“Every day at John Paul II High School has its successes, challenges, and opportunities for learning more than I ever imagined. It has helped me build a strong foundation for college and whatever else I pursue throughout my life.�
Welcome “I make my own the words of Saint Paul: ‘I have great confidence in you, I have great pride in you; I am filled with encouragement, I am overflowing with joy...’ (2 Cor. 7:4).” — His Holiness Pope John Paul II
At John Paul II High School, we believe in the balanced development of mind, spirit and body. John Paul II High School is a coeducational, Catholic, college preparatory school, sponsored by the Diocese of Dallas that opened its doors in 2005. Our community is a diverse body of students and educators that strives for excellence, values individuality, fosters a passion for learning, assists students who hear Christ’s call to religious or teaching vocations, encourages Christian service, and instills a respect for others.
John Paul II High School Students John Paul II High School students are scholars, athletes, and artists. They excel in many areas, meeting and exceeding the varied challenges facing young people today. They are able to perform in
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“ There are many paths that students might take. My job is to guide them along the right path, and open the doors to their options.” — John Paul II High School Teacher
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such exemplary ways through the support and guidance of our gifted faculty, coaches and staff, who provide inspiration, confidence, and resources necessary for success. Our teachers are committed to their profession and approach their calling with commitment and love. We are dedicated to helping our students identify and cultivate their unique gifts. Students are able to explore a variety of opportunities throughout their academic careers, discovering their own personal strengths along the way. They are encouraged through our philosophy of individualized attention and our low student-to-faculty ratio.
An Exceptional Place of Learning John Paul II High School is an exceptional place of learning, dedicated to providing a superior spiritual, academic, athletic, and artistic experience in a competitive college preparatory environment and committed to creating Catholic leaders. Virtually all John Paul II High School students are college bound, focused and ready to make an impact on both the local and global levels. One of John Paul II High School’s greatest assets is a commitment to academic excellence, as demonstrated by the remarkable faculty. Several members of the faculty are Advanced Placement (AP) consultants or readers in their respective fields. They serve as expert presenters, seminar trainers or readers for AP college-board curriculum courses. Highly skilled and accomplished in their fields, the faculty overall demonstrates a passion for knowledge which guides the students in their pursuit of a love of learning.
“My teachers at John Paul II High School have generously given of their time, knowledge, and their faith in my potential. They have helped me discover my own talents and taught me how to deliver on those talents. Now, I am ready and prepared for the next step.�
Mind Learn, think, decide, communicate: to become a productive and responsible citizen, dedicated to selfless service to God and community. — John Paul II High School Student Creed
Our goal is to graduate students who will be leaders and critical thinkers, committed to service, and rooted in their Roman Catholic faith. While here, we want our students to explore their talents and potential. Knowing that all are given special gifts and talents by God, they are able to take risks. Having learned the importance of living a mindful and gracious life, they will set forth to live the example of love and hard work, prepared to extend themselves, transcend expectations, and demonstrate their belief in God as they navigate the challenges of the 21st century.
Curriculum John Paul II High School’s curriculum is a rigorous four-year college preparatory program designed to meet the most exacting requirements for entrance into colleges and universities across the globe. John Paul II High School prepares students for their next step in the continuous educational
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“ It was for God’s faithful people to make creative use of the new discoveries and technologies for the benefit of humanity and the fulfillment of God’s plan for the world.” — His Holiness Pope John Paul II
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process. It is an important and valuable experience in personal growth — intellectual, physical, moral, and most importantly spiritual. We offer more than 35 pre-advanced placement and advanced placement courses. These courses are, as are all our courses, based on national standards. We encourage all our students to experience the advanced placement model at some level as an opportunity to gain exposure to college level courses and requirements. Courses are also offered at the college preparatory level.
Cutting-edge Technology All students have a tablet laptop so they can fully utilize the best-in-class wireless and multimedia technologies incorporated throughout the campus. Our JPII-Net allows teachers to post homework assignments, test scores, and other information that students and parents can access using a code issued by the school. All students have a school email account that gives them 24/7 contact with classmates, teachers, and the administration. In addition, the school uses the DyKnow program that allows for collaborative real-time sharing of information, notes, and lesson plans among the students and between teacher and student. Students use both traditional textbooks and electronic books throughout their years at John Paul II High School.
John Paul II High School Fine Arts Department John Paul II High School has a comprehensive Fine Arts Department that encompasses art, band, choir, dance, drama, musical theatre, and orchestra. The Fine Arts Department strives to give the students of John Paul II High School a broad spectrum of opportunities that allow them to explore many different avenues of artistic expression. Each discipline of John Paul II High School's Fine Arts program covers a wide variety of techniques and genres with key emphasis on performance, production and creative problem-solving.
“As I watch our students walk through the halls of John Paul II High School, I am moved by their kindness and humbled by their intellect. Their ability to help at the community level through their Christian Service is evident; but I am encouraged about the future. Their potential to help, and ultimately, heal our world is immense.�
Spirit We will make a difference in the world by walking in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II. — John Paul II High School Vision Statement
The John Paul II High School community is committed to helping students deepen their Roman Catholic faith. Although John Paul II High School is a Catholic school, all faiths are respected and all students are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God.
