Admissions Viewbook: 2017-18

XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

1

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.

2

Founded in

1847 In the Heart of New York City Conveniently located in Chelsea, just west of Union Square, Xavier offers a dynamic Jesuit, Catholic education that draws students from all five boroughs and the wider metropolitan area—students who represent the diverse mosaic of cultures, faiths, and ethnicities that make up metro New York City. From this wide collection of neighborhoods and towns, students gather on 16th Street to become young men of competence, conscience, compassion, commitment, and creativity.

1

“As a Jesuit, Catholic school, Xavier best embodies its mission when it commits itself, day after day, to excellent teaching, facilitating retreat programs, providing transformational service opportunities, and making sure that the student body remains diverse.”

— Fr. John Replogle, S.J. ’51, Alumni

Chaplain, 2016 Xavier Hall of Fame Inductee

2

All for God’s Greater

Glory!

Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847 In 1847, Fr. John Larkin had the vision to set up a school in Lower Manhattan at the corner of Walker and Elizabeth Streets—later renamed the College of St. Francis Xavier.

After several short-term moves, Fr. Larkin chose our current location on 16th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Since 1850, Xavier has had deep roots on 16th Street.

That vision of a Jesuit school in the heart of New York City still lives on in the hearts and minds of today’s Xavier students.

Xavier is proud of its mission as a Jesuit, Catholic school. Xavier students become men for and with others. Our education transforms the whole student—body, mind, and spirit.

A Xavier education allows students to seek the magis—the “deeper” or the “more.” Just as the pursuit of the magis led St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, to establish the first Jesuit school in 1548, Xavier still seeks the magis by providing an exceptional education that forms a new generation of leaders mindful of the past, responsive to today’s realities, and prepared to create a future focused on justice, peace, love, and concern for others.

All for God’s Greater Glory! Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam! AMDG!

A Xavier student becomes more: 1) Open to growth 2) Intellectually competent 3) Loving 4) Religious 5) Committed to doing justice

3

Young Men Intelligent & Motivated “Learning begins with wonder” Students who hunger and thirst for deeper understanding and want to articulate their learning persuasively and effectively are a natural fit for Xavier. Once through our doors on 16th Street, our students learn to motivate themselves, develop a deep sense of gratitude, and build a community of brothers. As a Jesuit college preparatory school, our teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff stand ready to deliver the guiding Jesuit principle of cura personalis—care for the whole student. Our guidance counselors and faculty advisors help each student develop academic and socioemotional skills. As much as we challenge each student to push beyond his intellectual limits, we create learning environments rooted in care and concern for each student’s development. We encourage our students to take intellectual and social risks and, through honest reflection, learn from them.

“Xavier has helped me to go the extra mile, to choose excellence over mediocrity. As I walk the hallowed halls, I am reminded to stand with my head up high, and also to be generous and humble, assisting the weak to become stronger.”

— Devin On ’18 Hunts Point, Bronx, NY

4

Students of Diverse Backgrounds and Means “Xavier offers an inclusive learning environment with a diverse set of students. My fellow brothers may not have the same background as me, but we share a love for Xavier and for each other as a community. As I transitioned from a predominantly African-American school to Xavier, I’ve realized that everybody—no matter how you look or where you live—has an inherent dignity that distinguishes them and makes them unique.”

— Faris Rassac ’19 Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY

We are proud that Xavier students represent the diversity of New York City. Each student brings a unique story—a distinct commute, a different family background, a personal educational journey—that we hope contributes to the mosaic of each class.

We are conscious that a Xavier education can be a significant financial commitment for families. Through the generosity of alumni and friends of Xavier both past and present, we can provide a substantial amount of need-based financial aid to make a Xavier education affordable and accessible to a wide variety of intelligent and motivated young men.

5

6

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Mathematics

“Xavier has provided me with a holistic education that never stops challenging me, both mentally and spiritually. Whether it be through a study in music appreciation class on the development of music through the centuries or an analysis of the inner workings of the human body in honors biology, Xavier teachers will set similar challenges for you to think critically, to convey your ideas with conviction, and, most importantly, to open your mind up to the knowledge the world has to offer.”

— Matthew Morin ’18 Weehawken, NJ

Academically Rigorous We challenge our students to deepen their critical thinking capacities—whether in global history, AP calculus, French, graphic animation, or stagecraft courses. Our faculty equip students with the tools they need to learn. Opened in September 2016, Fernandez-Duminuco Hall, a six-story academic building, deepens Xavier’s passion for providing a Jesuit education to its students, now in a new key. We are intent on creating learning environments where our students can develop as adaptive, critical thinkers. Spaces throughout the building are designed to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Fernandez-Duminuco Hall provides practice and performance space for our dramatics programs. For our music programs, it also includes large and small ensemble rooms and individual practice spaces, all interconnected with a state-ofthe-art recording studio. F-D Hall also expands Xavier’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Mathematics) offerings, which are headquartered in the impressive Gannon STEAM Classroom. In addition to our current computer science electives, all freshmen now are required to take a coding course.

