FORMATION
Education at Shelton Academy encompasses the use of the mind and soul. Religion is a required course at every grade level. The formation of our student’s Catholic identity is a priority and is ever present throughout every activity. Masses are offered on several occasions during the span of the school year as well as regular opportunities to access the Sacrament of Confession, faculty and parent supervised service projects, and various charitable outreach programs that benefit those most in need within our community. These programs and opportunities allow students to materialize their faith into practice. Note that the prayers and Catholic traditions that are practiced at Shelton Academy are in accordance with the liturgical calendar.
Mentoring is individualized education that aims to guide the students to become mature, confident, responsible adults who live by Christian principles. Our mentoring program provides the students with the encouragement, support, and motivation needed to form their character and to become men and women of virtue. Through regular one-on-one conversations with a well-trained and experienced faculty/staff member serving as their mentor, the student develops skills that will last a lifetime: striving for academic excellence, serving others, and developing the good habits that will allow them to make a positive contribution to our world. The mentoring program also assists the parents in their role as primary educators of their children. The scheduled meetings between the mentor and the student’s parents help develop a unified vision regarding the academic and personal development of the student.
Shelton Academy works with the firm conviction that parents are the primary educators of their children and that our greatest mission as a school is to support them in this fundamental work. For this purpose, the school provides our families with tools and opportunities to help them in their job as parents, in their personal and spiritual growth, as well as in their integration as members of the community. Additionally, these activities help provide communal unity and closeness among families.
At Shelton Academy, The Department of Formation complements the work of the Academic Department in the continuous growth and professional development of our teachers. During faculty sessions, teachers are presented with long-life learning experiences, they are given resources to foster a spirit of innovation, and they are encouraged to bring an active learning attitude to the core of their instruction.
“Life Prep” is a unique academic subject at the core of the Shelton Academy education. Through a variety of activities, the students learn about personal development, develop virtues, and acquire self-understanding and spiritual growth. The goal of the program is to prepare the students for life in many different aspects that are not explicitly present in the rest of the academic subjects. Generally, the Life Prep sessions promote active learning with a methodology that is always participative.
Discover, Imagine, Venture, and Explore (D.I.V.E)
Shelton Academy’s D.I.V.E. is a unique marine biology and life science experience and the only program of its kind in the city of Doral!
D.I.V.E. incorporates:
- Weekly hands-on study sessions at school
- Maintenance of Sea-Scope Tank
- Leadership Training
- Field Study Trips
- Lab Experiments
- Family Camping Trips
The goal of the program is to achieve academic excellence through experiential learning. Enhancing the curriculum taught at Shelton, biologist apprentices participate in weekly hands-on study sessions where they apply scientific techniques while learning about marine sciences.
D.I.V.E. courses are entwined within Shelton’s curriculum with the purpose of nurturing marine biologists through discoveries, experiences, excursions, and encounters in order to promote environmental stewardship.
Study Sessions
- Coastal nature hikes and explorations
- Critter-catching using seine nets and bottom nets
- Plankton collection using nets
- Kayak adventures
- Snorkeling excursions
- Animal encounters
- Visits to lab and animal rehabilitation centers
- Camping trips
Sea-Scope Tank
D.I.V.E. incorporates the maintenance and care of the school’s Sea-Scope Tank. This lab portion of the program allows students to learn about water quality, biochemistry, lab techniques, and animal husbandry through hands-on activities and experiments. Teachers and students are responsible for the maintenance, animal care, and water quality of our Sea-Scope Tank. Students are also involved in the tracking information and data analysis collected during the Sea-Scope labs.
Learning Outcomes
Students participating in D.I.V.E. are expected to:
- Understand and apply fundamental theories and concepts of the biological and environmental sciences
- Develop inquiry and observational skills to formulate scientific questions
- Understand and develop basic experimental methodology, including the proper use of scientific analysis
- Evaluate evidence critically
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Research scientific literature using print and electronic resources
- Understand the ethics and environmental impacts of student and societal actions. Provide tools for marine life scientists to find resources with information on current research, news, etc. and to highlight the impact of their work in the marine life sciences.
