Departments & Curriculum
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Expectations for Judge Memorial students are high — activities, athletics, the arts – but perhaps nowhere more so than academics. Judge fosters each individual's excellence. Everyone learns differently and we work with each student to identify and cultivate specific interests and goals in a challenging and stimulating environment. We are united in making sure all of our students are challenged and supported.
Faculty at Judge Memorial believe learning requires a disciplined atmosphere that fosters both personal freedom and responsibility for one's decisions.
DEPARTMENTS
Contact Aundraya Sobotka, Fine Arts Department Chair
The Fine Arts department at Judge Memorial has a rich history and legacy of quality work in visual, dramatic, musical, and performance art. Our faculty continues to hone their own skills through daily practice. We aim to inspire students with an environment that elicits, priaises, and encourages creativity.
Fine Arts includes:
Fall musical and spring play with new and innovative selections each year
Three concerts featuring our jazz band, orchestra, and chamber choir
Two dance performances completely choreographed by students in the men’s and women’s dance companies
Visual arts offerings in drawing, design, ceramics, digital and advanced photography
Debate which allows students to be coached and practice various forensic events in order to prepare for competition
DEPARTMENT FACULTY
Dance
Contact: Lehua Estrada
The award-winning Judge Memorial Catholic High School Dance Department is headed by outstanding choreographer and skilled technician, Lehua Estrada. Award-winning dancer and dance instructor Nathan Shaw provides additional support. Our program has previously been named the "Best High School Dance Company" by Salt Lake City's City Weekly.
We offer classes for all levels of dancers, all genders, and all classes (freshmen – senior). Classes are housed in the beautiful, historic Weigand Dance Studio. Students perform throughout the school year. Major performances include: the Bulldog Boogie, the Winter Dance Concert, and the Spring Dance Concert held annually in late spring,
Highlights
Students in Dr. Chris Sloan's 2016 New Media Class created a video for PBS NewsHour's "Outside the Box" initiative for student reporting on breaking stereotypes. The video, "Let's Dance" featured the Judge Memorial Men's Dance Program and was created by Mary Oliver ’17, Chloe Schafer ’17, and Katie Scott ’17.
Drama
Contact: Darin Hathaway
The Judge Memorial Drama Department has produced some of the finest theater in the state of Utah. Over the past few years, students have participated in plays such as In the Heights, The Elephant Man, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Metamorphoses, Tommy, Dead Man Walking, Les Miserables, The Laramie Project, The Crucible, and more.
The Judge Memorial Catholic High School Drama Club focuses on building self-esteem, community, and appreciation of life through the arts. Students perform, discuss, and attend theatrical performances throughout the state as well as provide service to different community organizations related to these performances.
Music
Contact: Dr. Shannon Roberts
Judge Memorial offers a full array of musical options for interested students including concert band, concert choir, jazz band, orchestra, AP Music Theory, and piano techniques. Judge students have performed works by notable entertainment figures including Josh Groban and Michael Bublé. Bulldog musicians perform numerous times throughout the school year including the Fall Music Concert, the Winter Music Concert, Chamber Night, and the Spring Music Concert. The musicians also perform at various events throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
Contact: Sonja McKown
Computer Science at Judge Memorial is designed to empower students to become creators. Our courses are designed to engage students in collaborative projects, developing high-demand skills while cultivating the problem-solving, creative-thinking, and communication tools necessary to succeed in today’s world.
Our teaching is a collaborative, inquiry-based approach. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning in a non-threatening environment where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process.
Contact: Bryan Jeffreys, Department Chair
The English Department recognizes that in an increasingly digital world, an emphasis on reading, recitation, and public speaking is more important than ever to develop strong writers and critical thinkers. Our inquiry-based philosophy of teaching builds student confidence that helps students succeed in college and career.
English classes begin with sustained reading time of books students choose.
Classes are discussion-based and focus on classic as well as contemporary works. Faculty teach literary works of their choice.
Catharsis literary magazine has received the REALM award two of the last three years from the National Council of Teachers of English.
Rebecca Akec, a member of the Judge Class of 2019, won the state-wide Poetry Out Loud competition and advanced to the national semifinals.
