Academics
Signature Programs
Public Speaking
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The History of Public Speaking at Lacordaire
Père Henri Lacordaire (1802–1861), our school’s namesake, was a French Dominican priest known for his powerful sermons at Notre-Dame de Paris and his role in restoring the Dominican Order in France after the French Revolution. A gifted speaker and writer, he believed that Catholicism must coexist with democracy and civil liberties, and he used his voice to engage people in important debates about faith and society.
Père Lacordaire's advocacy for the power of communication continues at the Academy today. Public speaking is an important part of the student experience, with opportunities to speak, present, perform, and debate woven throughout the curriculum. From classroom discussions to leadership roles, students learn to express their ideas clearly, listen to others, and become more comfortable speaking in front of an audience. With regular practice and encouragement from their teachers, they build these skills over time, preparing them to advocate for themselves and others in college, their careers, and their communities.
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A culture of confident communication
Students are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, lead discussions, and present their thinking in every grade level. -
Cross-curricular emphasis
Public speaking is integrated into humanities, science, theology, world languages, and the arts through presentations, debates, research projects, speeches, and performances. -
Faith and values
Rooted in the Dominican tradition, students learn that using their voice is about more than effective communication - it is about speaking with integrity, compassion, and purpose in service to others. -
Leadership opportunities
Students regularly serve as ambassadors, student government leaders, liturgy participants, club officers, tour guides, and event emcees, allowing them to practice speaking in meaningful, real-world settings. -
Performance experiences
Theater productions, musical performances, assemblies, and school events provide authentic audiences and help students develop poise and stage presence. -
Small class sizes
Teachers know each student well, providing individualized coaching and constructive feedback that helps even reserved students become confident speakers. -
College and career readiness
Graduates leave Lacordaire prepared to interview confidently, present ideas persuasively, collaborate effectively, and lead with confidence in college, the workplace, and their communities.
At Lacordaire, public speaking goes beyond learning how to deliver a speech. We help students become thoughtful, articulate, and confident communicators who are prepared to lead conversations, advocate for others, and easily express their ideas.
Core Program Goals
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Build Confident Communicators
Empower students to speak with confidence, clarity, and authenticity in a variety of settings, from classroom discussions to formal presentations and public events. -
Develop Effective Communication Skills
Strengthen students' abilities to organize ideas, communicate persuasively, listen actively, adapt to different audiences, and use verbal and nonverbal communication effectively. -
Foster Leadership Through Voice
Encourage students to use their voices to lead, advocate, collaborate, and inspire others while developing the confidence to contribute meaningfully to their school and broader community. -
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Civil Discourse
Teach students to analyze information, construct evidence-based arguments, engage respectfully with differing perspectives, and communicate with empathy and intellectual curiosity. -
Prepare Students for College, Career, and Life
Equip graduates with lifelong communication skills that support success in interviews, presentations, collaborative work, civic engagement, and leadership opportunities beyond Lacordaire Academy.
The ultimate goal of this program is to help students become comfortable speaking in front of others, expressing their ideas clearly, and learning how to be thoughtful, confident leaders who know how to connect with people.
Lower School Public Speaking Opportunities
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All Lower School
All Lower School students participate in the Spring Concert, and take either Creative Dramatics or Readers Theatre classes as curriculum enhancement. -
Pre-K
12 Days of Christmas Performance, Talent Show Dance & Song, Global Studies Presentation -
Kindergarten
Talent Show, The Three Trees Christmas Performance, Community Workers Presentation, Graduation Musical, Weekend Journal Reading, Show & Tell -
First Grade
Christmas Pageant, Saints Presentation -
Second Grade
Historical Figures Biography Presentation, First Reconciliation Ceremony, May Crowning Ceremony, First Holy Communion Liturgy, Carnegie Hall Performance -
Third Grade
Theatrical Reading of Midsummer Night’s Dream, Stations of the Cross -
Fourth Grade
Stations of the Cross, Interview Kindergarteners in Community Workers Presentation, Carnegie Hall Performance
Middle School Public Speaking Opportunities
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Student Government
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Annual Shakespeare Festival & Performance
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Award-Winning Forensics Team
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Award-Winning Debate Team
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Annual Christmas Show
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Black History Living Museum
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Assembly Leaders
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TREP$ Marketplace
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Club Leaders
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Gifted & Talented
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Morning Ceremony & Daily Announcements
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Native American Fair
Upper School Public Speaking Opportunities
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Club Leaders
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Debate
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Mock Trial
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Panel Leaders
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Poetry Out Loud Competition
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Preachers
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Public Speaking Course
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Readers at Mass
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Spring Musical
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Student Ambassadors
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Student Government
Our Mission
Empowering students to become confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition
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