School Spotlight: Santa Fe Catholic High School

The Diocese of Orlando has five high schools with Santa Fe Catholic High School as the only Polk County Catholic school located in Lakeland, FL. Santa Fe Catholic High School opened its doors in 1961 and has grown in size and student population. Students in grades 9-12 are taught to rigorous standards as they learn and practice Catholic values.As a college preparatory school, Santa Fe Catholic High School offers academic, artistic, athletic, extracurricular, service, and spiritual programs to graduate well-rounded students who have the capability to meet life’s challenges and transform the world. In fact, over 98% of Santa Fe Catholic graduates are accepted into college and 78% receive Florida Bright Futures scholarships. Recent research confirms that graduates of Catholic schools are more likely to be civically engaged, tolerant of diverse views, and committed to service as adults.All faiths are welcome to attend Santa Fe Catholic High School. The community surrounding campus has learned that the solid foundation the high school delivers teaches more than academics – students learn the value of self-discipline, commitment, mutual trust and respect, and overcoming challenges as a young person in today’s society by being a model of Christianity.Santa Fe Catholic offers five college preparatory programs for its students:

• College preparatory with skills assistance to enable students to develop basic skills to prepare them for college
• College preparatory to challenge college-bound students
• College preparatory with honors for students capable of more challenging coursework
• College preparatory with dual enrollment for sophomores and juniors to enroll in classes offered by St. Thomas University, Polk State College, or other affiliated post-secondary institutions; courses are offered on the Santa Fe Catholic campus or online
• College preparatory with advanced placement for college-level instruction with an Advanced Placement test administered by the College Board given at the conclusion of the course

Athletics are also an important part of the curriculum at Santa Fe Catholic High School. Santa Fe’s Crimson Hawks football team has won several State championships and student athletes have received numerous honors as player of the year and opportunities to play in college teams after graduation. In addition to its famous football team, Santa Fe’s athletic programs includes baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, dance, golf, tennis, cross country, track and field, and swimming. When students participate in sports, it increases self-esteem, teamwork, and physical well-being. Studies have proven the involvement in sports is directly correlated with improved school grades.With a strong drive to help students develop their inner strengths, Santa Fe Catholic students take ownership of their education, living up to the motto of the group of Benedictine sisters who founded the school over 50 years ago, “That in all things God may be glorified.” The Catholic Diocese of Orlando welcomes all new and returning students to its Polk County Catholic schools for the 2016 school year. Call 863-665-4188 to learn more about Santa Fe Catholic High School.