Archie Catalfamo,who was recently named Assistant Principal of Bristow's PreK-8 Linton Hall School, is looking forward to working closely with staff members, reaching out to the community and helping to make curriculum based more on student inquiry.
Catalfamo, who formerly served as Associate Director of Advancement and Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Programs at Highland School in Warrenton, wants to bring his experience to Linton Hall School.
“It is very a unique and it was really catered to my strengths,” said Catalfamo. “When I accepted, I sort of rewrote it. Originally, it was much more of a traditional vice principal with discipline and code. For me it’s more of a traditional dean of faculty role.”
In his new role, Catalfamo plans on fostering the admissions program and helping to plan and implement school events and fundraisers. Linton Hall School is already very involved in the community, but according to Catalfamo they have not always gotten the word out to the larger community about their efforts.
“Part of our mission is service,” said Catalfamo, and he wants to share the story of “who we are, and why we are doing what we are doing.”
He is also looking to blend the traditional aspects of a private, Catholic education, and take that one step forward, embracing a student-centered curriculum. The model is no longer one in which students sit in rows, passively responding to their teacher, he explains. The modern curriculum allows the students to be more independent.
Catalfamo feels private schools are in the unique position to fully embrace the philosophy of the student-centered classroom since they tend to have smaller class sizes. Linton Hall School averages just 15 students per classroom, allowing teachers to better address each student’s needs.
Catalfamo also plans to work closely with teachers to reevaluate curriculum and teaching methods this year, making sure the emphasis is on inquiry and research over memorization. He also wants to emphasize science and technology to prepare their students for the professional careers of the future.
“More STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) or STEAM (which includes the Arts) focused. A lot of stuff was already in place. Less on what we’re teaching, and how we’re teaching it,” he said.
For parents who want to take a more active role in their children's education, he thinks Linton Hall School is a great choice.
“Parents are much more involved in this educational experience," he said, explaining that parents have direct access to teachers without having to go through an intermediary.
Finally, Catalfamo wants the community to know that when students attend Linton Hall School, the emphasis is on their learning, not meeting state or national standards.
“We don’t have SOL, or the Core Curriculum. None of that applies to us. We have standardized tests, but it is not part of our standards.”
He said this means a lot less unnecessary stress for students.
The Linton Hall School curriculum also fits with the value system of many parents, regardless of their religious affiliation by emphasizing Christian values applied in a universal way. Thereby, he said students are not taught to follow the rules because it makes life easier on their teachers, administrators and parents. Rather, they are encouraged to strive to become individuals of moral fiber, who then share their gifts, talents and leadership abilities with their communities.
Those who would like more information about Linton Hall School can visit their website at lintonhall.edu or call 703-368-3157. Enrollment is currently open.
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