XAVIER
H I G H
S C H O O L
Photography donated by: Janine Coyne Photography
“ What I find special about Xavier is the overwhelming sense of community that can be felt from freshman year through graduation.” — John Patterson ’16
XAVIER Mission Statement Founded in 1847, Xavier High School is an academically rigorous, Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school in New York City that educates intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. Xavier teaches students to take responsibility for their lives, to lead with integrity, to act justly in service of others, to pursue excellence in every endeavor and to deepen their relationship with God. Ultimately, Xavier forms young men who will go forth to transform the world for God’s greater glory.
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“Jesuit tradition at Xavier makes this school stand out from other schools. There is a true sense of community exhibited through events as well as through various retreats and school gatherings.” — Patrick Caoile ’15
XAVIER is grounded in Jesuit tradition Xavier has a storied history of providing academic excellence and preparing graduates for a lifetime of leadership, service and success. As a Jesuit college preparatory school we educate and guide our students under the core principle of Cura Personalis — the care and concern of the individual. Teachers, administrators, coaches and staff all model what it means to be critical thinkers and how to be good men. We educate the whole student — mind, body and spirit – with the intention of developing a new generation of leaders who are capable of shaping the future with vision, justice and concern for others. The transformation that takes place in four years is quite remarkable. Boys enter Xavier High School with so much to learn. They exit the doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral at graduation as men of competence, conscience and compassion.
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XAVIER is academically distinguished Xavier’s curriculum is one that encourages students to be active participants and to take responsibility for their own intellectual development. Our highly trained faculty models the Jesuit philosophy of education and engages students on their academic journey. After four years at Xavier, our students have developed their intellectual curiosity and academic aptitude and are prepared for success in college and beyond. Guidance support services are in place to help each student develop his academic, emotional, spiritual and interpersonal skills. During the second semester, juniors begin to meet with their college guidance counselor on a full-time basis and are advised on ACT and SAT preparation and the beginning of the college process. New for 2014-2015 is an innovative, college inspired student schedule created specifically to prepare students for life after high school. This schedule includes a community period during the school day where students can get extra help from a teacher, join a club or activity, seek support from a guidance or college counselor or just spend time outside in our quad working on a group project.
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Sample of Course Offerings and Electives English • English I-IV • AP English Language and Composition • AP English Literature and Composition • Creative Writing • Literature of New York City • Shakespeare Modern and Classical Languages • Arabic I • French I-IV • Italian I-IV, AP Italian • Spanish I-IV, AP Spanish • The Classical Influence & English History • Constitutional Law & Criminal Justice • Global Studies I & II • Modern U.S. & World History
• U.S. History • AP Comparative Government and Politics • AP European History • AP U.S. History Religion • Christian Ethics on War and Peace • Discipleship: Answering Christ’s Call • Ignatian Perspectives • Introduction to Scripture • Philosophical Foundations of Christian Thought • Theology and Ethics • World Religions Mathematics • Algebra • Algebra II/Trigonometry • Geometry
• Pre-Calculus • Calculus • AP Calculus AB & BC • AP Statistics Science • Biology • Chemistry • Human Physiology • Physics • AP Biology • AP Physics Military Science • Military Science I-IV Computer Applications and Programming • Advanced Computer Applications • Moviemaking and Editing • Robotics • Web Programming and Design
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“The best part about Xavier is the extra help and care offered by our faculty and staff. They are willing to be mentors to help all Xavier students succeed.” — Brandon Efap ’15
XAVIER is investigative science In every grade and scientific discipline, Xavier students are deeply engaged in scientific inquiry. The school recently opened state-of-theart science laboratories that occupy two floors of the Kane Building. Equipped with the latest scientific equipment and technology, eight laboratory classrooms make extended periods for experimentation and detailed scientific investigations possible. Whether it is a freshman physics course that involves testing the most effective means to complete an electric circuit board or the advanced study of human physiology, Xavier students are engaged in real science. This means they have the freedom and responsibility to test scientific hypotheses, draw conclusions and make discoveries
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XAVIER is technologically advanced Technology is an integral part of a Xavier education. Smart classrooms and the integration of online discussion forms, blogs and websites extend learning and make faculty even more accessible to students. Additionally, there are two iMac computer labs. The first has more than 80 stations available for student use, and the second accommodates a movie making and editing class with more than 30 stations. Xavier recently adopted a BYOT — Bring Your Own Technology — initiative in which students can use their own laptops, iPads and other tablet devices in our classrooms and other designated areas on campus. At the start of the 2015-2016 academic year, Xavier will open the doors of Fernandez-Duminuco Hall which connects to Xavier’s main campus. This building will include a new band room complete with a recording studio, a two level multi-use space equipped for student performances, ten new classrooms and a 1,100 sq. ft. technology center, which will be the home for our Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math (STEAM) electives.
