DeMatha Admissions Viewbook 2023-34

C at hol ic H ig h S cho ol

Be Your Best

The Brotherhood of Faith-Filled Gentlemen and Scholars

DeMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Historic and Ongoing Tradition

5

Our Campus

6

Attention to Scholarship

8

College Preparatory

10

Co-Curricular Opportunities

12

Performing and Visual Arts

15

Academic Support

16

Servant Leadership

18

Engineering & Robotics

19

Student Travel

20

Visit and Apply

22

Scholarships and Financial Aid

24

Transportation and Admissions Timeline

26 Be Your Best | 3

HISTORIC AND ONGOING MISSION

4 | DeMatha Catholic High School

D

eMatha Catholic High School, established in 1946 by the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, is a college-preparatory high school for young men. We are located 1.5 miles south of the University of Maryland at the gateway of the Historic Hyattsville Arts District.

DeMatha has twice been named a “National Blue Ribbon School” by the U.S. Department of Education, and The Washington Post has named DeMatha as one of the region’s “30 Great High Schools.” Our music program has seventeen performing ensembles and produced over 1,000 all-state musicians. Our athletic program is consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence. In all our endeavors, DeMatha cultivates a respect for others in its mission to form FaithFilled Gentlemen and Scholars.

DeMatha’s experienced faculty maintains high standards for their students and for themselves. In 2021, DeMatha launched the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence to promote best teaching practices and research. Our faculty and staff work to help young men develop a way of life characterized by attention to scholarship, dedication to moral principles, devotion to hard work, and the awareness of the need to serve others.

Mission Statement DeMatha Catholic High School is a college preparatory institution dedicated to educating young men in the Trinitarian tradition.

DeMatha’s historic and ongoing mission is to serve students of differing abilities, interests, and backgrounds from the culturally rich and diverse greater Washington Metropolitan area.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

25 20

current teachers have dedicated years or more at DeMatha Be Your Best | 5

OUR CAMPUS

F

or over 75 years, DeMatha has provided an exceptional educational environment for young men to achieve excellence. Classes are housed in four buildings, including St. John de Matha Hall; the Main Academic Building, which contains the Daniel McMahon ’76 Library, the chapel, the Hanley Family Science Wing, and our historic original gymnasium; the Brendan McCarthy ’64 Music Center; and the Lt. (SEAL) Brendan Looney ’99 Convocation Center, home to the Josh Wilson ’03 Athletic Suite, the Morgan and Kathy Wootten Gymnasium, the Kilby Alumni Lounge, the Walt Coughlan ’52 Fitness Center, and several state-of-the-art classrooms.

In October 2021, the school broke ground for The Cross Center for Engineering, Arts, and Robotics, with an anticipated spring 2024 opening for the state-of-the-art facility.

Our beautiful campus provides ample and quiet outdoor places for students to dine, to study, and to find peaceful moments of reflection at Trinitarian Heritage Plaza and the Monastery Plaza and Courtyard.

Heurich Park, located nearby in west Hyattsville, is home to DeMatha’s nationally ranked soccer and lacrosse programs, the practice site for the varsity football team, as well as the home game site for freshmen and junior varsity football teams. DeMatha plays its home baseball games on “one of the most well maintained fields in the state” at nearby Riverdale Park, and our varsity football team plays its home games at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex.

DeMatha is a proud member of the booming Hyattsville community, home to numerous award-winning restaurants, shops, and a vibrant art scene.

6 | DeMatha Catholic High School

Be Your Best | 7

ATTENTION TO SCHOLARSHIP

I

n the tradition of providing a college preparatory education, DeMatha requires that each student follow a core program covering a range of subject areas. Students choose from over 150 courses in eleven academic departments as they plan their course of study. By offering a wide range of courses, DeMatha makes every attempt to create a program of studies that serves the needs, interests and abilities of every student. Over 60 Honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered.

Students are encouraged to explore their special interests with elective courses in each department. These offerings can be varied as Marketing Concepts, Marine Biology, Video Broadcast Journalism, Mythology, Film Study, Astronomy or Engineering Design. As upperclassmen, they may also choose independent study courses with individual teachers.

