The Verbum Dei graduate is intellectually motivated.  He demonstrates mastery of fundamental academic skills and discipline necessary for advanced education. He is a life-long learner who critically analyzes contemporary issues and forms an opinion on them.  He is a well-informed citizen; recognizing his role as a compassionate person and responsible citizen he desires ever greater knowledge and wisdom to more profoundly participate in the best interest of self, family, and community.  

The Verbum Dei graduate:

Academic Requirements

• has mastered the fundamental skills of language.
• has mastered the fundamental skills of mathematics.
• can read and summarize material at a level of a beginning college freshman.
• has mastered those academic subjects required for entrance into college (or for some other form of advanced education).

General Skills and Attitudes

• is developing mastery of logical skills and critical thinking.
• is developing greater precision and a personal style in thought and expression both written and oral.
• is developing a curiosity to explore ideas and issues.
• is developing the ability to apply knowledge and skills to new situations, and can adjust to a variety of learning formats.
• is developing an organized approach to learning tasks.
• can present a convincing argument in written and oral form.
• is taking pride and ownership in his or her school accomplishments and beginning to enjoy intellectual and aesthetic pursuits.

Substantive Knowledge

• has begun to develop a general knowledge of central ideas, methodologies, and the conceptual parameters of a variety of intellectual disciplines of knowledge.
• has begun to relate current issues and perspectives to some of their historical antecedents.
• is growing in appreciation of his or her cultural heritage.
• has begun to understand some of the public policy implications of the uses of science, technology, and capital.
• is beginning to understand both rights and responsibilities as a citizen of the United States.
• is beginning to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the United States form and practice of government.
• has begun to develop a repertory of images of the human person as presented in literature, biography and history; exemplars which are shaping in him or her a more compassionate and hopeful appreciation of the human community in its variety and potential.
• is beginning to develop that critical consciousness which enables one better to analyze the issues facing contemporary men and women and to evaluate the various points of view on these issues.