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“Because of Xavier, I have made friends I plan to have for a lifetime, and I have been able to challenge myself in classes while maintaining a social life through extracurricular activities.” — Sean Stokes ’16
XAVIER is artistically inclined Students who have a keen interest in the arts can showcase their talents
Fine Arts Course Offerings • Band I-IV • Introduction to Music • Social Issues & Artistic Expression • Vocal Music • Music Theory III & IV • The Elements of Cinema • Art I–IV • AP Studio Art • Cartooning & Illustration • Art for the Non-Artist • Photoshop 101 • Foundations of Acting • Introduction to Drums and Drumming
to the student body and beyond. The art curriculum offers a range of classes from Introduction to Art to advanced coursework where students create competitive portfolios for college admission. Xavier’s Blue Night Band is a jazz ensemble that regularly performs at school events as well as venues in New York, and travels once a year to such places as Washington D.C., New Orleans and Canada. In-school recording and editing technology also makes it possible for student-musicians to record and distribute music. The Acoustic Coffeehouse, a fundraiser held twice a year, is where you’ll get to perform your favorite songs along with your fellow classmates and teachers. By May you’ll be ready to show off your best work at the Xavier Festival of the Arts, which is a celebration of the visual artwork, musical talent and in-house movies that Xavier students have produced over the year.
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XAVIER is in the heart of New York City Xavier is located in Chelsea, one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Manhattan. Our students come from all five boroughs of New York and beyond. They represent different cultures, faiths and ethnicities and have diverse interests, skills and abilities, yet what unites them all as “Sons of Xavier� is the feeling of being part of something larger than themselves.
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“ I chose to attend Xavier because it felt like home. What I find special about Xavier is the strong community that is present here.” — Gregory Mezi ’16
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“Xavier has helped me grow through CFX trips and retreats. Meeting new and different people has opened my eyes to life beyond the city.” — Gianluca Milea ’15
XAVIER is well traveled CFX
A Xavier education presents so many opportunities for growth. Our students come from every borough in New York, which makes them part
Xavier students, faculty and administrators perform meaningful service in Maryland (sophomores), Mexico (juniors), Ecuador (juniors) and Alabama (seniors) as part of the summer Companions of Xavier (CFX).
of a diverse community. Weeklong service trips, known as CFX, are at the heart of the school’s Ignatian identity and are life-changing experiences where students learn new skills, minister to wonderful people and grow closer to God. Experiences on these trips range from gathering food for homeless shelters in Maryland to pouring the concrete foundation for homes in Mexico. This past year, Xavier started a new immersion trip program, where a small group of students visited Ecuador to work with under-privileged children in local schools. Students also have the option to travel throughout Europe and Central America in order to experience other cultures firsthand and gain a more wordly perspective. Every year we travel to a new destination, but previous trips have included: Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Scotland, Denmark, Peru and Costa Rica. Many Xavier sports teams travel domestically and internationally on a regular basis. Xavier’s rugby program has recently traveled to Europe to play some of the top teams in the world, while our baseball, JROTC teams and track teams compete in some of the nation’s top events throughout the United States.
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“Because of Xavier, I learned how to become a “Man for Others.” I’ve grown as a person spiritually and mentally. ” — Sean Archibald ’16
XAVIER is driven by service and faith From first-year religion class to senior-year service, our students learn to live
Kairos Retreat Almost all juniors participate in the Kairos retreat. It is here where they will be asked to reflect on their experiences, examine their faiths and beliefs and answer the call to be “Men for Others.”
