ONE OF A KIND. YOU ARE Your education should be too.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING at Father Ryan High School
EMBRACE EVERY Possibility.
For the past 100 years, Father Ryan has offered a high-quality Catholic education to students of all faith backgrounds. Our mission— to be an experienceofthelivingGospelwhilechallengingstudentstoreachtheir spiritual,academic,andpersonalpotential—prepares every student to lead in today’s evolving world.
With our four levels of learning and an array of academic opportunities, you craft your own academic journey, tailored to your unique strengths and passions. Inspired by a high school path that is uniquely yours, the possibilities are limitless.
Our personalized approach meets you where you are. We create an academic schedule and path that embraces your interests, abilities, and goals. We provide appropriate rigor and individualized support for you to stretch beyond your comfort zone into your potential.
You learn to advocate for yourself. You uncover your passions. And each step of the way, you discover who you are and who you want to become.
CUSTOMIZED FOR YOU
We do not have one path or set-in-stone “academic track” at Father Ryan. We accept, support, and inspire a wide range of academic abilities from our robust College Preparatory course level to our demanding Honors, High Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) levels.
You work with your mentors and teachers to identify courses and opportunities based on your interests. Throughout your time at Father Ryan, our four levels of learning challenge and support you through a customized academic schedule built just for you.
THE FATHER RYAN APPROACH TO LEARNING
We ensure that every student finds success. Our promise— You Will Be Known. You Will Be Loved.®—is embraced by our faculty, coaches, and staff. We inspire you to achieve more than you can imagine.
Creating an individualized academic path allows you to take full advantage of everything a big high school offers. As Nashville’s largest private high school with a century of traditions, we provide ample opportunities during the school day and beyond so you can discover and lean into your potential.
THE FULL COURSE CATALOG FOR 2025-2026.
FRESHMAN
JAKE ZIMMERMAN ’28
Hayes Scholar
Peer-elected Freshman Delegate, Trinity House
Percussionist, Marching Band
Purple Masque Players
Clubs: Mock Trial
A/B SCHEDULE: A DAY
Period 1: Theology
Period 2: Algebra I, High Honors
Required and elective Theology courses are only offered at one level to meet the needs of all students together in one classroom.
Our A/B block schedule helps students better prepare for a future college schedule.
levels of learning are available to freshmen.
JUNIOR MEI MEI BAKER ’26
Varsity Lacrosse Relay For Life Committee
Oak House Mentor Group Leader Clubs: Multi-Cultural Student Union, Magnificat Girls’ Faith Group, Cooking Club
A/B SCHEDULE: A DAY
Period 1: Anatomy and Physiology, Honors
Period 2: Fall, Contemporary U.S. History: The Civil War; Spring, U.S. History, Honors
Oak House Mentor Group
Period 3: Fall, Theology III; Spring, Military Literature of the World Wars
Period 4: Fall, U.S. History, Honors; Spring, Lacrosse Practice
Some sports teams have an athletic block as a class period during the school day to allow student-athletes to get home earlier to focus on studying.
CHOOSE YOUR PATH. INSPIRE YOUR
SOPHOMORE
MAKULA JEIGULA ’27
Varsity Rugby 7’s and Rugby 15’s
Clubs: Multi-Cultural Student Union
A/B SCHEDULE: B DAY
Period 5: Chemistry I
Period 6: Fall, Strength Training; Spring, Study Hall
Norwood House Mentor Group
Father Ryan’s approach has helped me explore my passions through extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and classes that I really enjoy. With the support systems and mentoring, I can find what I’m best at and set goals to achieve.”
My academic experience has gradually become more rigorous as I have changed levels in certain subject areas and challenged myself. Teachers help me excel tremendously and are there for me every step of the way.”
Period 7: Algebra II
Period 8: Introduction to Art
POTENTIAL.
SENIOR FINN SAIVAR ’25
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
Valedictorian, National Merit Finalist
Varsity Football and Tennis
Clubs: Model United Nations, Mock Trial, Latin Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club, and Brotherhood Men’s Faith Group
A/B SCHEDULE: B DAY
Period 5: AP Calculus AB
Each House has a Mentor Group of 2025 students across all grade levels and 2-3 faculty and staff members.
Period 6: Fall, AP Microeconomics; Spring, AP Macroeconomics
Trinity House Mentor Group
Period 7: Astronomy
Period 8: Fall, Football Conditioning; Spring, Society and the Human Person MEET FINN
RIGOR and CHALLENGE
At Father Ryan, your potential is our purpose. Every level of learning includes challenging coursework with appropriate rigor and pace. Based on your aptitude, performance, and faculty recommendations, we place you into course levels that allow you to experience success while being challenged to reach your academic potential.
I excelled academically through different levels of classes. Taking High Honors and AP math classes while taking Honors English classes kept me challenged as opposed to staying in the same level in every subject. I could make my schedule unique and personalized for my future. Taking AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics classes will help me when I am studying business in college.”
CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT
Our personal connections with every student enable us to provide appropriate levels of challenge and support, tailored for how you learn best. This means you are more engaged and better prepared for college and beyond.
We regularly review your placement level, working with your parents and teachers to find the right academic level and schedule across all four years. During the school year, depending on your performance in the class and with teacher recommendation, you may change levels to seek more rigor or more support.
DISCOVER HOW KENNEDY WAS CHALLENGED AND SUPPORTED.