Program of Studies Leading to Graduation To graduate from DeMatha a student must earn a minimum of 24 credits.

The full four year program, based on the individual student’s achievement, will include courses in religious studies, English, world languages, mathematics, science, computer science and engineering, social studies, fine arts, and health and physical education.

60

Honors and Advanced Placement Courses

8 | DeMatha Catholic High School

20

+ Dual-Enrollment College Courses

True to the Mission Faculty DeMatha’s greatest strength can be found in its classrooms. Faculty members have received consistent recognition in recent years, including awards from the National Catholic Educational Association, the American Chemical Society, The Washington Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Archdiocese of Washington.

Our teachers demonstrate their expertise not only in our classrooms, but by their presentations at seminars, workshops and conferences for colleagues in the field of education. Annual workshops for local middle school teachers bring dozens of educators to DeMatha to learn successful techniques. Our teachers have an average of 15 years teaching at DeMatha, 20 years in education, and nearly onethird are alumni.

With an average class size of 19 students, our teachers can prioritize relationshipbuilding with their students so these young men may realize their potential.

“At DeMatha, the teachers treated their teaching as a service, as a vocation. It wasn’t just a job. They cared for their students and challenged us. Everyone is striving for excellence there.”

– Fr. Tim Daniel ‘02

Be Your Best | 9

COLLEGE PREPARATORY

O

ur dedicated College Counselors prepare each student for the college application process by helping him identify his choices, informing him about college visits and scholarship opportunities, and assisting him in the preparation of applications. The College Counselors hold parent meetings over the course of the year about college selection, financing, and other college related concerns.

Students and parents are encouraged to meet with the College Counselors as juniors and again early in their senior year as part of this process. Additionally, DeMatha proudly offers nationally renowned SAT and ACT prep courses throughout the year.

$23,669,468

in college scholarships awarded to the 181 Class of 2023 graduates

10 | DeMatha Catholic High School

100%

College Acceptance

“At DeMatha, there is a strong community and bond that I would not have received anywhere else. I’m so thankful for all DeMatha has given me, and I will take the skills I learned of accountability and organization to my next four years at West Point.”

- Chase Pearson DeMatha ’23, West Point ’27

In recent years, DeMatha students have attended a sampling of the above colleges and universities across the country.

Be Your Best | 11

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES DeMatha offers a wide variety of sports, clubs and organizations.

The Athletic Program features 15 sports, played at the Freshmen, JV, and Varsity levels.

DeMatha competes in the highly competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), and often schedules local and national schools as out-ofconference foes.

DeMatha features Novice and Varsity Crew (Rowing), Prep and Varsity 2 level Ice Hockey, Indoor Track, Rugby and Swimming teams that compete in various conferences in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Since 1969, DeMatha athletic teams have won over 200 championships, and continue to compete for such championships yearly in most every sport offered. Each coach emphasizes respect, fair play, and teamwork on the playing field and the importance of academic success and growth in the classroom.

DeMatha also responds to the interests of students to develop clubs and non-athletic organizations. A sampling of clubs and organizations is listed below:

• Academic Quiz Bowl • Ecology Club • Anime Club • Brothers Standing United • Chess Club • DeMatha Players • Mock Trial Team 12 | DeMatha Catholic High School

• National Honor Society • Pep Band • Science Scholars • Startup DM • Student Government Association • Table Tennis Club • Video Gaming Club

14 | DeMatha Catholic High School

PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS Music – The music curriculum includes five concert bands, three choruses, three

percussion ensembles, three string orchestras, six levels of music theory, and a History of Rock and Roll class. The program also includes two jazz ensembles, a pep band for basketball games, a gospel choir, as well as numerous small ensembles.

The Music Program has received national and international acclaim. The National Catholic Bandmaster’s Association named DeMatha’s Wind Ensemble the top Catholic High School Band in 18 of 20 years. Each year the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Concert Band II, the Advanced Percussion Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble II, Sinfonia, Voices of DeMatha, DeMatha Harmonics and the DeMatha Singers perform at local, national and international music festivals. DeMatha performing groups have received over 40 Gold Medals at music festivals throughout the country and Canada.