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out their faith through action, to develop an informed conscience and to use their talents and abilities to work for social justice. Through the Christian Service Program, the Companions of Xavier (CFX) program and a robust Campus Ministry program, students recognize their responsibility to serve and live the Jesuit ideal to be “Men for Others.” All students take four years of religion and theology to gain firm knowledge of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and the religions of the world. Through coursework, as well as liturgies and retreats where we worship and reflect as a community, students develop a deeper understanding of their faith, mission and purpose in life.
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XAVIER is building leadership Since 1935, the optional Junior R.O.T.C. program has instilled the values of leadership and citizenship in our students. Approximately 40 percent of students participate in the J.R.O.T.C. Encompassing four companies and five military teams, the program is overseen by retired U.S. Army officials and it is physically and mentally challenging. For many, the Regiment will be a defining experience at Xavier, one that instills the importance of integrity, respect, loyalty and courage. As a Jesuit institution that lives the values passed down from St. Ignatius of Loyola, Xavier’s school culture is one that stresses growth, responsibility and leadership. Whether it is taking charge of a regimental squadron, becoming editor of the school newspaper or simply speaking up in class, our students understand the value of initiative and grow into leaders.
Clubs and Activities • African-American Cultural Club • Architecture Club • Arrupe Society • Asian American Culture Society • Band • Big Brothers • Book Club • Bookstore Staff • Cartooning/Illustration Club • Chess Club • Chorus
• Classics Club • Companions of Francis Xavier Service Trips • Current Events Club • Engineering Club • Film Club • Fishing Club • Food Science Club • French Club • Freshman Drama • Ignatian Scholars • Irish-American Society • Italian Club • Latin-American Society
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Lexicon Literary Journal Math Competition Club Medical Science Club Microfinance Club Military History Club Mock Trial Model UN National Honor Society NYS Science Honor Society Photography Club Psychology Club Robotics Team Saber Squad
• Science Fiction/Anime Club • Ski/Snowboard Club • Speech and Debate • Stage Crew • Student Council • Student Events Committee • The Review (Xavier Newspaper) • Urban Art and Dance Club • Xavier Boxing Club • Xavier Dramatics Society • Xavier in Europe • Yearbook
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“Xavier has helped me grow through the tough times, when adversity has gotten the best of me.” — Anthony Obas ’16
XAVIER is athletically charged More than 50 percent of Xavier students are involved in a freshman, junior varsity or varsity sport for at least one season of the year. With 37 Knight teams spread over 20 sports, some teams do not have cuts to maximize participation. Other teams are competitive and regularly achieve city, state and national recognition each year. This includes a national championship rugby team and locally ranked football, basketball, baseball, swimming and track & field teams. The Knight credo is discipline, leadership and sportsmanship. While many of our student-athletes go on to play their sport at the collegiate level, the real payoff is that Xavier graduates apply lessons learned to nearly every aspect of their lives.
Interscholastic Sports Fall Season Sports • Baseball • Football (3 teams) • Soccer (2 teams) • Cross Country (1 team) • Freshman Swimming Winter Season Sports • Basketball (3 teams) • Bowling (2 teams) • Ice Hockey (2 teams) • Indoor Track (3 teams) • Swimming • Wrestling (2 teams) Spring Season Sports • Baseball (3 teams) • Golf • Rugby (4 teams) • Tennis • Outdoor Track (3 teams) • Lacrosse 18
Year Round JROTC Sports • Raiders • Rifle Team (2 teams) • X-Squad
Intramurals In addition to our competitive athletics program, we are proud to offer an intramural program. During the lunch hour, student-composed teams compete for bragging rights in touch-football, basketball, floor hockey, ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball and soccer.
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XAVIER Admissions Xavier High School is a college-preparatory high school for young men who see challenges as occasions for growth. Xavier students are intelligent, motivated and mature young men who belong to a community of learners mindful of responsibilities to themselves and respectful of differences among their peers. It follows that our applicants are some of the brightest and hardest-working young men in New York, typically near or at the top of their middle school class. The Admissions Committee strongly considers candidates who typically score in the top quarter on their standardized exam submitted, have above average grades and wish to strive for academic excellence in a Catholic, Jesuit, college-preparatory environment as evidenced in their Application for Admission. We also offer merit scholarships to especially accelerated applicants.