The Bulldog Press was named Best High School Media Program in 2018 and won the Coverage Cup in 2019 from the Utah Collegiate Media Alliance.
DEPARTMENT FACULTY
Contact: Lisa Jackson, Department Chair
The Judge Memorial Mathematics Department provides the opportunity for every student to take a wide range of college-recommended courses. Incoming students have a range of abilities and come from a variety of math backgrounds. We offer a diversified program to fit the needs of each student. Students develop problem-solving skills, learn to be critical and creative thinkers, and build confidence to prepare them to succeed in college and career.
Algebra 2 and Geometry can be taken concurrently
Opportunity for summer enrollment through BYU Online to accelerate
learning to allow for the ability to complete AP calculus (AB/BC) and/or
AP statistics by graduation
High AP Calculus pass rates
Blended classroom setting integrating technology and traditional
classroom learning
Offer 17 math classes to meet the mathematical needs of all students.
Nine are honors and AP classes. Freshmen are currently enrolled in
six different math classes
Department faculty have a total of three master’s degrees
with significant experience in science, engineering, physics,
computer science, and applied mathematics
Department Faculty
Contact: Karla Keller, Department Chair
The Judge Memorial Physical Department provides students with lifelong skills in health and wellness. Students are introduced to a basic knowledge of conditioning, body exercises, and a commitment to healthy lifestyle beliefs and practices.
Passionate faculty who serve as teachers, coaches, advisors, and role models
Active supporters of our athletic programs and activities
Department Faculty
Contact: Dr. Dasch Houdeshel, Department Chair
The Judge Memorial Science Department aims to create a safe learning environment that encourages critical thinking and a desire to explore bold new concepts. Science must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The Science Department draws on the expertise of a passionate and dedicated group of teachers who each contribute their own unique experiences in various scientific fields.
Four AP classes (Physics I, Physics C, Biology, Chemistry)
Chemistry 1010 (concurrent with Salt Lake Community College)
Electives include: Oceanography, Forensic Science, Astronomy, Zoology
Sports Medicine I, II, and III include professional CPR, First Aid, and Outdoor Emergency Care certifications
Department Faculty
Contact: Joan Brand, Department Chair
Our mission is to educate our students to be active participants in a diverse democracy. Students learn about, discuss, and analyze society. This includes international, national, and local communities. Social studies is an interdisciplinary subject, incorporating geography, literacy, history, government, and current affairs. We aim to teach students how to be well-informed and critical-thinking citizens of the world.
Six AP courses available for students beginning freshmen year
Lessons address societal issues and social justice topics that challenge bias and engage students in rich discussions
Understanding the lived experiences of others and examining diversity in historical, social, cultural, and political ways is complex and requires thought, understanding, and reflection
We strive to develop students who are curious about history and how others lived or live now
We create an environment for students to exchange ideas and beliefs with openness and respect
Department Faculty
Contact: Megan Barron, Department Chair
The Judge Memorial Theology Department assists students in their faith development through academic study, intentional self reflection, formal retreats, and informal faith guidance. We foster our students’ ability to share and intelligently articulate their spiritual experiences. We welcome the diversity of religious backgrounds our students bring, focus on the core values of Catholic teaching, and empower our students to be builders of a more just society.
Service-based philosophy
Intentional retreat program that explores timely student experiences
Integration of classroom assignments and skills in history and English
Department Faculty
Contact: Aida Shepherd, Department Chair
The Judge Memorial World Languages Department promotes and develops the acquisition of a second language as a vital part of the education of all students. Students can gain a respect for the intrinsic value of other cultures and understand the similarities and differences of various cultures. Students gain skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, and oral proficiency.
Our World Languages courses — French, German, Latin, and Spanish — offer students rigorous training in both linguistic skills and cultural knowledge so the ability to communicate goes hand-in-hand with an appreciation of the human condition of the native speakers.
Department Faculty
SUMMER CAMPS
Judge Memorial offers a variety of academic and enrichment courses each summer to exercise the mind, body, and soul. We offer multiple sports camps, physical conditioning, fly fishing, culinary arts, driver’s ed, a number of math classes, and more.