Nature Postings
D.I.V.E. operates in conjunction with Nature Postings, Inc., established with the purpose of embracing nature and education through hands-on study sessions, interpretive programs, camping trips, retreats, encounters, adventures, camps, celebrations, and more! The curriculum incorporates multidisciplinary approaches to the study and appreciation of nature and science, creating experiences that l allows participants to decode the unspoken language of it. D.I.V.E. teachers create unique adventures and discoveries for all participants fueled by their passion for education and their desire to incorporate nature as their classroom. The Nature Postings Squad is trained in multidisciplinary sciences and techniques. Their primary goal is to decode nature’s posting messages and teach the students the knowledge of nature’s voice.
“We want our kids to learn, not memorize; we want them to explore and be engaged. We want them to be in a nurturing environment where they can spend quality hours. Academically, they are excelling and seeing the same material they would at any other top school but with the difference that they use technology, arts and music to integrate the kids’ learning. We recommend Shelton to anyone looking for a well-rounded curriculum and safe environment for their kids.”
Natalia Echeverri, Parent
D.I.V.E. is run in conjunction with Nature Postings, Inc., established with the purpose of embracing nature and education through hands-on study sessions, interpretive programs, camping trips, retreats, encounters, adventures, camps, celebrations and more! The curriculum incorporates multidisciplinary approaches to the study and enjoyment of nature and science, creating experiences that will allow participants to decode the unspoken language of it.
The teachers create the most superb quality of unique adventures and discoveries our participants could ever have! They are passionate about education and love to use nature as their classroom. The NP Squad is trained in multidisciplinary sciences and techniques, and their most important goal is to decode nature’s postings messages and teach the students the knowledge of nature’s voice.
“We want our kids to learn, not memorize; we want them to explore and be engaged. We want them to be in a nurturing environment where they can spend quality hours. Academically, they are excelling and seeing the same material they would at any other top school but with the difference that they use technology, arts and music to integrate the kids learning. We recommend Shelton to anyone looking for a well-rounded curriculum and safe environment for their kids.”
Natalia Echeverri, Parent
Marvel. Illuminate. Notice. Dream. Share. (MINDS)
MINDS is a program focused on human anthropology and one that was designed to give students the opportunity to learn how civilization and expression of culture is interconnected with art history, music, and architecture. MINDS has been created in collaboration with the Prado Museum and the University of Navarra, in Spain. The purpose of MINDS is to foster the love of art and culture through dynamic classes strategically adapted to fit each grade level. The history of art is reinforced through creative and imaginative projects. Inspired by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia. The objective of this program is to learn about various artists and their respective time periods in order to gain an understanding behind the inspiration for their works. Students can begin to conceptualize the connection between various time periods and build upon the array of methods that have been created in conjunction with occurrences in history. Students learn different artistic techniques and the process of creating realistic images.
The curriculum for MINDS is designed by the Prado Museum and has been adapted specifically for Shelton Academy. Each month, students have the opportunity to engage in live digital conferences with the Prado Museum and the University of Navarra where they will receive consistent support and additional guidance from trained professionals.
Model United Nations
Model United Nations (MUN), through Global Classrooms, is an innovative program that affords middle school students an exposure to the latest developments in political, economic, and social fields. Global Classrooms give students the opportunity to discuss and debate through interactive simulations and curricular materials, helping build future leaders and citizens of the world. MUN provides an exciting opportunity for students to role-play as delegates to the United Nations and to simulate UN committees. As an MUN member, students participate in the international conference in New York City—the largest in the world—and have the opportunity to collaborate with hundreds of students from across the country and around the globe. The “delegates” make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the MUN conference rules of procedure—all in the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world. In the past, Shelton Academy delegates have been honored with two Best Position Paper awards, an Honorable Mention for Distinguished Performance, and received special recognition for Outstanding Delegate. We invite you to visit the following links for additional information and to learn about past MUN experiences:
Shelton Saints
Saints Teams
- VARSITY VOLLEYBALL GIRLS
- JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL GIRLS
- CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS&BOYS
- VARSITY BASKETBALL BOYS
- JUNIOR BASKETBALL BOYS
- VARSITY BASKETBALL GIRLS
- JUNIOR BASKETBALL GIRLS
- SOCCER MIDDLE SCHOOL
- SOCCER UPPER SCHOOL
Houses
Similar to many traditional English schools, Shelton Academy is divided into four houses. Each house represents values and ideals aligned with the mission of our school. Siblings are typically assigned to the same house. The Houses of Shelton serve many important purposes such as communicating and encouraging a grasp of the school’s ideals. These strengthen the enthusiasm and spirit for Shelton Academy. They also serve to build community and develop a strong sense of belonging through tradition. They encourage leadership and school pride at, for example via House competitions. These events are “rallying points” throughout the year and are marked by festival days that include championships and spirited games.