Over 1,000 student-musicians have been chosen to perform with the Maryland All-State Bands, Orchestras and Choruses. An equal number have performed with the Washington Archdiocese Music Teacher Council Honor Bands throughout the years.

Drama – Each year, the DeMatha Players perform two challenging dramatic and comedic works on campus and at local venues. Recently, the DeMatha Players performed Man of La Mancha to help celebrate our school’s 75th anniversary.

Visual Arts – The Visual Arts Program is divided into two areas: creative arts and

photography. From Fundamentals of Drawing to Advanced Photoshop, students are encouraged to analyze visual messages and construct works of art and design balanced in composition and organized by elements and principles of design. Each spring, the department sponsor an Art Show on campus, displaying the works of students, parents, and faculty.

40

% of Students Participate in the Music Program

Be Your Best | 15

ACADEMIC SUPPORT Academic Support Center The Academic Support Center (ASC), directed by three full-time support teachers, as well as classroom teachers assigned to specific blocks each day, is open to all students and enhances DeMatha’s college preparatory program. The ASC staff instructs students in study skills and techniques to increase responsibility, organization, and motivation, guiding them to become confident and independent learners.

The ASC is open before school daily, and after school three days a week. As academic support is essential to DeMatha’s mission, there is no additional charge for this program.

Guided Organization and Learning Support Freshmen are provided with structured time in their schedule to learn and engage with learning specialists in best practices for how to succeed in the classroom. GOALS emphasizes growth in executive functions, particularly organization, time management, and study skills.

$0

Cost for Academic Support Programs

16 | DeMatha Catholic High School

“My mother and father, God rest their souls, stressed the fact that they couldn’t care less about athletics. They wanted a good, solid academic foundation that would prepare me for the game of life...Those were the reasons why I went to DeMatha and it was an absolute excellent decision.”

– James Brown ‘69 Harvard class of ‘73 Broadcaster, CBS News and Sports

Scheduling and Accommodations Each student’s schedule is created by the Admissions Director, with consultation of Department Chairs and the 9th Grade Counselor.

Consideration is given to past performance, HSPT results and teacher recommendations.

Academic accommodations are reviewed individually based on a student’s psycho-educational evaluation, his previous educational plans, information that a parent or guardian may provide, and a review of what approaches have been most effective in the past. Upon review, a DeMatha Plan will be developed for the student.

Reading and Study Skills Reading and Study Skills is a course offered to identified students as an additional resource to develop and improve reading comprehension, fluency, writing skills, and participation. Through this course, students see marked improvement in critical skills necessary to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

Be Your Best | 17

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Christian Service Program Service to others, especially those most in need, is essential to the Christian life. In the Gospels, Jesus commanded his followers to “love your neighbor as yourself ” (Mt 22:39).

DeMatha Catholic High School strives to form our students’ moral and spiritual selves into young men who sacrifice their time and offer their God-given gifts to the community.

The Trinitarian influence and heritage commands that we work for “liberty for the captives”: those who are imprisoned by poverty, homelessness, sickness, and more.

Our students complete an average of 64 service hours while at DeMatha, far exceeding their requirements. These hours are often in direct contact with the marginalized and vulnerable. The Campus Ministry Office coordinates group service activities, places students in service locations, guides students in reflection on their service, and compiles the number of hours completed by each student. Perhaps most impactful, students and faculty participate in service trips to various locations across the country to live with, learn from and serve communities in need.

18 | DeMatha Catholic High School

ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS

The Cross Center for Engineering, Arts, and Robotics This $4,000,000 facility will provide our students cuttingedge spaces to explore creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.

Courses Include: Engineering Design and Problem Solving Students use the engineering design process, both individually and in teams, to innovate and engineer solutions to practical problems.