7

Learning to Take Responsibility Xavier students learn to be productive and accountable, not only to peers and faculty, but to themselves. Real learning happens when experience and reflection lead to a commitment to act. National Honor Society members take responsibility for tutoring their peers, and many other students serve as tutors in schools throughout the New York City metro area. Through these experiences, Xavier students develop the habits of mind, heart, and spirit that will help them take responsibility for their lives and for the lives of others. This prepares them well to pursue excellence in college and for the rest of their lives.

Our flexible schedule allows students to get the most out of their high school experience. The schedule includes a community period when students can work collaboratively with their peers on an upcoming project, seek out their teachers for oneon-one academic enrichment, speak with their guidance or college counselor, or get involved in or lead a club or activity. A great advantage of our daily community period is that it creates more committed, wellrounded young men.

8

Since 1935, Xavier has housed a JROTC program.

While the program became optional in 1971, the Regiment still remains a popular choice, with nearly 40 percent of students actively involved.

Comprised of four companies and five military teams, the JROTC is overseen by retired U.S. Army staff. Military science courses focus on building students’ citizenship, character, and leadership potential.

Approximately

30%

of students are involved in the JROTC

9

10

Ignatian Scholars have average SAT scores of

1350

Pursuing Excellence Xavier’s Ignatian Scholars Program combines rigorous honors-level courses taught by some of our most challenging faculty with a variety of enrichment programs, including engaging in collaborative research, attending lectures, seeing a Broadway show or the opera, and visiting museums. We design these activities to expand the horizons of our brightest students so they can build a deep appreciation for the dynamic opportunities that New York City has to offer.

“As an Ignatian Scholar, I know that I am a part of a tightly knit community of students who care about each other while we pursue excellence. Our minds are stretched and spirits tested. We help fellow Ignatian Scholars to respond to any challenges we may encounter and, in doing so, we are learning to see how collaboration is much more powerful than competition.”

Candidates for the Ignatian Scholars Program: • Submit a thoughtful admissions application • Earn straight As in middle school • Score in the top 5-7% on their standardized exam • Score in the top 10% on the Xavier Scholarship Exam • Provide impressive teacher recommendations

— Esteban Rivera ’19 New Rochelle, NY

11

Leading with Integrity Almost 60 percent of Xavier students are involved in a freshman, junior varsity, or varsity Knight team for at least one season per year. Over 40 percent are involved for two or more seasons. From Xavier’s athletic programs, students learn discipline and leadership. While many student-athletes go on to play sports at the collegiate level, the real purpose of our athletic programs comes alive when our Knights act with courage and conviction in every aspect of their lives, well beyond the field.

As a Jesuit college preparatory school, Xavier instills the values of servant leadership. Whether serving as editor-in-chief of the yearbook, Student Leadership Council President, Cadet Colonel of the JROTC Regiment, or lead in the spring musical, Xavier’s student leaders learn how to motivate their peers and turn their hopes into action.

XAVIER ATHLETICS

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES

FALL Baseball (V) Football (F, JV, V) Soccer (JV, V) Cross Country (F, JV, V) Freshman Swimming & Diving

WINTER Basketball (F, JV, V) Bowling (JV, V) Ice Hockey (JV, V) Indoor Track (F, JV, V) Swimming & Diving Wrestling (JV, V)

SPRING Baseball (F, JV, V) Lacrosse (F, JV, V) Golf (JV, V) Rugby (F, JV, V-B, V-A) Tennis Outdoor Track (F, JV, V)

SUMMER Boot Camp Basketball Camp All Sports Camp

12

YEAR-ROUND JROTC SPORTS Raiders Rifle Team (JV, V)

Academics Team African-American Culture Club Architecture Club Arrupe Society Asian-American Culture Society ASL Club Big Brothers Board Game Club Book Club Cartooning/Illustration Club Chess Club Chorus Computer Engineering Club Culinary Club Dramatics Society Entrepreneurial & Investment Society Environmental Awareness Club Film Club French Club Freshman Drama Gay-Straight Alliance Greek Club Ignatian Scholars Irish-American Society Italian Club

Latin-American Society Lexicon Math Competition Club Medical Science Club Microfinance Club Military History Club Mock Trial Model UN National Honor Society New York State Science Honor Society Paintball Club Photography Club The Review (Xavier’s Student Newspaper) Science Fiction/Anime Club Ski and Snowboard Club Spectrum Speech and Debate Stage Crew Student Leadership Council Surf Club X-Squadron Podcast Yearbook

“Balancing rigorous academic courses with my football and rugby practices and games presented its challenges, but my involvement in athletics presented me an opportunity to manage my time more effectively. Through football and rugby, I became more confident in encouraging my fellow classmates and teammates to discover our deepest potential and I learned to be honest not only to others but also to myself.”