Spiritual Life Our theology program helps root all students in the sources of the Catholic faith as they investigate the purpose and history of the Church, as well as the moral and social justice principles which guide a Christian in making decisions. Our campus ministry department complements the mission of the school and theology department by helping students develop their personal relationship with God through Mass and the Sacraments. The Eucharistic Celebration is held on a regular basis with the entire school population. In everything we do,
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“ To develop leaders who are critical thinkers and effective communicators, committed to service and rooted in faith.” — John Paul II High School Mission Statement
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our students will see God present. And, in particular, He is present in our student body — present in the gifts He has given them. Class retreats play an important role in the spiritual development of the students at John Paul II High School. Students are given the opportunity to build lasting relationships with their classmates while they explore their faith. Students also have numerous opportunities to participate in a variety of clubs and organizations. There is a venue for all students to become an integral part of the life of the school and develop their individual leadership skills. Students are encouraged to start new clubs and organizations within their interest areas.
Christian Service At John Paul II High School, students are introduced to Christ’s imperative to serve the needy and the marginalized. We teach this mission and the theology that supports it in the classroom, and through action. Accordingly, we require students in each grade level to participate in our Christian Service program. Supervised by the Christian Service Coordinator, the program complements their academic experience by assisting students to develop an orientation towards Christian service. Each year students volunteer at such service sites as nursing homes, hospitals, soup kitchens, half-way houses, and schools in an effort to reflectively live out what all are commanded to do as Christians. Armed with confidence in their abilities and grounded in strong faith, John Paul II High School students seek to serve. And serve they do — with more than 20,000 hours of volunteer service each year.
“Sports at John Paul II High School have taught me the value of teamwork and leadership. Our coaches inspire us to help others be successful whether it’s in the classroom or on the field. To them what resides in our hearts is just as important as our athletic potential. It’s this philosophy that will help us win at everything we do.”
Body “ Young pilgrims, Christ needs you to enlighten the world and to show it the ‘path to life’ (Psalm 16:11). The challenge is to make the Church’s ‘yes’ to life concrete and effective.” — His Holiness Pope John Paul II
At John Paul II High School, we believe athletics are an important aspect of wellrounded students, encouraging and stretching them in ways that benefit them both emotionally and physically. We also believe that students learn life lessons on the field of competition, helping them become the leaders of tomorrow as they learn how to win and lose with integrity and honor. As they learn the rules of their sport, as they practice to improve their own performance, as they prepare to deal with their opponents, they see the value of preparation — in every endeavor, not just in sports. Through athletics, students also see the value of teamwork, learning responsibility and accountability as they see firsthand how teammates interact and how the actions of one affect the whole team. And most importantly, they learn how to act unselfishly for the benefit of others. r 13 r
“ We are able to combine daily school life with an extra layer of guidance and love, following the example of Pope John Paul II and given to us by Jesus Christ. It is here that John Paul II High School truly sets itself apart. ” — Thomas W. Poore, M.Ed. President of John Paul II High School
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Fulfilling Potential The John Paul II High School approach to athletics is identical to the school’s educational philosophy. The goal is always for students to learn more about themselves, to recognize their talents and to develop them. The coaches and staff provide them with individualized attention and guidance in helping each student fulfill his or her potential. Our coaches also serve as excellent role models, providing leadership and direction to help student-athletes reach their goals.
Competition John Paul II High School fields teams in 14 sports and participates in local, regional, and state competitions. Many of the teams have won or placed at a district, regional, or state level. John Paul II High School teams compete with other private schools through the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). The campus offers two competition gymnasiums, a fully equipped cardiovascular and weight training center, a new Olympic style track and field complex and a football/soccer field as well as other athletic facilities.
John Paul II offers the following athletic programs: Football Cross Country (boys & girls) Soccer (boys & girls) Swimming (boys & girls) Softball Tennis (boys & girls) Drill Team
Volleyball Basketball (boys & girls) Wrestling Baseball Track (boys & girls) Golf (boys & girls) Cheerleading
“What I believe my experience at John Paul II High School has taught me is simple — to be a servant leader and inspire others to use their gifts for the good of this world.”
Conclusion We hope to hear from you. Please join us in our pursuit of educational excellence. Our graduates are leaders and critical thinkers committed to service and rooted in their Catholic faith. While here, they have explored their talents and potential. Knowing that all are given special gifts and talents by God, they are able to take risks. Having learned the importance of living a mindful and gracious life, they are prepared to set forth to live the example of love and hard work. We invite you to explore our school community where students are encouraged to learn, think, decide, and communicate to become responsible citizens dedicated to selfless service to God and community. If you or someone you know is interested in the excellent college preparatory education provided by John Paul II High School, please let us know.
John Paul II High School 900 Coit Road Plano, Texas 75075 972-867-0005 www.johnpauliihs.org
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“ The future of the world and
of the Church belongs to the younger generation, those born in this century, who will reach maturity in the next. ” — His Holiness Pope John Paul II, 1994
John Paul II High School 900 Coit Road • Plano, Texas 75075 Phone: 972-867-0005 • Fax: 972-867-7555 www.johnpauliihs.org