Providence High School in Burbank, California, is a co-ed Catholic college preparatory high school, founded by the Sisters of Providence in 1955. Located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Providence is known for its rigorous college-prep academic programs, with the option to specialize in one of three focus programs: Media, Medical and Technology. PHS has been honored by the United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Excellence in the fields of math and science. In 2011, PHS was awarded the CIF Champion for Character Award.
History
On September 19, 1955, Providence High School officially opened its doors to 81 female students. A recent cement strike had resulted in a shortage of building materials, and construction on the school was not completed in time for the students' arrival. Under the guidance of the school's first principal, Sr. Mary Gleason, SP (Maria Theresa), the first classes were taught in donated circus tents in the parking lot. On November 2, 1955, classes were able to move into the first floor of what is now known as the "A" building, but only three rooms were accessible to students at that time. By the end of the year, students and faculty alike had settled into a comfort-able routine, the first uniforms were chosen, and construction was completed. In the spring, 135 prospective freshmen took the entrance exam.
In fall 1957, the school adopted the Alma Mater, written by Cathy Wade Shepard '60, with music by her father, William Wade, and created a variety of clubs for the students' enjoyment and enrichment. On June 15, 1959, 68 young women took part in the school's first annual commencement, held at the Starlight Bowl. It was a proud, elegant occasion for both the young women and the young school. In May 1960, the Board of Admissions and Relations of the University of California granted accreditation to Providence High School. Since that time Providence has enjoyed continuous accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
From All Girls to Coeducational
In May 1973, school officials began to discuss with the Archdiocese the possibility of making the school coeducational. It was decided in January 1974 that the school should indeed include boys in its educational mission. In order to accommodate the increased student body this decision would create, the school undertook several large construction projects. On the first day of school that fall, September 3, 1974, young men began taking classes at PHS. The transition was relatively smooth and, although it took some time for the girls and boys to adapt to one another, young men have become a valued part of the school community.
School nearly closes
Unfortunately, enrollment declined steadily throughout the 1980s, a problem faced by many Catholic schools in the area, leading to the most difficult challenge in the school's history. In the fall of 1988, with enrollment at an all-time low of fewer than 200 students, the Sisters of Providence announced that the school would close at the end of the 1988-1989 school year. A group of determined parents were very upset by the news and banded together along with principal Sr. Lucille Dean, SP to improve Providence's enrollment. Graduates of the school were also very concerned that their alma mater would not continue. Impressed by the parents' devotion, the Sisters of Providence agreed that if 100 potential students took the school's entrance exam that spring and enrollment reached 400 students within four years, then Providence High School would remain open.
The parent group worked tirelessly with the administration and faculty to design a series of recruitment and education programs, many of which are still in place today. They created the Scholarship Committee and Providence in Action, which is an interactive workshop for prospective students, and laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of academic focus programs. Through their efforts and the Providence of God, a near miracle was accomplished, and the school surpassed both of the Sisters' goals.
With enrollment climbing steadily, Providence High School entered the 1990s on a high note. The next ten years would see the implementation and fulfillment of the goals and dreams of the previous decade. In the fall of 1991, the Medical and Media Focus Programs debuted on campus. In 1992, the school established the Board of Regents, an advisory board of interested and influential community members. In the fall of 1993, the school officially surpassed the enrollment goal of 400 students set by the Sisters of Providence.
1992 to present day
In January of 1998, the Providence High School community celebrated the school's recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education. This commendation of the school's continuing dedication to excellence in education and academic prowess is an ongoing source of pride for the community.
The year 2000 found Providence High School continuing to grow and prosper. On December 11, 2000, the school held a groundbreaking ceremony for the planned student activity center. Construction of the new facility, featuring a gym, conference room, snack shop, weight room, and exercise room, began on January 9, 2001 and was completed in early 2002. The Fritz B. Burns Student Activity Center was dedicated and blessed at a special liturgical celebration on January 20, 2002.
Sr. Lucille Dean, SP retired from her position as principal at the conclusion of the 2004-2005 school year and, Mrs. Michele Schulte, became the school's 7th Principal. After Mr. Michael Collins spent one year as Interim Head of School in 2010-2011, the school appointed Mr. Joe Sciuto as Head of School.
The 2012-2013 school year marked the opening of the long anticipated Science Center, which contains biology, chemistry and physics classrooms and labs. PHS has been continually accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and has recently become a member of California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).
Focus Programs
Medical Focus Program
The four-year program covers topics from health, medicine, and biotechnology to health care within political, social, economic, religious and ethical frameworks. The course introduces students to medical terms, growing trends in medical and health technology as well as instruction on vital signs and procedures such as CPR and first aid. The program also includes the history of medicine with its growing milestones and biomedical issues such as health care systems in this country and other countries.
The program covers elective courses in bioethics, genetics, anatomy and physiology, anthropology, and psychobiology. Along with the core science courses and a solid college preparatory curriculum, the program gives students a unique advantage developing study skills, critical thinking skills, time management skills, and the ability to handle a rigorous workload when transitioning to college.
The success of the program is the result of a unique partnership between Providence High School and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Expansion of the program now includes participation and support of the following organizations/institutions: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Shriner's Hospital, USC University Hospital, LAC+USC Medical Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Midway Medical Center, Huntington Memorial Hospital, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Technology Focus Program
The Technology Focus Program is designed as a broad-based introduction into various kinds of technology, providing a launching pad for further college study and industry application. The program does not focus on a single area of technology, but provides a well-rounded overview into the many aspects of technology available to our students. At the completion of the program, students will have attained a certification in IC3 (internet and Core Computing) as well acquiring a strong foundation in modern technology in anticipation of further study at the college/university level. Students in the Technology Focus Program will complete the Technology Focus DIL course, which will culminate with the completion of the IC3 Certification Test.
Criteria for continuing in the Technology Focus Program:
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Class participation and GPA of 3.0 or higher in all program classes
- Participation in triad conferences with Program Director
- Approval by Program Director and Administration
Notes and references
External links
- Providence High School official website
- Providence Health & Services corporate website
- Providence St. Josephs Medical Center
- Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
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