Our Shelton Academy Houses are:
| House of Valor: Representing courage and caring
|
House of Amicus: Representing forgiveness and friendship
|
| House of Fidelis: Representing leadership and loyalty
|
House of Persisto: Representing perseverance and patience
|
Honors Program
The Honors program offers well rounded educational experiences to meet the needs and abilities of the students it serves. It provides a focus of highly regarded standards of excellence for students and faculty. The Honors Program curriculum features special courses and experiential learning opportunities. Furthermore, is designed so that honor requirements can also satisfy general education requirements. Admissions into the Honors Program is a rigorous endeavor reserved for highly motivated students whose academic abilities and talents span across the entire curriculum spectrum. To qualify for the Honors Program, students must have exceptional performance in regular classes in addition to an NPR or LPR greater than 90% on a local standardized test administered within that calendar year. The criteria for the selection of honors faculty include exceptional teaching skills, the ability to provide intellectual leadership and mentoring, and demonstrated support for the mission of the Honors Program.
Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recognizes students for their achievements in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Membership is an ongoing responsibility and obligation to continue demonstrating these outstanding qualities, which result in a students’ selection. As part of their ongoing commitment to the values of NJHS, students participate in various community service projects throughout the year.
Stories Under the Tree/ Digital Magazine
We are excited to present the inaugural volume of Stories Under the Tree, Shelton Academy’s digital magazine, created entirely by the talented students of our Journalism Class. This unique publication is a testament to the creativity, perspectives, and voices of our students, spanning Early Years through High School.
Each page of Stories Under the Tree reflects the dedication and passion of our students. From collecting content to designing layouts and capturing compelling photographs, this project is entirely student-driven—a celebration of their hard work and vibrant imagination.
Explore the stories, artwork, and moments that make Shelton Academy a special community. This magazine is more than a publication; it’s a platform for our students to share their journeys, ideas, and creativity with the world.
We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for your support in nurturing their growth and self-expression.
Click below to read Stories Under the Tree and join us in celebrating the voices of our students.
FORMATION
Education at Shelton Academy encompasses the use of the mind and soul. Religion is a required course at every grade level. The formation of our student’s Catholic identity is a priority and is ever present throughout every activity. Masses are offered on several occasions during the span of the school year as well as regular opportunities to access the Sacrament of Confession, faculty and parent supervised service projects, and various charitable outreach programs that benefit those most in need within our community. These programs and opportunities allow students to materialize their faith into practice. Note that the prayers and Catholic traditions that are practiced at Shelton Academy are in accordance with the liturgical calendar.
Mentoring is individualized education that aims to guide the students to become mature, confident, responsible adults who live by Christian principles. Our mentoring program provides the students with the encouragement, support, and motivation needed to form their character and to become men and women of virtue. Through regular one-on-one conversations with a well-trained and experienced faculty/staff member serving as their mentor, the student develops skills that will last a lifetime: striving for academic excellence, serving others, and developing the good habits that will allow them to make a positive contribution to our world. The mentoring program also assists the parents in their role as primary educators of their children. The scheduled meetings between the mentor and the student’s parents help develop a unified vision regarding the academic and personal development of the student.
Shelton Academy works with the firm conviction that parents are the primary educators of their children and that our greatest mission as a school is to support them in this fundamental work. For this purpose, the school provides our families with tools and opportunities to help them in their job as parents, in their personal and spiritual growth, as well as in their integration as members of the community. Additionally, these activities help provide communal unity and closeness among families.
At Shelton Academy, The Department of Formation complements the work of the Academic Department in the continuous growth and professional development of our teachers. During faculty sessions, teachers are presented with long-life learning experiences, they are given resources to foster a spirit of innovation, and they are encouraged to bring an active learning attitude to the core of their instruction.
