BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
SCHOOL HISTORY Bishop Montgomery High School was founded in 1957. It was the dream of Reverend William Ford, late pastor of St. James Parish in Redondo Beach, that a secondary school be established in the South Bay area. Coupled with the Archdiocesan Youth Education Fund, Fr. Ford’s contribution helped make it possible for Bishop Montgomery to serve, as it does today, hundreds of students from over 30 parishes in the South Bay and surrounding Los Angeles areas. We are grateful to His Eminence, James Francis Cardinal McIntyre, Archbishop of Los Angeles, for making this educational institute a reality. The McNeil Construction Company was hired to build the new school. The original school complex consisted of an administration building, three classroom buildings, a chapel, and a football field. On February 23, 1958, Cardinal McIntyre dedicated the school to Bishop George T. Montgomery, the first American-born bishop of Los Angeles. In 1960, a convent was built, and in 1962 the snack bar was constructed. The priests’ housing was completed in 1963. In 1964, the Thomas More Hallweight room complex was built and the gym opened in 1965. Over the past decades, several new building and renovation projects have added a new dimension to the campus. An administration building remodel, library and computer lab renovations and upgrades, transformation of Thomas More Hall into a black box theatre for the Drama Lab program, ceramics/ art studio makeover, new bleachers in the varsity gymnasium, and new stained glass windows in the chapel are just a few of many minor campus projects completed. In 2007, the 14,500-square foot St. Anthony Student Activity Center and Crawford Gymnasium were completed on the school’s second level. The Activity Center is home to a practice gym with two full-size playing courts, rehabilitation/fitness room, Song and Short Flags practice studios, catering kitchen, and athletic offices. In 2012, the Schneider Retreat Center opened its doors to Bishop students, faculty, and families. The retreat center and meditation garden provide a welcoming venue on campus for the freshman and sophomore class retreats, conferences and workshops, class reunions, and small Bishop community gatherings. Currently, Bishop is fortifying the school’s technological infrastructure in anticipation of a state-of-the-art media center and computer lab to replace the school’s current library. In addition to this major campus renovation, the school is also in the midst of its “Field of Dreams” campaign for the upgrade of its athletic grass fields to turf.
964 tgomery, 1
n Bishop Mo
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN You are unique. You’re one of a kind. But, you also want to belong. You want to belong to something bigger, something that appreciates you and your talents, something that sees your strengths, something that believes in your potential. You want a high school that wants you. That high school is Bishop Montgomery. Firmly rooted in Catholic tradition with a college-prep curriculum, Bishop brings together everything that a high school should offer its students: a place where lifelong friendships and lifelong memories are made, and a place where you can be you. We invite you to be part of something bigger – part of the Bishop Montgomery family – and experience everything that you dream a high school should be. Discover Bishop. Discover you.
Troy Raymond ‘14: Varsity Football and BMHS Knight Band
24
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
A place where great things happen. Bishop Montgomery is a
community where you can be exactly who you want to be. Think about all that you can do: challenge yourself with college-prep academics; get to know teachers and coaches who are invested in your success; grow in your relationship with God through service opportunities and new friendships; and, have fun! We have over 30 clubs and programs that can help you explore new passions, blossom as a leader, and be a valuable part of something bigger. It’s all here for you. Make it yours!
Does this sound like you? You want a high school that inspires you: four years that will help you develop into a confident young adult ready for college and a future of endless possibilities; a place where you feel like a member of a large family, and not just a name or an ID number; a safe place that encourages your spiritual as well as academic growth; and, most importantly, a place where you can look back and proudly state: “I went there, I was prepared for my future; and, I had the time of my life.� That place is Bishop Montgomery.
Social
Athletic
Academic
Spiritual
THE TOTAL
HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS
1,000 =
We are Bishop. Rooted in Catholic tradition, Bishop
Montgomery has provided academic excellence, coupled with athletic, leadership, and service opportunities among a diverse student body since 1957.
16:1
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
MOTTO
SEEK justice SPEAK truth SERVE with honor
Faith in Action.
