According to The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, “nearly 87% of girls’ school students feel their voices—their opinions—are respected compared to 58% of girls at coed schools”, and the Goodman Research Group found that graduates of girls’ schools are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to female graduates of coed schools.
At Regina High School in Warren, a private, Catholic, all-girls’ school founded in 1956, these statistics inform their mission to transform girls into “young women of faith and vision.” Eric Burson, Guidance Counselor for grades 11 and 12, says, “Regina aims to integrate faith into all aspects of student life. We foster an environment where students are encouraged to explore and deepen their faith through prayer, retreats, liturgical celebrations, and service opportunities.”
“Regina is about academic excellence,” says Eric, “and has smaller class sizes than public schools.” In addition to the over 100-course offerings and 18 honors and Advanced Placement classes, the school offers STEM and robotics programs to encourage girls to explore careers in math, science, and technology. Through their “A Day in the STEM Life” program, alumnae share their experiences working in fields such as engineering and medicine to give a first-hand look at what those jobs are like. The school’s FIRST Robotics competition team, the Saddlebots, plan, design, build, and operate mobile robots to perform tasks. Additionally, the school participates in technological paid internships with GM, Cooper Standard, HAP, and Recaro. Additionally, the school has a medical training coop with Beaumont Grosse Pointe.
Bringing STEM skills into every class, not just science and math, is a focus. In English classes, for example, students engage in active, student-led discussions which prompt girls to take the lead and develop critical thinking and analysis skills. Other academic highlights include courses in anatomy/physiology, engineering essentials, French, Spanish, ceramics, piano, and theatre arts.
The varied and rigorous curriculum pays off—students in Regina’s graduating class this year have been offered over $8 million in scholarships among the 68 graduates, and a consistent 100% of seniors move on to higher learning.
Supporting students and personalizing experiences every step of the way is essential to the staff at Regina. Cara Smith, Guidance Counselor for grades 9 and 10, focuses on social-emotional support as well as helping students plan their academic careers and their futures in college and work. According to Cara, Regina offers “an incredible amount of individual support. Our counselor-to-student ratio is much smaller than average, which allows me to meet with each student on my caseload regularly.”
Terese Pauken, Counseling Assistant, agrees. “The recommended ratio of students to school counselors is 250 to 1, and the national average is in the 400 to 1 range,” she says. At Regina, “our student-to-counselor ratio is 150 to 1. Our counselors meet with students on a one-to-one basis several times a year and most whenever a student is in need. Students work with their counselors to handle concerns about a class, receive help with time management, resolve issues with a teacher or another student, address questions about selecting courses, develop a plan for college and career paths, prepare for standardized testing, and receive support with personal concerns.”
In addition to counseling support, Regina’s Instructional Specialists and Social Workers help with students’ individual needs. “We have an extensive and phenomenal support staff including two Instructional Specialists who run a Learning Resource Center and provide Student Accommodation Plans, which are highly uncommon in private schools,” says Michelle DeGrez, an Instructional Specialist at the school. Adds Lisa Avery, Social Worker and Regina alumna, “Regina has developed a wonderful support system for the students.”
“In every position at Regina, women are leading—from our president (Mary Treder Lang) to our principal (Ann Diamond), to our sports team captains, to the girls performing on the stage. Everywhere you look, you see female leaders,” says Kathryn Dunleavy, Instructional Specialist. “I believe this sets Regina apart and allows young women to realize their potential as leaders in the world.”
Regina boasts alumnae from all over the area, including Mount Clemens. For information enrollment information, visit Reginahs.com.
"Everywhere you look, you see female leaders. I believe this sets Regina apart and allows young women to realize their potential as leaders in the world.”