EQ Academy 9th-12th (St. Therese Wednesdays Session A 9:00-9:45 a.m.) 9th-12th

In this course, we bridge the latest findings in neurobiology with timeless truths of character formation, exploring how emotional intelligence and virtue go hand in hand.

The human brain undergoes its greatest growth and neuroplasticity from conception to age 24, shaping the way we think, feel, and interact with the world. While this development slows after 24, it never stops—meaning it’s never too late to grow in wisdom, understanding, and virtue!

Using the Cardinal Virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—we’ll connect these foundational moral principles to modern neuroscience and child development, drawing from experts such as:

* Dr. Daniel Siegel (The Whole-Brain Child)

* Dr. Bruce Perry (The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog)

* Erik Erikson (Psychosocial Development)

* St. Thomas Aquinas (Virtue Ethics)

* The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist (Faith and Formation)

Students will also engage with the CASEL 5 Core Competencies of Social-Emotional Learning, equipping them with practical tools for self-awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and resilience. Through role play, discussion, modeling, prayer, and play, students will practice these skills in real-life situations.

Parenting and teaching are challenging, and none of us do it perfectly. But we can strive to love more perfectly every day, just as God loves us. By understanding how our minds and hearts grow together, our children can become faith-filled, emotionally intelligent individuals, ready to navigate their world with wisdom and grace.

Join us as we learn, grow, and strengthen our hearts and minds—one virtuous step at a time!

Required Materials: No textbook required.

*** Significant discounts are available for full-day enrollment and co-op families. ***
Contact Jenn MacDonald for questions (260) 445-3838.

St. Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN

* If a student has special needs, please contact the teacher to discuss any accommodations that might be made.

** All classes require online family registration and enrollment. Year-long classes carry a $50 yearly enrollment fee. This enrolls your student in the class for the entire year. There is no need to re-enroll for 2nd semester. The cost of the class is due no later than the first day of each semester in an envelope labeled with your student's name & the class name with cash or a check made out to the teacher. Registration and Enrollment Fees are non-refundable.