In 1991 the Society of Mary established five common elements of the Marianist education tradition, known as the Characteristics of Marianist Education.
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They are
- Educate for formation in faith
- Provide an integral, quality education
- Educate in family spirit
- Educate for service, justice & peace
- Educate for adaptation & change
Chaminade, as a Catholic, Marianist school, is committed to the development of the whole person. A graduate of Chaminade, St. Louis is an integral, well-rounded individual. He should be a person capable of integrating his faith and his culture and ultimately leading him on to a personal integration of faith and life.
Based on the Characteristics of Marianist Education, when a student graduates from Chaminade, he will...
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Formation in Faith
- Exhibit Christian attitudes toward others (respectful; understands human dignity)
- Knows the basic teachings of other major religious traditions
- Has an awareness of self (personal strengths and weaknesses)
- Lives a faith-filled life (God present in life; life-long process of formation) consistent with his age and maturity
- Is open to the public expression of his faith
- Understands the role and importance of Mary in the life of Christ and the Church
- Knows and is able to articulate and defend the teachings of the Catholic faith
- Exhibits the virtues of integrity, honesty and fortitude in his personal life
- Possesses a rightly-formed conscience
- Exhibits a knowledge and integration of the Marianist spiritual tradition
- Uses prayer in his daily life
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Integral, Quality Education
- Is prepared to be successful in college
- Appreciates the value of education and the acquisition of knowledge
- Understands and has the ability to be a life-long learner
- Reflects the mind of a holistic education (well-rounded academic program)
- Is competent in the use of technology
- Is aware of the natural environment and issues affecting it
- Possesses the skills to make him a leader in family, church and civil society
- Is proficient in English oral and written communication skills
- Is proficient in basic disciplines (math, science, practical arts/technology)
- Has been exposed to diverse cultures, languages, and the fine arts
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Family Spirit
- Possesses the ability to place others before self
- Understands the importance of "community" - personal and global
- Understands and assimilates the Marianist charism of "family'
- Understands and appreciates the centrality of Jesus in all familiar and communal relationships
- Has integrated into his person a sense of belonging to the Chaminade family
- Appreciates the value of "family" in his life and in society
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Service, Justice & Peace
- Exhibits an understanding of the concept of Christian Service (community service)
- Possesses the skills and ability to carry out service to others
- Is capable of identifying with those suffering from injustice in the world - the poor and the marginalized
- Has the ability to resolve personal and societal conflict in a peaceful manner
- Promotes the virtue of justice in personal, family and civic arenas
- Has the ability to associate "esto vir" with the promotion of peace and justice
- Exhibits tolerance of other persons (regardless of race, religion, sex or social status)
- Is willing to share self and material possessions with others
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Adaptation & Change
- Has the ability to adapt to positive societal and technological changes
- Possesses the skills to be an agent (instrument) for positive change in society
- Has the ability to critically evaluate change
- Exhibits an openness to necessary changes in his personal life and in his community
- Expresses an ability to be flexible and accommodating in attitudes and disposition
- Has the ability to resist changes that are negative and contrary to Christians values
These five characteristics and their descriptors of a Chaminade graduate are the foundational principles of Chaminade College Preparatory School. They are the goals of our education; and we strive to have our instructional methodology and administrative practices reflect them.