Robotics Students apply their knowledge of engineering, computer science, and technology to the field of robotics. Students learn about mechanisms to increase mechanical advantage and efficiency, as well as general robotics controls and programming.

Introduction to Prototyping Students practice rapid prototyping techniques, including 3D Printing (additive manufacturing) and Laser Cutting/ Engraving (subtractive manufacturing). Students learn to create complex designs using computer aided design (CAD) software and implement it in solutions to various problems.

DeMatha partners with the University of Maryland’s Engineering For Us All program, which prepares high school students to be successful in their rigorous engineering courses. This program provides college credit for coursework completed at DeMatha.

Be Your Best | 19

STUDENT TRAVEL

DeMatha Mock Trial at the Supreme Court, Washington DC

D

eMatha Stags engage in life-changing experiences outside of the classroom. In recent years, DeMatha classes, clubs, and teams have traveled to Spain, Morocco, Greece, Mexico, Hawaii, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and many museums and research sites across the Washington area. These trips, organized and led by DeMatha faculty, provide priceless opportunities for students to expand their understanding of the world, each other, and themselves.

Voices of DeMatha at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Road to Civil Rights Class in Atlanta 20 | DeMatha Catholic High School

Machu Picchu, Peru

Campus Ministry in Seville, Spain

DeMatha Science Scholars in Greece

Biology students on the Amazon River in South America Be Your Best | 21

VISIT AND APPLY

S

tag-for-a-Day Visit allows current 8th grade students to experience a DeMatha school day.

Visitors attend a full slate of classes with a current 9th graders as hosts, interacting with DeMatha students and teachers throughout the day while seeing our campus firsthand. Lunch is provided free of charge from the Stag Cafe. The Stag-for-a-Day will have the opportunity to meet music directors, athletic coaches, and club moderators of his interest. Visit www.dematha.org to sign up.

DeMatha’s Admissions Open House is annually held on the first Sunday in November. Students in grades Six, Seven, Eight and their families are welcomed by our student-musicians, Dr. McMahon presents “The Six Pillars of DeMatha,” and families are given self or student-guided tours through campus where they learn more about DeMatha, meeting current students, parents, and teachers.

On-Campus Information Sessions provide a more intimate informational experience. Twice in the fall and once in the spring we welcome families in the Kilby Alumni Lounge to share information about DeMatha and the high school admissions process.

Campus Tours are scheduled during the fall, spring or summer, and provide families with a guided walk through campus. Time is spent in and around each of the campus buildings, as visitors get to experience the small college campus atmosphere.

22 | DeMatha Catholic High School

Application Process All applicants submit an online application via www.dematha.org by December 15 prior to the year of attendance. 9th grade applicants also register for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) by visiting www.adw.org.

Students attending a Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Washington: Admissions information will be distributed during visits to Catholic elementary schools.

Applicants select DeMatha on their high school choice form when taking the HSPT, and their school will send the required academic records to DeMatha.

Students attending a non-Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Washington: In addition to submitting an application, DeMatha requires grade reports and recommendations from the current school. Visit www.adw. org for HSPT registration information.

Transfer Applicants: In addition to submitting an application, DeMatha requires grade reports, standardized test scores, and recommendations from the current school.

Decision letters/notifications will be mailed/emailed in February, as directed by the Archdiocese of Washington.

Be Your Best | 23

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID Academic Merit Awards: Father Cyprian Nusca Scholarship – Fr. Cyprian Nusca, O.SS.T., was a founder of DeMatha Catholic High School. Significant four-year partial scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen based on academic excellence, as determined by school performance and High School Placement Test results.

Music Awards: John L. Moylan Music Award – In 1970, Mr. Moylan established the DeMatha Band program that has grown to include over a third of the student body. Music Scholarships are available to students who show exceptional talent. Notification of auditions will be sent to the student when “Music Award” is checked on his application.

Drama Awards: Fr. Paul Donovan Scholarship – Fr. Paul Donovan, O.SS.T., a founder of DeMatha, began the DeMatha Drama Program. DeMatha honors Fr. Paul through awarding scholarships to entering freshmen with an interest in drama. The scholarship is awarded after an audition overseen by the Drama Club moderator. Notification of auditions will be sent to the student when “Drama Award” is checked on his application.

