio. Available services include modified instruction, project assistance, test reviewing, alternative testing and college transition support. (An additional fee is charged for LRC services.)
- Learn more about Academic Assistance programs.
In addition, teachers also help students before or after school, over the lunch hour and during their free mods.
- I appreciate the time faculty spend outside of the school day to help you in any way they can. - Freshman
- Edgewood helps students who need help. - Freshman
- The teachers here have really become more; they are people I trust and respect almost like family. - Freshman
What is the service requirement at Edgewood, and how do students find connections to service opportunities?
Through service, students experience many ways to love their neighbor in need. One hundred hours of service, performed both in and outside of the Edgewood community, are required for graduation. Freshmen give a minimum of 10 hours and upperclassmen a minimum 30 hours per year. Two built-in opportunities for service are the annual Edgewood in the Community service day and the junior service retreat. By graduation, many students have contributed more than double the required number of hours. Connections to service opportunities can be made through Edgewood bulletin board listings of volunteer opportunities and on daily PA announcements. Click here for a full explanation of the
Service Program.
- It's a fantastic opportunity to take an active role while I'm still a high school student. [I've learned that] the smallest acts of kindness are the most appreciated. - Senior
How diverse is Edgewood High School?
Over eleven percent of Edgewood's students are of minority heritage. (Minorities make up about 15% of the Madison metro area population, and Edgewood draws its enrollment from the metro area and beyond.) Edgewood's enrollment has seen an upward trend in the last 10 years, with minority enrollment as a percent of the total increasing faster than total enrollment.
- Edgewood is a school full of nice kids who all get along even if they are exact opposites of each other. - Freshman
What type of orientation is offered to freshmen?
A freshman orientation is offered to students on the first day of school in August. At this session, freshmen are introduced to one another through a series of ice-breaker activities conducted by a trained and selected group of upperclassmen who serve as the "LINK Crew." Freshmen are introduced to their FIT teachers and spend time touring the building and learning what to expect from FIT and the rest of the 9th grade year. They are given tips for success in high school at Edgewood.
This orientation is social in nature and designed to help students feel at ease with one another and FIT teachers. It is also designed to show the layout of the building. After the first day of school, Freshmen receive further information about school procedures and policies in their FIT classes in the first several days of classes.
- I have always felt welcome here, not only by my teachers and classmates, but by the upperclassmen and their teachers, the custodial and kitchen staff, and the administration. Without a doubt, our school is one of the most compassionate, understanding communities around, and I am grateful to be a part of it. - Freshman
- All of my teachers are very kind. - Freshman
What does Edgewood do to integrate transfer students?
Transfer students and parents are invited to a Transfer Student Orientation shortly before the start of the school year. In this program there is a chance to meet one another and to connect with administrators at the school who will be instrumental in the transition. Several weeks into the school year, transfer students are again invited to attend a luncheon together, to reconnect and have a chance to share questions and concerns.
Efforts are made to connect transfer students to one another, but also to
experienced students at Edgewood, so they can easily find a network of people to help connect them to their interest areas. The biggest aid in transition for transfer students is through involvement in co-curricular groups, clubs, musical groups or sports. Since 95% of Edgewood's students are in at least one co-curricular activity, this is the way to make meaningful connections. The overwhelming way at Edgewood is to welcome others and encourage participation.
- I already have more friends at Edgewood than I did at my old school. - Junior transfer student, spoken in late September
Do Edgewood students wear uniforms?
Uniforms are not worn, but students adhere to a dress code which requires clothes that are not a distraction to the learning environment.
Is transportation offered to Edgewood?
City buses drop off and pick up directly in front of Edgewood High School. No other transportation to EHS is offered, either by the public school system or by Edgewood itself. There is a parking lot for students who wish to drive to school. Parking on campus is limited; permits go first to seniors, then to juniors.
What type of college and career guidance is offered?
Career guidance begins before students even arrive at Edgewood with the ACT Explore test, administered as a way of assessing what sort of high school courses a student may want to take. Via this test, the Student Services Department is already working to get to know your student's interests and capabilities; their concern for your student continues for four years and beyond:
• Freshmen attend mandatory guidance classes on the importance of maintaining a strong grade point average - starting freshman year - to his or her college possibilities.
• Sophomores take the Kuder Career Assessment, an interest inventory that helps them identify their own wishes for their future.
• Juniors build a "resume," a one-page description of academics, service and extracurricular activities. Guidance counselors meet with parents at this time on how to go about the college and financial aid search process. Almost all EHS students take the ACT college admissions test.
• For seniors, counselors schedule appointments with college representatives, help with the application process, disseminate updates on available scholarships, and encourage students through the college decision to graduation.
The preparation Edgewood provides translates into success in the first year of college; for instance, at the very challenging UW-Madison, our graduates maintain one of the highest average g.p.a.s of all Dane County high schools.
- ...as crazy as it sounds, sometimes I'm glad [school] isn't so easy here. - Freshman
- I value a great education and Edgewood delivers it. - Freshman
What are the outcomes of "the Edgewood Experience"?
With an average of almost 100% of Edgewood students taking the ACT college admissions test, EHS consistently scores 3-4 points over the state and national averages. Over the last five years, 96% of EHS graduates have gone on to higher education, 92% to a four-year college or university.
- I look forward to going to school. - Freshman
- Attending Edgewood was one of the best choices I have ever made. - Freshman
What is the cost of tuition, and in what ways can we arrange for payment?
Tuition for 2010-'11 will be $9,428. The tuition figure includes the cost of books, but does not include the cost of fees for co-curricular activities. Edgewood offers payment plans that allow the annual cost of tuition and fees to be spread over as many as ten months, and for payments to be made by check, credit card or automatic fund transfers.
The cost of tuition covers about 85% of the actual cost to educate a student at EHS, which is $10,928. The amount of money between the cost of tuition annually and what families are asked to pay is known as the "tuition gap." This gap ($1,500 per student for 2010-'11) is filled, or subsidized, through institutional fundraising and private donations, including donations from parents of current students. Additional financial aid is available. See below.
- I might be somewhere else getting in trouble, but I feel Edgewood ... prevents me from doing so. - Freshman
- I feel safe here, which is essential while trying to receive an education of any kind. - Freshman
- It's only October, and I can tell you this - we've gotten our money's worth already, just seeing how happy she is when she comes home from school! - Freshman parent
How can we be considered for financial assistance, and in what way is it allocated?
Over 42% of Edgewood's students receive financial assistance on the basis of financial need. Any family for whom tuition might be cost-prohibitive is encouraged to file the Confidential Financial Assistance Application form, due on March 31 of each year. This information allows our business manager to assess what amount of money might be available for the cost of education, given each family's income, assets, debt and equity (if applicable). The formula used is the same as the needs analysis used in the Federal Pell Grant program for college financial aid programs.
When families submit this information, which remains strictly confidential, their need for financial aid is measured in the above manner, then weighed in the bigger picture of all families who requested assistance. Families file for financial assistance consideration each year. We try to find a way for Edgewood to become affordable for all families with an interest in attending. Overall, Edgewood will give about $600,000 in financial aid this year.
- I enjoy making my donation every year because I know it helps keep Edgewood affordable for more families through tuition aid.
- Alumna, Annual Fund Donor
For further information, you may browse the other Admissions tabs, email admissions@edgewood.k12.wi.us
or contact Admissions at 257-1023, x134.
