New York City
MISSION
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 Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
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. Diverse Backgrounds and Means
Academically Rigorous
Learning to Take Responsibility
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
Serving Others
Transforming the World
In the Heart of New York City Conveniently located in Chelsea, just west of Union Square, Xavier provides a dynamic Jesuit, Catholic education that draws young men from throughout the metro New York City region. From this wide collection of neighborhoods and towns, our students gather on 16th Street to become young men of competence, conscience, compassion, commitment, and creativity.
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Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847 In 1847, Fr. John Larkin dreamed of setting up a Jesuit school in lower Manhattan at the corner of Walker and Elizabeth Streets. Fr. Larkin soon
Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
planted Xavier’s roots in its present location on West 16th Street. His vision of a Jesuit school in the heart of New York City lives on in the hearts of today’s students and alumni. Xavier students become men for and with
others. A Xavier education encourages students to seek the magis—the “deeper” or the “more.” Our students form a generation of leaders rooted
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in the past, responsive to today’s realities, and prepared to create a future focused on justice, peace, love, and care for others. All for God’s Greater Glory! Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam! AMDG!
Academically Rigorous
Learning to Take Responsibility
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
Serving Others
Transforming the World
By the time of graduation, a Xavier student is becoming: 1. Open to growth 2. Intellectually competent 3. Loving 4. Religious 5. Committed to doing justice
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Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
“My experiences at Xavier have been incredible, both academically and socially. Because our community is culturally diverse, Xavier challenges me to look through different lenses so that I can broaden my perspectives. Spending time with my fellow Knights and the teachers who have become my role models is worth the one-hour commute from Brooklyn.” — Omar Richardson ’20 Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
Young Men of Diverse Backgrounds and Means Xavier students represent the diverse mosaic of cultures, religious traditions, and ethnicities that make up metro New York City. They hunger and thirst for deeper
Academically Rigorous
understanding and want to articulate their learning persuasively and effectively. Our students learn to motivate themselves, develop a deep sense of gratitude, and build a community of brothers. Our teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff stand ready to deliver the guiding Jesuit principle of cura personalis—the care for the
Learning to Take Responsibility
individual student.
Pursuing Excellence
Xavier Students Hail from…
WESTCHESTER/CT
3%
THE BRONX
Leading with Integrity
6%
NEW JERSEY
6%
30% NH
AT
TA
N
Deepening Their Relationship with God
MA
QUEENS
20%
Serving Others
Transforming the World
BROOKLYN
STATEN ISLAND
8%
24%
LONG ISLAND
3%
New York City
“Xavier’s approach to education has invited me to be open to growth, both in and out of the classroom. I have formed meaningful relationships with my teachers and friends. The faculty create safe, yet challenging learning environments that pique my curiosity. The various elective and AP courses and technologically advanced learning spaces help Xavier further its mission by forming me and my fellow future Sons of Xavier to become leaders, learners, and men for others for the 21st century.”
Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
— Chris Lema ’20 Cliffside Park, NJ
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
Academically Rigorous
Learning to Take Responsibility
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
Serving Others
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Our STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Mathematics— electives include robotics, game design, and astrophysics.
Academically Rigorous We challenge our students to deepen their critical thinking capacities in courses as diverse as global history, AP calculus, French, and stagecraft. Our faculty members create environments that help students develop as adaptive, innovative thinkers. Fernandez-Duminuco Hall—our 33,000-square-foot, state-ofthe-art academic building dedicated in 2016—houses practice and performance spaces for our drama programs, large and small ensemble rooms, individual practice spaces, and a professional recording studio for our music programs, and technologically advanced spaces for our STEAM programs. Real learning happens when experience and reflection lead to a commitment to act. Xavier students develop the habits of mind and spirit that help them take responsibility for their lives and the lives of others.
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Learning to Take Responsibility Our daily schedule includes a community period when students can work collaboratively on an upcoming project, seek out their teachers
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for one-on-one academic enrichment, speak with their guidance or college counselor, or get involved in or lead a club or activity. This daily community period allows students to maximize their high school
experience and to become more well-rounded young men.
