Academic Departments
Students at CDH are exposed to a broad spectrum of courses to help them become critical thinkers, collaborative learners, and well prepared for college and life.
At Cretin-Derham Hall, we are proud to offer a rigorous academic experience in every department.
Our students are well-prepared for college. They have the opportunity to take AP courses, which can earn college credit. We also offer college-in-the-high-school classes, where students can take courses through the University of Minnesota and Saint Mary's University.
Our unique interdisciplinary classes include Values, which is a required course for all 9th graders. The class combines English, Social Studies, and Religion. We also offer Spectrum for 12th graders, an interdisciplinary class with a strong focus on service. Learning Lab provides extra academic support for students who need it.
Explore all of our departments by clicking on the drop-down menus below!
Next: Entrepreneurship & Innovation
CDH NEXT is dedicated to transforming Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH) into a dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where creative thinkers and problem solvers can thrive, positioning CDH as a premier incubator for the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
The CDH Advantage
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A robust series of courses designed to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and skills while emphasizing ethical leadership and global impact
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An Internship program, providing students with invaluable real-world experiences to apply their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in professional settings. These internships offer hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship from industry professionals, and the chance to contribute to the success of businesses or organizations.
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Center for Digital Storytelling: The Center for Digital Storytelling, is a transformative initiative aimed at integrating creativity and technology into education. Spearheaded by a collaborative team, this project aims to revolutionize learning by empowering students with essential digital skills. Center for Digital Storytelling is a dedicated space equipped with tools and resources for digital storytelling.
computer science
Computer Science gives students vital 21st-century skills. Computer Science is more than just using technology - it teaches students design, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to innovate and create the new technologies that drive our world.
The CDH Advantage
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Offerings include both programming-oriented and application-oriented courses to meet a variety of student interests and skill levels.
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Technology in the Classroom:
- C.A.D., Science and Engineering, and Robotics students produce and print using a vairety of 2D and 3D models using laser cutters, vinyl cutters and 3D printers.
- Physics, Science and Engineering, Robotics students use a wide array pf physical hardware to program integrated circuit boards to explore electronics and programming.
- Across our programming students use a range of programming languages, including Python, JAVA, C#, and CSS to learn about programming basics, object-oriented programming, and code based visual design.
- Animation students use Blender and other applications to bring characters to life.
- Game Design students combining visuals and code to create their own video games using the Unity and Godot game engines.
English
Engage all learners, no matter their skill set, interest, or learning strategies to understand Literature, foster a personal practice of reading, and develop competency in academic writing.
Students will use these skills across multiple disciplines, with the expectation that students will be college-ready communicators.
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Our students are prepared for college - PSAT and ACT scores significantly exceed
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Students can earn college credit at the University of Minnesota and Saint Mary’s University of MN, taking college courses in their CDH classroom. We also offer AP English Composition.
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Reading lists are diverse, relevant, and current. Discussions, projects, and writing assignments reflect the world that our students are growing up in.
Fine arts
Because fine arts stimulates and satisfies the human need to participate in the creative process, the fine arts nurture the students’ senses, emotion, and intellect to build a foundation for life-long enrichment and growth.
The CDH Advantage
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Theater department regularly wins Triple Threat and Spotlight awards.
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Award-winning studio arts program, with 16 courses available at multiple levels.
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Multiple bands and choirs allow wide range of participation.
- Beautiful facilities for all arts disciplines.
JROTC
Develop leaders and citizens, provide significant service to our school and the CDH community through a nationally accredited, co-ed program that improves self-discipline and builds leadership.
The CDH Advantage
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Established in 1917, and recipient of JROTC's highest honor for more than 90 consecutive years.
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Largest service organization on campus, with many leadership opportunities.
- No military service obligation, and CDH scholarships available.
Math
Develop thinking and organizing skills, understand logic, and create valid inferences.
Through cooperative learning, students work together in this essential and beautiful application across many disciplines.
The CDH Advantage
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Math Lab Help available during all periods and after school.
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98% pass rate on AP Calculus test.
- Integrated with other departments through STEM curriculum.
Physical Education
In each Cretin-Derham Hall Physical Education and Health class, the goal is to help students improve their cardiovascular fitness, develop a positive self-image, increase knowledge to build a healthier lifestyle, and teach valuable lifetime activities.
The CDH Advantage
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Wide range of courses allows students to find exercise they enjoy and can continue long after high school.
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Independent Study gives students the opportunity to develop their own fitness plan, if a P.E. class does not fit in their schedule.
Religion
We welcome students where they are, affirm their dignity, while supporting their growth and development of spiritual practices that will waken and sustain them.
The CDH Advantage
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Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Christian Brothers
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Four years of Religion courses teach students about Catholicism as well as other world religions.
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Seniors put their faith in action through weekly service in the community.
Science
We provide an innovative, technological, and progressive science curriculum at all levels and interests to meet 21st-century challenges.
The CDH Advantage
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Foundational Science and Engineering STEM course for all 9th graders, continuing into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
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State of the art technology and experiential learning, allowing students to replicate real-world problems and learn by doing.
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With planning, students can take two science courses concurrently.
Social Studies
We prepare students to be responsible and effective citizens who can play a dynamic role in our ever-changing and interdependent world through disciplinary knowledge and skills, respect for multiple perspectives, and a sense of a just and humane society reflective of our values.
The CDH Advantage
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Weekly Senior Service integrated into curriculum. We are committed to educating civic minded students who can pair their faith with action.
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Local and international Justice Education Trips
- AP courses available in Economics, US History, US Government, Psychology, Human Geography
World Language
The World Language Department of Cretin-Derham Hall recognizes that all students are citizens of a global society. To live more fully in this society, it is important that students be able to communicate in multiple languages. As students learn to communicate in other languages, their appreciation of other cultures adds dimension and depth of understanding to their view of the world. When students learn that there is more than one manner of communication, they grow in their appreciation of peoples and cultures. In developing linguistic skills, they also learn to better understand and appreciate their native language.
The CDH Advantage
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Multiple levels of each of three languages: French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish
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Travel opportunities to support language fluency and cultural exploration
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College credit opportunities available