Campus Ministry provides opportunities for worship, service, leadership and spiritual growth for everyone on campus. At Bishop, Campus Ministry isn’t just a class. It’s a campus-wide experience: • Daily morning Mass in our school chapel • Monthly student body Masses • On-campus chaplain • Sacrament of Penance opportunities • Prayer & Pizza lunchtime concerts • Retreats for every grade level • Off-campus Kairos retreat experience for seniors • Off-campus Emmaus retreat experience for juniors • On-campus George and Virginia Schneider Retreat Center • Bi-monthly Denim Day fundraisers for charity • Year-round off-campus and on-campus community service opportunities
BELIEVE A Catholic education isn’t always easy.
It involves commitment, dedication, and, sometimes, sacrifice, but, it always means Gospel values-faith-filled fellowship, unconditional support, mutual respect, appreciation, and validation. It always means you’ll have an advantage for life.
BISHOP STUDENTS COMPLETE OVER
29,200 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE EACH YEAR
I think it’s important that we pray at the beginning of each of our classes. It helps us stay close to God and feel united as a student body. - Bella Pilon ‘18
You Matter!
Life can get stressful, it’s a given. And, sometimes, when that stress is too much, it’s nice to have a place to go, a place to work it all out. At Bishop, that place is Choices, a personal and confidential on-campus counseling service that exists just for you. One of four licensed marriage and family counselors is always available during the school day to talk with you. Big or small, no problem is outside of their expertise. When things get tough, they’re here to help. They’re here for you.
Being a volunteer at a downtown shelter makes me feel good because I know I’m helping others who need it. It reminds me of how lucky I am and what I have. - Jeff Muir ‘17
Christ is the Reason for this School.
It’s no surprise that this is a phrase you will hear often at Bishop Montgomery. It’s not only a reminder of our mission, it’s a call to service for our students and faculty. In fact, on any given day, you’ll see it being lived out all over campus: in our food bank stocked with pantry staples for local families in need, in our Concordia Club’s annual Pennies for Patients Leukemia Drive, and in our daily Mass available to students and faculty each morning before school. Many of our students are also involved in service projects outside of school. Jordan Schakel ’17 (above right) is just one example of Christ in our community. Each summer, Jordan volunteers at Camp Escapades, a day camp in Palos Verdes that provides activities, games, and friendship for children with special needs.
The all-school Masses each month are one of my favorite parts of the school year. There are often songs where all of the students join together singing and you can really feel the community. - Olivia Terrazas ‘16
Over
Why a Bishop Montgomery education?
71%
BMHS has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. Our program acknowledges and supports your intellectual curiosity while empowering you to be a critical thinker, a hands-on learner, and a collaborative partner— qualities that will help you succeed in college and beyond. Our diversified curriculum prepares you for admission to the most selective universities and for success once you are there. This means you will graduate with the skills and experience necessary for even the most demanding post-secondary experience. Colleges are going to love you!
Graduation Requirements: Religion English Social Studies Science Mathematics World Language Fine Arts Electives Physical Education
40 credits (8 semesters) 40 credits (8 semesters) 30 credits (6 semesters) 20 credits (4 semesters) 30 credits (6 semesters) 20 credits (4 semesters) 10 credits (2 semesters) 30 credits (6 semesters) 15 credits (3 semesters)
• All BMHS students take a minimum of six classes each semester. • Over 90 of our courses are certified by the University of California. • Every BMHS graduate has satisfied the course requirements necessary for admission to all UC and CSU schools, as well as private colleges and universities across the country and around the globe.
of our students are enrolled in Honors and AP classes.
LEARN BISHOP’S SOLID ACADEMIC PROGRAM prepares you for college and beyond. If you are interested in a challenging college-prep curriculum, we invite you to discover our 29 honors and AP classes, some of the most offered among high schools in the South Bay and Los Angeles area.
•Honors English I •Honors English II •Honors American Literature •Honors British Literature •AP Language and Composition
We believe students have
endless possibilities for learning in the digital world, and Bishop Montgomery uses technology to support this learning. Our technology platform continues to grow as we provide our students with the resources necessary to adapt and succeed in today’s innovative learning environments.