Recent College Acceptances Adelphi Alfred American Amherst Babson Belmont Abbey Bentley Boston College Boston University Bowdoin Brandeis Brown California Polytechnic California State Canisius Carnegie Mellon Case Western Reserve Catholic U. of America The Citadel Clarkson Colby Colgate College of the Holy Cross 20
Columbia Cooper Union Cornell Creighton CUNY CUNY Honors College Dartmouth DePaul Dickinson Drew Drexel Duke Fairfield Fairleigh Dickinson Fordham George Washington Georgetown Georgia Tech Gettysburg Goucher Hamilton Harvard Hofstra Indiana
Iona Ithaca James Madison John Carroll Johns Hopkins La Salle Lafayette Lehigh Le Moyne Long Island University Loyola (Chicago) Loyola (Maryland) Loyola (New Orleans) Marist Marquette Marymount McGill Miami (OH) Michigan State Muhlenberg New York Inst. of Technology New York University
Northeastern Northwestern Notre Dame Oberlin Ohio University Ohio State Pace Parsons The New School Pennsylvania State Polytechnic University of NYU Pratt Institute Princeton University Providence Purdue Quinnipiac Regis Rensselaer Polytechnic Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers Sacred Heart
Santa Clara Seton Hall Siena St. Bonaventure St. Francis (NY) St. John’s St. Joseph’s University St. Louis St. Mary’s College (CA) St. Peter’s Stevens Institute of Technology Stonehill SUNY (various campuses) Syracuse Trinity Trinity College, Dublin Tufts Tulane Union U.S. Air Force Academy U.S. Military Academy
U.S. Naval Academy U. of Arizona U. of California, Berkeley U. of California, L.A. U. of Arizona U. of Chicago U. of Colorado U. of Connecticut U. of Dayton U. of Delaware U. of Hartford U. of Illinois U. of Maine U. of Michigan U. of Pennsylvania Vanderbilt Vassar Villanova Xavier Yale
XAVIER at a glance School Profile
Location
Enrollment: 1,080 Student/Faculty Ratio: 15:1 Average Class Size: 24
Conveniently located in Chelsea, Xavier is two blocks away from Union Square Park and easily accessible by public transportation. Composed of four distinct but interlocked buildings, Xavier offers state-of-the-art science, computer and technology laboratories, student library, two gymnasiums, fullyequipped weight room, dining hall, performing arts stage, two art studios and chapel.
Accreditation
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Brooklyn................................................28 percent Queens.................................................24 percent Manhattan............................................24 percent Staten Island........................................10 percent Bronx.......................................................5 percent New Jersey..............................................5 percent Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau Counties............................4 percent
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Demographics
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Jesuit Secondary Association (JSEA) The Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York Middle States Association of Schools New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
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Percent of students awarded financial aid and/or merit scholarships: 46 percent
Financial Aid Xavier is proud of its ability to provide financial aid to many families. Through the generosity of benefactors, alumni donors and friends, Xavier is committed and able to make a Jesuit education a reality for families who express modest financial need. In previous academic years, Xavier has been able to award need-based grants from $2,500 to $10,000 to approximately 35% of students. Families must reapply for financial aid on a yearly basis. Financial aid grants may fluctuate from year to year according to family financial circumstances. Please consult Xavier’s Admissions Office website, admissions.xavierhs.org for further information on how to apply for a need-based grant.
Merit Scholarships We offer four types of merit scholarships, granted over four years, provided the student maintains a 90 cumulative average. Every year we award merit based scholarships to students who score in the top ten percent on our scholarship exam and are straight-A students. These scholarship earners are automatically placed in the Ignatian Scholars program, an honors program for accelerated study. Please visit the Admissions Office’s website at http://admissions.xavierhs.org for important information regarding admission procedures, including entrance examination dates, open houses, Knight-for-a Day visits, school tours and interviews.
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XAVIER
H I G H
S C H O O L
30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302 (212) 924-7900 Fax (212) 924-0303 www.xavierhs.org