Art Awards: Anthony N. Fotos Art Award – Mr. Anthony Fotos was a Fine Arts teacher at DeMatha for forty-one years. DeMatha honors Mr. Fotos by awarding art scholarships to five incoming freshmen. The award is based on an evaluation of the student’s art portfolio by the Art Department Chairperson. An application is sent to the student when “Art Award” is checked on his admission application.

Additionally, families receive a $1,000 reduction in tuition if an additional son attends DeMatha during the same academic year, or if a son attends DeMatha and a daughter attends Elizabeth Seton (proof of enrollment required, $500 reduction from each school) during the same academic year.

24 | DeMatha Catholic High School

“DeMatha is not a school that caters to maintaining an academic and societal level for well-off families. It offers families an affordable, yet priceless, chance for sons to reach levels that they may not have attained.”

– Kevin Shea ’72, Administrator of APHIS, USDA Agency, father of Brendan ’00

Need-based Financial Aid From DeMatha (FACTS) DeMatha awards partial tuition work-study grants based on family financial need in the form of DeMatha Grants. Applications for this form of aid must be submitted by December 15 for prospective 9th graders and current students, and March 15 for transfer applicants. The FACTS Management Company processes all financial aid applications. Students who receive DeMatha Grants perform duties during school or after school hours.

From Archdiocese of Washington (TADS) Each year, the Archdiocese of Washington provides need-based aid for students attending Catholic high schools. The application for aid from the Archdiocese is separate from the application for DeMatha aid. Information and application forms are available after October 2nd from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington. Use DeMatha code: 510830000 on the TADS application. Deadline for this aid application is early December.

$993,280

in merit and need-based aid awarded to our incoming Class of 2026 Be Your Best | 25

TRANSPORTATION AND ADMISSIONS TIMELINE As a regional school with students from over 120 zip codes, DeMatha offers bus transportation throughout Maryland and Washington, DC. Popular bus stops include Olney, Rockville, Bethesda, Kensington, Silver Spring, Fulton, Laurel, Davidsonville, Dunkirk, Indian Head, Waldorf, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Glenn Dale, Greenbelt, and Capitol Hill.

Additionally, DeMatha provides a free shuttle to the nearby University of Maryland-College Park Metro station in the morning and afternoon.

26 | DeMatha Catholic High School

DEMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TIMELINE SEPTEMBER 5 – Visit www.dematha.org to complete Pre-Application and schedule an on-campus visit – Visit www.adw.org to begin ADW TADS Financial Aid Application – Visit www.factsmgt.com to begin DeMatha FACTS Financial Aid Application – Visit www.dematha.org to begin DeMatha Application for Admission

2023

SEPTEMBER 21 – On-campus Admissions information night OCTOBER 2 – Visit www.adw.org to register for the High School Placement Test (HSPT)

Admissions Team Brendan Shea ’00 Executive Director of Enrollment bshea@dematha.org 240-764-2211

OCTOBER 11 – On-campus Admissions information night NOVEMBER 5 – Open House DECEMBER 2 – HSPT Administration at select ADW High Schools

Jessica Skaare P ’27 Admissions Services Associate jskaare@dematha.org 240-764-2214

DECEMBER 15 – DeMatha FACTS Financial Aid Application Due

2028

2024

– DeMatha Application for Admissions Due

MID-FEBRUARY– Decision Letters Mailed and Posted to Online Portal MID-MARCH– Class of 2028 Enrollment Deadline

JUNE – GRADUATION

Rob Landini ‘01 Associate, Stag-For-A-Day rlandini@dematha.org 240-764-2109

Andrew Eck ‘11 Associate Director of Admissions aeck@dematha.org 240-764-2210

APPLY TODAY, JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD FOREVER. Address

Contact

Social Media

DeMatha Catholic High School 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, Md. 20781

(240) 764-2210 Fax: 240-764-2277 admissions@dematha.org

www.dematha.org