1:1 Devices
The value of a good teacher is immeasurable…
and often intangible. How can you quantify the passion for English literature that Ms. Rudder brings to your classroom? Are there words to describe how that extra review time with Mr. Nakashima after school made you feel confident and prepared for the Intro to Calculus test? At Bishop, our teachers bring a quality educational experience to each classroom on campus. All of our faculty members hold professional degrees and continue their own educations by pursuing advanced degrees, attending conferences and workshops throughout the year, and collaborating with peers in their field. They also value the Bishop Montgomery community: over 80% of our teachers have been at Bishop for five or more years. Almost 30% are BMHS alumni themselves!
•AP Literature and Composition •Honors Algebra I •Honors Algebra II •Honors Geometry •Honors Introduction to Calculus
Leading the way
Our full-time staff is devoted to effectively integrating technology into the classroom and ensuring Bishop stays at the forefront with a focus on the future. Our IT Coordinator maintains our technological foothold and incorporates new areas for growth. Our Technology Curriculum Integration Specialist guides our faculty in utilizing technology to enhance instruction and provides leadership and vision for a variety of education and technology initiatives.
FIVE WORLD LANGUAGES OFFERED
•AP Calculus AB •AP Calculus BC •Honors Biology •Honors Chemistry •AP Biology
Spanish
French
German
•AP Physics •Honors World History •Honors United States History •AP United States History •AP American Government
Italian
Latin
•AP Macro Economics •Honors Spanish I •Honors Spanish II •Honors Italian IV •AP French IV
Beginning with the Class of 2019, Bishop will pilot our 1:1 program with Google Chromebooks for student-use during the school day and at home. Extremely user-friendly and uber-efficient, the Chromebooks will strengthen Bishop’s blend of technology and traditional classroom instruction. With digitally-literate students a priority, BMHS graduates young adults prepared for college, collaboration, and careers in the 21st century.
Technology on campus:
•PC & Mac Labs •Google Chromebooks •TI-Inspire Calculators •Google Drive •Secure Google accounts for each student •Campus-wide high speed wireless network •Interactive SMART Boards •Faculty iPads •Nexus Tablets for Video Production •Adobe Creative Suite Programs
•AP German IV •AP Latin IV •AP Spanish Language •AP Spanish Literature
An International Perspective: Global Thinkers Christian Service. One of the most
important ways to learn is through service. At Bishop, our goal is to help you put your faith into action, and through service to others, be Christ in their lives. You could help collect supplies for orphanages in Mexico, support Catholic missionaries in Africa, and help raise thousands of dollars each year for global causes.
Model United Nations. MUN Club immerses
you in the world of diplomacy and negotiation with participation in conferences similar to the United Nations. You can research and formulate political positions based on actual foreign policies; prepare speeches; plot strategies; negotiate; debate; and, seek conflict resolution. MUN offers you the chance to share your political passion while fostering global and cultural awareness.
Cultural Diversity. Bishop Montgomery is
pleased to offer admission to international students who bring a rich diversity to the BMHS campus. We currently have students from Japan, Korea, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, China, Spain, and Thailand. Bringing together cultures from around the globe helps foster a community of acceptance and create a multi-faceted learning environment for the 21st century.
World Travelers. Opportunities to see the
world first-hand will enrich your educational experience. Through college visits, club trips, and athletic tournaments, Bishop Montgomery offers you the chance to visit locales like New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Mexico, Israel, Paris and London, as well as cities and points of interest throughout California.
Academic & College Counseling provides year-round support for all grade levels. You have the opportunity to meet with your counselor whenever you want. Our four counselors have over 50 years of counseling experience combined, and will help you select the best high school course load, as well as help you prepare for and apply to the colleges and universities that best meet your future academic goals and needs.
We’ve got your back. Whether
you’re a 4.0 student or work hard to maintain B’s and C’s, you’ll have help to keep you on track. All of our AP teachers provide on-going study and review sessions throughout the year. Our NHS and CSF students and Mathletes offer free one-on-one tutoring throughout the school year. All of our teachers have open-door policies and can meet with you before and after school. We know that the transition to high school can be challenging. We’re here to make sure you excel.
Each year, representatives from over 100 colleges hold on-campus information sessions open to all students.
2400
The perfect score Samantha Nishimura ‘14 earned on her SAT.
