About

Catholic Learners Enrichment Academy at Rita CLEAR

CLEAR offers a summer experience for students throughout the Diocese of Dallas completing grades 3 through 5 who have demonstrated strong academic talents. The program aims to provide a qualitatively different, fun learning experience, focusing on a variety of subjects including leadership development, guidance, science, math, social studies, art, music, theater, journalism, technology, and multimedia. Most importantly, CLEAR celebrates our Catholic faith encouraging learners to use their God-given talents to serve others.

Key aspects of the CLEAR program

• Diverse Learning Experiences: The program offers a range of subjects beyond the typical school curriculum, aiming to provide intellectually stimulating experiences for the learners. 

• Leadership Development: CLEAR emphasizes the development of leadership skills, which is an important aspect of the overall growth of gifted students.

• Collaborative Learning: The program provides an opportunity for students to work with other gifted children, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

• Parent Orientation: This component allows parents to connect with each other and gather additional information about giftedness. This can help create a supportive network for both students and their families.

• Individual Student Testing: The program recognizes the importance of individualized assessment by conducting student testing. The results are shared with parents in written form, providing insights into each child's strengths and areas for development.

Celebrating and incorporating our Catholic faith into CLEAR adds an essential layer of values and purpose to the educational experience. 

• Faith Integration: CLEAR not only focuses on academic and intellectual development but also emphasizes the integration of Catholic faith. This provides students with a values-based framework for their learning experiences.

• Service-Oriented Approach: By encouraging learners to use their God-given talents to serve others, the program instills a sense of responsibility and community service. This aligns with the principles of Catholic social teaching, emphasizing the importance of compassion and helping those in need.

• Character Formation: CLEAR  prioritizes character formation by encouraging students to recognize and utilize their talents in service to others. This aligns with the broader goals of Catholic education in fostering moral and ethical development.

• Community Building: The shared celebration of the Catholic faith creates a sense of community among students, parents, and educators within the CLEAR program. This community can provide additional support and encouragement for both students and their families.

• Aligning Education with Faith:  Education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing a sense of purpose and a moral compass grounded in faith.

By incorporating the Catholic faith into the educational experience, CLEAR is not only aiming to nurture intellectual abilities but also to instill a strong sense of values, service, and community among the students. This approach can contribute to the formation of well-rounded individuals who are not only academically accomplished but also guided by a sense of purpose and moral responsibility. 

Qualification and Application Process

CLEAR participation includes grades 3 through 5 students attending a Catholic parochial school within the Diocese of Dallas. Nominations are requested from the student’s home school. Qualification is based on a Composite Total score of 125 (minimum) on Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) along with teacher recommendation. The CogAT score is the Standard Age Score (SAS).  Invitations to apply will be sent to families in early February.

Times and Location

CLEAR runs the first few weeks in June. Orientation is held the Saturday preceding the start of the program. Daily classes are conducted 9:00 - 3:30 (M - F) with special activities on Fridays. Extended care is offered 7:30 - 9:00 (M - F) and 3:30 - 5:00 (M-F). The final Wednesday is a special events day beginning with Mass. The final day ends at noon with NO afternoon extended care. CLEAR is hosted by St. Rita Catholic School, 12525 Inwood Rd, Dallas, 75244. 

Tuition and Scholarship

The tuition for this summer experience is $600. A deposit of $150 is required of both returning learners and new applicants in mid February. The balance of $450 is required by mid May.

Scholarships are available. The written request should be submitted with the application or by returning learner deposit deadline.

Contact Information

Contact: 

Jodi Sheffield, Director

972-239-3203 ext. 6534

CLEAR@strita.net

Address:

Catholic Learners Enrichment Academy at Rita

St. Rita Catholic School

12525 Inwood Rd

Dallas, Tx 75244