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
Academically Rigorous
Learning to Take Responsibility
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
Serving Others
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20%
of students are involved in JROTC
Developing Young Leaders of Character Xavier students learn to be productive and accountable, not only to peers and faculty, but to themselves. Since 1935, Xavier has housed an Army JROTC program. While the JROTC program became optional in 1971, the Regiment remains an excellent opportunity to build a young man’s citizenship, character, and leadership potential.
CLUBS/ACTIVITIES African-American Culture Club Asian-American Culture Society Board Game Club Book Club Cartooning / Illustration Club Chorus Cultural Arts Club Dramatics Society The Entrepreneurial and Investment Society Environmental Solidarity Club eSports eXplore NY Film Club French Club Freshman Drama Gay-Straight Alliance German Club Hip Hop Society Hispania Club Irish-American Society Italian Club League of Computer Scientists Lexicon Math Competition Club Medical Science Club Microfinance Club Military History Club Mock Trial Model UN National Honor Society NYS Science Honor Society Origami Club Paintball Club Philosophy and Ethics Club Ping Pong Club Podcast Poetry Club The Review (Student Newspaper) Science Fiction / Anime Club Ski and Snowboard Club Spectrum Speech and Debate Sports Management Club Stage Crew Student Alumni Ambassadors Student Leadership Council UNICEF Yearbook
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Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
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Learning to Take Responsibility
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Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
1410
Average SAT Score for Ignatian Scholars
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“Compared to many of my peers, I have a shorter commute but certainly no shortage of commitments. Dedicating myself to the demanding curriculum of the Ignatian Scholars Program along with playing basketball at the highest level initially proved challenging. I quickly learned that, in order to find success, I needed to hone my organizational skills and use my time efficiently so that I can take advantage of all that Xavier has to offer.” — Blair Thompson ’21 TriBeCa, New York, NY
Pursuing Excellence in Every Endeavor 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 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 that they can build a deep appreciation for the dynamic opportunities that New York City has to offer.
New York City
Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
Academically Rigorous
Learning to Take Responsibility
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
Serving Others
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“As a three-sport athlete, my study time is limited. Like many of my friends, I make a significant commute to 16th Street. It’s worth it! I’ve learned to take responsibility and use my free periods and community periods so that I can excel in the classroom. With that confidence, I can work diligently in class, and play hard on the football field, basketball court, and the rugby pitch.” — Gregory Steffens ’20 Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY
Leading with Integrity 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. Xavier students are servant leaders. Whether serving as captain of the cross country team, Student Leadership Council president, cadet colonel of the JROTC, or the lead in the spring musical, Xavier’s student leaders learn how to motivate and inspire their peers.
60%
Almost of Xavier students play a sport at least one season per year
40%
Over are involved for two or more seasons
Xavier Athletics 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) Fencing (V) Ice Hockey (JV, V) Indoor Track (F, JV, V) Swimming & Diving (V) Wrestling (JV, V) SPRING Baseball (F, JV, V) Lacrosse (F, JV, V) Golf (V) Rugby (F, JV, V) Tennis (V) Outdoor Track (F, JV, V) Volleyball (V) SUMMER Boot Camp Basketball Camp All Sports Camp YEAR-ROUND JROTC SPORTS Drill Team Raiders Rifle Team (JV, V)
New York City
100%
Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
Nearly of juniors participate in a Kairos retreat
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
Academically Rigorous
Learning to Take Responsibility
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
Serving Others
Deepening Their Relationship with God Xavier freshmen begin their time together on our Via Dei retreat to build friendships with others and with God right from the start. On Montserrat, our sophomores learn how they can seek and respond to God’s voice. This unfolding discovery of one’s deeper desires is central to the vision that animates our school—the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Our cornerstone retreat is Kairos, when juniors step into “God’s time.” Xavier staff and
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senior leaders challenge our juniors to reflect upon their faith and to discern how God can be found in all things. Seniors can elect to participate in three optional retreats.