Connect to your future and know what
possibilities await. With the help of Naviance, an online program at Bishop, you, your parents, and your counselors can work together on your college and career planning. It’s like your very own personal valet to help you consolidate and report your achievements, explore college options, and apply for college admission, scholarships, and financial aid all in one place.
99-100% of our graduates matriculate to college each year
EXCEL
30+ CLUBS
COLLABORATE
Campus life is at the heart of the total high school experience.
We want you to make new friends who love the things you love. Do you really like science and engineering? Join the Robotics team. Do you want to learn more about journalism and desktop publishing? Volunteer for a writing or editorial position with Knightlife, the school newspaper. Do you want to meet people with similar interests and have fun at the same time? There’s a club for that, too. Not just inside, but outside of the classroom— that’s where great friends and great memories are made!
Take the Lead. Whether you’re a natural born leader or your inner Pope Francis
could use a little coaxing, we invite you to share your voice at Bishop Montgomery. Make an impact right on campus or share your passions with local, national, or global community organizations. You’re invited to tap into your talents and empower yourself and your school. Student Council
Bishop Ambassadors
CSF
NHS
Campus Ministry
Student Technology Council
Knight of Honor
Retreat Leader
Club President
Team Captain
Team Manager
Join the Club.
It’s a fact. Students who are more involved in extra-curricular activities do better in school. The lunch-time meetings, shopping for Big/Lil Sis Lunch treats, rehearsals for the Spring Talent Show, the bus ride with classmates to the big game... these will be some of the best parts of your high school experience. Don’t miss it!
96%
GET INVOLVED
of BMHS students participate in one or more extra-curricular activities.
0%
96% 100%
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS •American Red Cross •APPA (Action for Peace through Prayer and Aid) •Art Appreciation •Bishop Bibliophiles •Black & Gold Varsity Letterman Club •Business Club •Concordia •California Scholarship Federation (CSF) •Drama Lab •Dumbledore’s Army •Film Club •Gardening Club •Habitat For Humanity •Handicrafts •H.I.S. Club (Harbor Inter-faith Service) •The Happy Tones •International Club •Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) •Key Club •Knightlife Newspaper •Latin Club •Math Club •Model United Nations (MUN) •National Honor Society (NHS) •Ping Pong Club •Science Club •Short Flags •Song Team •Spilled Ink •Stand Up to Cancer •Students for Health •Tae Kwon Do Club •Through The Lens Photography Club
BMHS Traditions
•Big/Lil Sis Lunch •Homecoming Spirit Week •Student Talent Show •Sadie Hawkins’ Dance •Welcome Frosh Dance •Freshman Family BBQ •Frosh Mingle •Spring Spirit Week •Alumni Baseball Game •Faculty Talent Show •Faculty/ Student Volleyball Game •Jr. Ring Mass •Art Fest •Senior Luau •Senior Prom
Visual Arts
Bishop Montgomery’s Visual Arts program offers a diverse curriculum of fine arts and digital media courses that support beginning to advanced levels. Rich in creativity and imagination, our classes encourage students to delve into creative expression and develop their God-given talents. Areas of study include: •Art History •Drawing •Painting •Sculpture •Ceramics •Mixed-media •Web & Graphic Design •Desktop Publishing •Video Production
CREATE BISHOP’S PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM offers a range
of opportunities for any performer, regardless of experience. From marching band, to theatre, to voice, to comedy and improv, there’s something for everyone.
•Comedy Improv •Marching Band •Color Guard •Drumline •Short Flags
All the world’s a stage. Some things can’t always be
Talent Made Here. Bishop
students take pride in their work and work hard to present their best. We applaud that! So much so, that each spring, we host “Art Fest,” a week-long showcase of student talent across all genres including visual arts, music, film, and theatre.
•Drama Lab - acting - stage design - tech/lighting - management
taught in a classroom— things like confidence, poise, and presence. But, at Bishop, one place they are discovered and nurtured is in a little black box theatre we call Thomas More Hall. Throw in mentoring and instruction from an expert faculty, and you have one of the best drama programs in the South Bay. No experience necessary: diamonds in the rough are welcome!