“Life Prep” is a unique academic subject at the core of the Shelton Academy education. Through a variety of activities, the students learn about personal development, develop virtues, and acquire self-understanding and spiritual growth. The goal of the program is to prepare the students for life in many different aspects that are not explicitly present in the rest of the academic subjects. Generally, the Life Prep sessions promote active learning with a methodology that is always participative.
Discover, Imagine, Venture, and Explore (D.I.V.E)
Shelton Academy’s D.I.V.E. is a unique marine biology and life science experience and the only program of its kind in the city of Doral!
D.I.V.E. incorporates:
- Weekly hands-on study sessions at school
- Maintenance of Sea-Scope Tank
- Leadership Training
- Field Study Trips
- Lab Experiments
- Family Camping Trips
The goal of the program is to achieve academic excellence through experiential learning. Enhancing the curriculum taught at Shelton, biologist apprentices participate in weekly hands-on study sessions where they apply scientific techniques while learning about marine sciences.
D.I.V.E. courses are entwined within Shelton’s curriculum with the purpose of nurturing marine biologists through discoveries, experiences, excursions, and encounters in order to promote environmental stewardship.
Study Sessions
- Coastal nature hikes and explorations
- Critter-catching using seine nets and bottom nets
- Plankton collection using nets
- Kayak adventures
- Snorkeling excursions
- Animal encounters
- Visits to lab and animal rehabilitation centers
- Camping trips
Sea-Scope Tank
D.I.V.E. incorporates the maintenance and care of the school’s Sea-Scope Tank. This lab portion of the program allows students to learn about water quality, biochemistry, lab techniques, and animal husbandry through hands-on activities and experiments. Teachers and students are responsible for the maintenance, animal care, and water quality of our Sea-Scope Tank. Students are also involved in the tracking information and data analysis collected during the Sea-Scope labs.
Learning Outcomes
Students participating in D.I.V.E. are expected to:
- Understand and apply fundamental theories and concepts of the biological and environmental sciences
- Develop inquiry and observational skills to formulate scientific questions
- Understand and develop basic experimental methodology, including the proper use of scientific analysis
- Evaluate evidence critically
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Research scientific literature using print and electronic resources
- Understand the ethics and environmental impacts of student and societal actions. Provide tools for marine life scientists to find resources with information on current research, news, etc. and to highlight the impact of their work in the marine life sciences.
Nature Postings
D.I.V.E. operates in conjunction with Nature Postings, Inc., established with the purpose of embracing nature and education through hands-on study sessions, interpretive programs, camping trips, retreats, encounters, adventures, camps, celebrations, and more! The curriculum incorporates multidisciplinary approaches to the study and appreciation of nature and science, creating experiences that l allows participants to decode the unspoken language of it. D.I.V.E. teachers create unique adventures and discoveries for all participants fueled by their passion for education and their desire to incorporate nature as their classroom. The Nature Postings Squad is trained in multidisciplinary sciences and techniques. Their primary goal is to decode nature’s posting messages and teach the students the knowledge of nature’s voice.
“We want our kids to learn, not memorize; we want them to explore and be engaged. We want them to be in a nurturing environment where they can spend quality hours. Academically, they are excelling and seeing the same material they would at any other top school but with the difference that they use technology, arts and music to integrate the kids’ learning. We recommend Shelton to anyone looking for a well-rounded curriculum and safe environment for their kids.”
Natalia Echeverri, Parent
“We want our kids to learn, not memorize; we want them to explore and be engaged. We want them to be in a nurturing environment where they can spend quality hours. Academically, they are excelling and seeing the same material they would at any other top school but with the difference that they use technology, arts and music to integrate the kids learning. We recommend Shelton to anyone looking for a well-rounded curriculum and safe environment for their kids.”
Natalia Echeverri, Parent
Marvel. Illuminate. Notice. Dream. Share.(MINDS)
MINDS is a program focused on human anthropology and one that was designed to give students the opportunity to learn how civilization and expression of culture is interconnected with art history, music, and architecture. MINDS has been created in collaboration with the Prado Museum and the University of Navarra, in Spain. The purpose of MINDS is to foster the love of art and culture through dynamic classes strategically adapted to fit each grade level. The history of art is reinforced through creative and imaginative projects. Inspired by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia. The objective of this program is to learn about various artists and their respective time periods in order to gain an understanding behind the inspiration for their works. Students can begin to conceptualize the connection between various time periods and build upon the array of methods that have been created in conjunction with occurrences in history. Students learn different artistic techniques and the process of creating realistic images.