“ Love consists in a mutual sharing of gifts.� — St. Ignatius Loyola
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, a world religions elective is popular among many seniors because it equips them with deeper global awareness. Through our all-school liturgies and smaller Masses, students develop more generous and faithful spirits. Sometimes students discover how God is alive in their hearts during a retreat or a religion class, but just as often, students realize this at a cross country race, on stage during the spring musical, or on the hockey ice.
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Acting Justly in Service of Others
Through our Christian Service Program, our students transform their communities. They expand their horizons by working directly with young children, homeless Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
persons, or the elderly. Seniors’ 72-hour service commitment in their final semester shows how the Grad at Grad can really be lived out.
Xavier delegates attend the annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Diverse Backgrounds and Means
Washington, D.C. Delegates reflect, pray, network, and advocate together about social issues of critical importance with students from other Jesuit schools. Delegates return with a passion to effect change in school, in their local communities, and on the national level.
Academically Rigorous
Our Companions of Francis Xavier 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, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, or the Dominican Republic.
Learning to Take Responsibility
Whether it’s working with a family installing siding on their new house in east Tennessee or painting a house for a family in Puerto Rico, CFX trips allow our students to build bonds with people across the world. These transformative experiences make the spirit of mercy come alive in our students.
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
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“ Love ought to manifest itself in deeds more than words.” — St. Ignatius Loyola
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Preparing for Life Beyond 16th Street
Our college counselors start partnering with parents in sophomore year to prepare them for the coming college process. Juniors begin meeting with their college Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
counselors each cycle to jumpstart SAT and ACT preparation and strategize about the
students can select the college that best fits them academically, socially, and financially.
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
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college admissions process. Counselors collaborate with students and parents so that
Transforming the World for God’s Greater Glory When missioning St. Francis Xavier off to India, St. Ignatius Loyola bid farewell to his best friend with these words: Ite, inflammante omnia. “Go forth and set the world on fire.” When our newest Sons of Xavier receive their diplomas at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, we desire nothing more for them than to go forth, like St. Francis Xavier, and light the world aflame with the mercy, joy, and love of God. This passion for learning, for transforming others’ lives, for showing others that God can indeed be found in all things, becomes a reality as our graduates step out onto Fifth Avenue.
“I traveled to Xavier each day from Harlem. 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 at Columbia Presbyterian. Most importantly, I made lifelong friends who are brothers to me. I’m so grateful for my incredible mom, who sacrificed so much to provide me with a Xavier education.” — Dr. Kwame Ohemeng ’96 Department of Anesthesiology Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ
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Catholic, Jesuit Since 1847
Diverse Backgrounds and Means
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“My four years at Xavier were the most important years of my life. The commute from Marine Park to 16th Street taught me how to navigate the city. Xavier itself taught me commitment, determination, and the importance of serving others. Attending Xavier was the smartest educational choice my parents and I ever made. I will always be grateful.” — Steve Winter ’04 Senior Vice President of Commercial Leasing Related Companies
Learning to Take Responsibility
Pursuing Excellence
Leading with Integrity
Deepening Their Relationship with God
Serving Others
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“Xavier expanded my horizons beyond Queens and amply prepared me for college. The school newspaper developed my passion for sportswriting. On the track team, I sprinted, somewhat slowly, yet I loved competing throughout the city. What I valued most were my teammates, whether they grew up in the Rockaways, Brooklyn, or New Jersey. They’ve become lifelong friends. My love for running continues. Now I’m an avid marathoner, albeit mediocre, and a sportswriter covering track and field, marathons, and the Olympics.” — Chris Chavez ’11 Sportswriter, Sports Illustrated Founder, Citius Mag Chavez at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Class of 2019 College Attendance 4-Year Colleges: 98% 2-Year Colleges/Gap Year/ Armed Forces: 2% Private: 65% Public: 33% Catholic: 39% Jesuit: 21% SUNY: 8% International: 3% CUNY: 2% Military Academies: 2%
14,000
With nearly 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. To hear them speak about their alma mater is to realize that something very special happens here on 16th Street.
XAVIER 30 West 16th Street • New York, NY 10011-6302
www.xavierhs.org Instagram and Twitter: @XHSAdmissions (212) 924-7900, ext. 1442 • admissions@xavierhs.org