Drama/Comedy
Musical
Classical
Revue
The BMHS Marching Band and Color Guard comprises the largest performing group at BMHS. With over 100 members in woodwind, brass, rhythm, drumline and color guard, the proud tradition of the Knight band marches on. Involvement includes: •local & regional competitions •parades, including the Hollywood Christmas Parade •performances at UCLA and USC •Spring Tour (previous trips include Washington DC, New York, and Santa Cruz)
Beginners wanted. FOUR DRAMA PRODUCTIONS EACH YEAR
•Song/Dance Team •Jazz Band & Vocal Jazz •Wind Ensemble •Music Production class •Chorus
Even if you’ve never played an instrument, we still want you to give band a try. With a library of instruments available to you and a band director who’s basically a musical genius, you’ll be playing in no time. Novice to concert-level performer, we have a place for you!
12
STATE TITLES
36
CIF TITLES
SINCE
1960
191
LEAGUE TITLES
2/3
COMPETE students participate in athletics
Show your Knight Pride
At Bishop, athletics, like all of our extra-curricular activities, are an integral part of student life. They show you who you are and what you value. Discipline, team work, sportsmanship, integrity— we encourage you to be a winner for life. On the court, on the field, in the pool, even cheering from the stands, you’re a part of something bigger. Knights play hard, play fair. Knights play like champions.
3.43 =
Average GPA of Bishop student-athletes
20 ATHLETIC PROGRAMS OFFERED:
FALL Boys’ Cross Country Girls’ Cross Country Football Girls’ Golf Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Volleyball WINTER Boys’ Basketball Girls’ Basketball Boys’ Soccer Girls’ Soccer Surf Team (club) SPRING Baseball Boys’ Golf Softball Boys’ Swimming Girls’ Swimming Boys’ Tennis Boys’ Track & Field Girls’ Track & Field Boys’ Volleyball
Strike a balance. Here at Bishop, you’re not just an athlete, you’re a student-athlete, working as hard in the classroom as you are outside of it. We want you to be No. 1 all the way around, and so do your coaches. Your success matters.
Athletic competition isn’t just about winning.
That’s what we work to instill in our athletes. Commitment and the pursuit of excellence is where the real reward is… not just in games, but on the practice floor and, more importantly, in the challenges of daily life. That is where real champions shine through.
3
OLYMPIC MEDALS
EXCEED
Carmelita Jeter ’99
Fastest Woman Alive and Gold, Silver, Bronze Medal Winner - London Games 2012
$1.5M
Danielle Shanahan ‘13 Loyola Marymount University, Cross Country
Upping the game in arenas and pavilions, and on fields across
the country, Bishop alumni are playing at the next level. Each year, you can find over 60 of our alumni playing college or professional ball. Volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf, softball, track, football… just to name a few. Not only are they physically ready, they’re academically and socially prepared too, thanks to four years of a well-rounded, balanced education.
Each year, BMHS athletes earn over $1.5M in college athletic scholarships
Oregon State University Cornell University
“In sports, you always are faced with adversity. Bishop prepared me mentally to be able to handle any adversity that came my way.” Chandler Jones ‘09 San Jose State Football All-American
Emerson College
University of South Carolina
BMHS
University of Alabama
In the know.
“Bishop taught me to have a positive attitude. I learned to always keep my spirits high and that no matter where I am in a match, I will always keep fighting to succeed.” Samantha Judan ‘12 CSUN Tennis/State-Ranked Singles Player
If you’re at the top of your game, then colleges may have University of Hawaii their eye on you. It’s a nice pay-off for years of hard work and sacrifice, but the road to get there can be difficult to navigate. Bishop’s coaches and guidance counselors know the ropes and can assist you in finding the best college match. You’ve got questions; we’ve got answers. We’re here to help you shine!
Lamond Murray, Jr. ‘13 (#30) Pepperdine University, Basketball
Jonathan Kim ‘13 (#39) West Point, Football Erin Discipulo ‘13 (#37) Northern Arizona University, Soccer
“I was so fortunate to be in the presence of wonderful teachers, coaches, administrators, and students who demonstrated solid work ethics, discipline, and pride. Daily interactions with such well-rounded individuals played a major role in the successes I had later in my career.” Chrissie Zartman ‘01 UCLA Volleyball All-American/AVP Tour
All in the family. Did you know that many of our students are walking
BMHS HAS ALUMNI
the same halls as not only their brothers and sisters, but their parents? Bishop isn’t just a place, it’s a legacy. We could go on and on about Bishop success, but we don’t have to. Just ask the Starkey family. We let the generations speak for themselves.