— Connor Buckley ’17 Belle Harbor, Queens, NY

13

Xavier freshmen begin their time together on 16th Street on retreat. For us, it’s essential that our freshmen build their own friendships with others and with God right from the start. In this supportive communal setting, each incoming Xavier student can begin to discover how his particular gifts and talents might better serve Xavier and better serve God. Sophomores continue this journey by participating in Montserrat, an overnight retreat inspired by the initial retreat St. Ignatius made after his recovery from having his leg shattered in the battle of Pamplona. On Montserrat, senior student leaders challenge our sophomores to see how they can seek and respond to God’s voice. This gradual discovery of one’s deeper desires is central to the vision that animates our school—the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Deepening Their

Nearly

100% of juniors participate in a Kairos retreat 14

‘‘Xavier has given me the courage to believe that God will always be searching for me as I journey towards God. I will find God by walking a path that leads me to search for and discover my truest self, my deepest desires.”

— Santino Testani ’18 Floral Park, NY

“

LOVE

consists in a mutual sharing of gifts.”

— St. Ignatius Loyola

Relationship with God Our cornerstone retreat is Kairos, an opportunity for juniors to step into “God’s time.”

Nearly all juniors participate in this three-day retreat where Xavier staff and senior leaders challenge them to reflect upon their faith and belief, to see how God has been accompanying them, and to discern how God can be found in all things. During their final year, seniors can elect to participate in four optional retreats.

In addition to our retreats, all students take a four-year sequence of religion courses to understand how the core teachings and practices of the Catholic Church have developed.

In addition, the world religions elective is popular among many seniors because it equips them with deeper global awareness. Through our all-school liturgies, smaller Masses, and faculty-facilitated prayer groups, students develop more generous and faithful spirits.

Sometimes students make these discoveries about how God is alive in all things during a retreat, a religion class, an all-school liturgy, but just as often, students have these realizations at a cross country race in Van Cortlandt Park, on stage during the fall play, or on the rugby pitch.

15

Acting Justly in Service of Others Xavier invites students through its Christian Service Program to be engaged in and transform our metro New York City community. Students expand their horizons by working directly with young children, homeless persons, or the elderly. The capstone is a 72-hour commitment that our seniors make during their final semester to see how the Grad at Grad can really be lived out.

Student delegates represent Xavier at the annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C. Delegates learn, reflect, pray, network, and advocate together about social issues of critical importance with students from other Jesuit schools throughout the United States. Delegates return with a passion to effect change, whether at Xavier, in their local communities, or on the national level.

LOVE

“

ought to manifest itself in deeds more than words.� — St. Ignatius Loyola

16

Guided by the four cornerstones of community, simplicity, prayer, and service, our Companions of Francis Xavier (CFX) service and immersion trips challenge Xavier students to work with and for those living on the margins of society—whether in New York City, Maryland, Tennessee, Mexico, Ecuador, or the Dominican Republic.

Working alongside a family while installing the floor to that family’s new house sponsored by Habitat for Humanity in east Tennessee, or digging the house foundation for a family in Tijuana, Mexico, or holding the hand of an orphan in Guayaquil, Ecuador, teaches our students invaluable lessons and allows them to build bonds with people across the world. Through these transformative experiences, the spirit of justice and mercy at the heart of Jesuit education comes alive in our students.

“CFX encourages students to open their minds and hearts to the unique situations of those we serve. The guided moments of reflection, not just the service, provide the perfect forum to reflect on the benefits of such service, and to remind us of our call to be men for and with others. CFX has broadened my horizons and challenged me to act justly in the service of those in need.”

— Phillip Ruddy ’18 Douglaston, Queens, NY

17

18

Go forth and light the world aflame with the mercy, joy and love of

GOD

Preparing for Life Beyond 16th Street Our college counselors begin partnering with parents in a student’s sophomore year to prepare them for the upcoming college process. Our juniors begin meeting with their college counselor each cycle to jump-start SAT and ACT preparation and develop strategies for how to approach the college application and admission process. The college advisement process allows for each student, his parents, and the college counselor to work collaboratively so that he can select the college that best aligns with his deepest desires.

As he missioned St. Francis Xavier off to India, St. Ignatius Loyola addressed these words to his best friend: Ite, inflammante omnia “Go forth and set the world on fire” When our newest Sons of Xavier accept their diplomas at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, we desire nothing more for them, who have developed strong friendships and learned for four years under the banner of St. Francis Xavier, to go forth and light the world aflame with the mercy, joy, and love of God. This passion for learning, for transforming other’s lives, for showing others that God can indeed be found in all things, becomes a reality as our graduates step out onto 5th Avenue.

19

“At Xavier, I discovered my love for literature and the arts.

I learned to think critically and communicate effectively.

I cemented my passion for medicine during my senior Christian Service Project at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Most importantly, I made lifelong friends who are like brothers to me. I’m still grateful to my incredible mom, who sacrificed so much to provide me with a Xavier education.”

— Dr. Kwame Ohemeng ’96 Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn

Going Forth to Transform the World for God’s Greater Glory There are over

13,500

living Sons of Xavier

20

With more than 13,500 living graduates, the Xavier alumni network is vibrant and strong. Sons of Xavier have distinguished themselves in every imaginable industry in every corner of the globe, yet they remain united in their lifelong loyalty to 16th Street.

Our alumni often say that Xavier made them who they are, much more so than their college or graduate school. To hear them speak about their alma mater is to realize that something very special happens here.

XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

30 West 16th Street • New York, NY 10011-6302 • www.xavierhs.org