The curriculum for MINDS is designed by the Prado Museum and has been adapted specifically for Shelton Academy. Each month, students have the opportunity to engage in live digital conferences with the Prado Museum and the University of Navarra where they will receive consistent support and additional guidance from trained professionals.
Model United Nations
Model United Nations (MUN), through Global Classrooms, is an innovative program that affords middle school students an exposure to the latest developments in political, economic, and social fields. Global Classrooms give students the opportunity to discuss and debate through interactive simulations and curricular materials, helping build future leaders and citizens of the world. MUN provides an exciting opportunity for students to role-play as delegates to the United Nations and to simulate UN committees. As an MUN member, students participate in the international conference in New York City—the largest in the world—and have the opportunity to collaborate with hundreds of students from across the country and around the globe. The “delegates” make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the MUN conference rules of procedure—all in the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world. In the past, Shelton Academy delegates have been honored with two Best Position Paper awards, an Honorable Mention for Distinguished Performance, and received special recognition for Outstanding Delegate. We invite you to visit the following links for additional information and to learn about past MUN experiences:
Shelton Saints
Saints Teams
- VARSITY VOLLEYBALL GIRLS
- JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL GIRLS
- CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS&BOYS
- VARSITY BASKETBALL BOYS
- JUNIOR BASKETBALL BOYS
- VARSITY BASKETBALL GIRLS
- JUNIOR BASKETBALL GIRLS
- SOCCER MIDDLE SCHOOL
- SOCCER UPPER SCHOOL
Similar to many traditional English schools, Shelton Academy is divided into four houses. Each house represents values and ideals aligned with the mission of our school. Siblings are typically assigned to the same house. The Houses of Shelton serve many important purposes such as communicating and encouraging a grasp of the school’s ideals. These strengthen the enthusiasm and spirit for Shelton Academy. They also serve to build community and develop a strong sense of belonging through tradition. They encourage leadership and school pride at, for example via House competitions. These events are “rallying points” throughout the year and are marked by festival days that include championships and spirited games.
Our Shelton Academy Houses are:
| House of Valor: Representing courage and caring
|
House of Amicus: Representing forgiveness and friendship
|
| House of Fidelis: Representing leadership and loyalty
|
House of Persisto: Representing perseverance and patience
|
Honors Program
The Honors program offers well rounded educational experiences to meet the needs and abilities of the students it serves. It provides a focus of highly regarded standards of excellence for students and faculty. The Honors Program curriculum features special courses and experiential learning opportunities. Furthermore, is designed so that honor requirements can also satisfy general education requirements. Admissions into the Honors Program is a rigorous endeavor reserved for highly motivated students whose academic abilities and talents span across the entire curriculum spectrum. To qualify for the Honors Program, students must have exceptional performance in regular classes in addition to an NPR or LPR greater than 90% on a local standardized test administered within that calendar year. The criteria for the selection of honors faculty include exceptional teaching skills, the ability to provide intellectual leadership and mentoring, and demonstrated support for the mission of the Honors Program.
Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recognizes students for their achievements in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Membership is an ongoing responsibility and obligation to continue demonstrating these outstanding qualities, which result in a students’ selection. As part of their ongoing commitment to the values of NJHS, students participate in various community service projects throughout the year.
Stories Under the Tree/ Digital Magazine
We are excited to present the inaugural volume of Stories Under the Tree, Shelton Academy’s digital magazine, created entirely by the talented students of our Journalism Class. This unique publication is a testament to the creativity, perspectives, and voices of our students, spanning Early Years through High School.
Each page of Stories Under the Tree reflects the dedication and passion of our students. From collecting content to designing layouts and capturing compelling photographs, this project is entirely student-driven—a celebration of their hard work and vibrant imagination.
Explore the stories, artwork, and moments that make Shelton Academy a special community. This magazine is more than a publication; it’s a platform for our students to share their journeys, ideas, and creativity with the world.
We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for your support in nurturing their growth and self-expression.
Click below to read Stories Under the Tree and join us in celebrating the voices of our students.