IN ALL
50 STATES
Matt Starkey ‘83, Dr. Michele Benson-Starkey ‘85, Brenna ‘18, and Conor ‘16
“My English classes at Bishop emphasized critical thinking, clear articulation of ideas, and evidence-based arguments which helped me develop skills that have been essential for success not only in college-level writing classes, but in many of my college-level science classes as well.” - Laura Bell ’11 UC Davis - Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior / Psychology “Even now, I still like to visit the teachers at Bishop to talk about ‘the good old days.’ The kindness of both the teachers and students created a home that I still want to come and visit.” -Lisa Bell ’13 UC Davis - Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior
“The structure and discipline engrained in me at BMHS has carried me through the remainder of my education and was a great foundation to my success in college, medical school, and my residency years.”
“Bishop Montgomery proved itself not only a diverse Catholic learning environment, but also a tightly knit community in which I always felt comfortable and looked forward to attending. My favorite part of the Bishop experience was definitely the tremendous amount of opportunities I had to be involved. From Drama Lab to ASB, Bishop offered so many diverse activities that not only kept me busy, but also created a more well-rounded individual.”
Nader A. Nassif ‘97 Orthopedic Surgeon University of California, Irvine Harvard Medical School Washington St. Louis Residency “Georgetown is just like Bishop. It has that same small community feeling.” Daisy Franco ‘11 Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, International Politics
What really matters.
“Bishop Montgomery was instrumental in teaching me time management and how to balance academics, athletics, and friendships while keeping God and family as my central core.” Doug Leach ‘75 Principal, Douglas Leach Architecture
Four years from now when you’re crossing the stage in your cap and gown, diploma in hand, what will you remember? What will you look forward to? High school is a time of discovering, defining, and distinguishing yourself-- finding your passions, fueling your future. It’s all about you. It’s all about now.
Madison Miller ‘14 University of California, Berkeley
SUCCEED Spiritual Direction. Academic Excellence. Athletic Tradition. Community. Discover where great things happen. Discover Bishop Montgomery.
Annual Open House. Bishop Montgomery has a lot to offer, with a lot of great things happening, all of the time. Each fall, we set aside one day to bring all of these things together to share with you. You’re invited to visit our Open House and learn more about BMHS. Join us and see for yourself the total high school experience that Bishop offers. Get ready to discover amazing. Get ready to discover Bishop! For up-to-date admissions information, to sign-up for our monthly admissions e-newsletter, and to apply on-line, visit bmhs-la.org >> Admissions.
• TOUR: SEE FOR YOURSELF
Like what you see and want to know more? Come and take a tour of our campus! Tours are available most weekday mornings. E-mail admissions@bmhs-la.org to schedule your tour.
• SHADOW: A DAY IN THE LIFE
Whoa! High school is a big deal. Try us on for size with a shadow day at BMHS. In the fall, eighth grade students and transfer students are invited to come and shadow a Bishop student for a day. Seventh graders, we’d love to see you in the spring. Visit www.bmhs-la.org >> Admissions >> Shadow Program for details.
• PREVIEW: TRY US OUT
Still have a few years until high school but want to see what all the fuss is about? Come spend your summer with us! Each July, our Jr. High Summer Academy is available for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to discover all that Bishop has to offer. The Academy’s academic courses and athletic camps provide future Knights a glimpse of the total high school experience that awaits. For more information, visit www.bmhs-la.org >> Discover Bishop.
on.fb.me/bmhsknights @bmhsknights bmhsknights
APPLY ON-LINE. It’s your job to study hard and make the most of your high school experience. Getting there shouldn’t be the difficult part. Our on-line application puts the ease of applying to Bishop right at your fingertips. Visit www.bmhs-la.org >> Prospective Students and get started. We’re waiting to discover YOU!
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN www.bmhs-la.org