OUR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Students with learning differences become lifelong, self-sufficient learners through our robust Educational Support Programs. Every student who enters our doors receives the necessary tools and skills to excel academically, spiritually, and personally, preparing them for success in the future.
We work strategically with families and faculty to target student efforts while developing fundamental time-management and information-processing skills. Our approach bolsters confidence and sparks students’ passion to achieve.
All Educational Support Programs Include:
Access to all levels of learning determined by the student’s strengths
Personalized support to complement classroom instruction and build organizational and study skills, independence, self-advocacy, and confidence
3 State-certified Learning Specialists and one senior licensed psychoeducational examiner who collaborate with students, parents, and teachers
Class selection support during yearly course registration
Access to Learning Specialists before, during, and after the school day, based on individual needs
The Cooperative Support Program assists a limited number of students with a documented learning difference and psychoeducational evaluation completed within the last 3 years. Comprehensive support beyond the above foundations includes:
Dedicated, daily time to meet with a Support Staff member in a classroom setting
Specialized sections and accommodations as determined through individual testing
Mandatory summer Study Skills course before 9th grade begins
HAYES SCHOLARS Program
First available to the Class of 2026, Father Ryan’s 100th graduating class, the Hayes Scholars Program challenges and develops motivated, high-achieving students in all areas of academic excellence.
Our intentional program is inspired by our late Academic Dean, Sara Hayes, who embodied personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, an unyielding pursuit of excellence, and a kind and generous spirit. These values are nurtured through an encouraging community of like-minded peers and Hayes-Scholar-only events, including:
A dedicated team of advisors and academic counselors
Required Freshman Seminar of only Hayes Scholars
Accelerated college planning, guidance, and college tours
Annual lecture series, Hayes Scholar field trips, and guest speakers
Who may apply?
Students who score an 80 or higher for their Local percentage (LP) Composite score on the High School Placement Test are invited to apply for our Hayes Scholars Program. The top five Hayes Scholars are eligible for a Presidential Merit Scholarship.
JOAQUIN PANELO ’26
Hayes Scholar
Father Charles Strobel ’61 Service Society Member
Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society
National Honor Society
Percussion, Father Ryan Band
Cum Laude President
Father Ryan’s rigorous curriculum offers all students the chance to grow and develop their individual passions. I am proud to be a member of the Hayes Scholars community and stand by my like-minded, equally ambitious peers who are united by our drive to make Father Ryan and the world a better place.”
LYDIA BRUNNER ’27
Varsity Cross Country, Basketball, and Track and Field
Emerald House Mentor Group Leader
Clubs: Social Justice Club and Book Club
Father James Black Award for Excellence Recipient
In Hayes Scholars, we push one another to be our best while supporting each other in our academic endeavors. I am proud to be a Hayes Scholar surrounded by intelligent and talented students. One of my favorite Hayes Scholars’ experiences was touring Vanderbilt University with my cohort of academically driven peers.”
LEARN HOW JOAQUIN EMBRACES HIS PASSIONS.
DUAL ENROLLMENT Program STEAM Program
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Students Enrolled in Dual Enrollment Courses for 2025-2026
9
Dual Enrollment College-level Courses
247
College Credits
Earned by 46 Students During the First Year of Dual Enrollment Program
At Father Ryan, great preparation for college includes taking actual college-level classes for college credit. Our Dual Enrollment Program and partnership with Trevecca Nazarene University allow you to sample the college classroom approach, rigor, and responsibility within the support system we provide.
Move beyond the basics of a subject and explore content using the critical thinking and analytical skills college requires, while guided by your biggest fans: Father Ryan’s master teachers. Courses include:
Speech Communication
Intermediate French I and II
College Algebra and Pre-Calculus
Basic College Physics I and II
Intermediate Spanish I and II
NEW FOR 2025-2026: English Composition I and II
Students who fulfill prerequisites apply for each course and for the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Dual Enrollment grant for tuition and fees.
GRACIE SMART ’25 SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
Took Dual Enrollment Classes College Algebra and Pre-Calculus and Basic College Physics I and II
Dual Enrollment was an amazing way to challenge myself and learn at a higher level. My Dual Enrollment classes were faster-paced, covered more content, and prepared me for college. It is so helpful to be able to earn college credit while taking a class you already need for the Father Ryan curriculum.”
Your imagination is limitless. So is our hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Program.
Within our science and technology department, you can take STEAM I, II, and III to test your grit and expand your possibilities. From designing videogames and recording podcasts to building bridges and programming robots, our STEAM Program provides students the opportunity to explore all their interests. Our hightech Irish SmartLab has 3D printers, recording equipment, robotic kits, collaborative workspaces, and more.
ISABELLA BALTZ ’28
Hayes Scholar
Peer-elected Freshman Delegate, Elliston House Clubs: Science Olympiad, Magnificat Girls’ Faith Group, Spanish Club, and Speech, Acting, and Debate Club Father James Black Award for Excellence Recipient
I can fly a drone one day, learn new software, and then build and decorate a house on another. The STEAM projects encourage trial and error, which I can apply to my other classes. Father Ryan inspires us to continuously strive to do our best. I am given the space to expand my knowledge through projects, lectures, and various extracurricular activities, and I am surrounded by people who want to help me succeed.”
STUDY ABROAD
When you see the world, you understand your world in a whole new light. Educational travel means lasting, meaningful connections and creates global leaders imbued with humility, empathy, and wonder. No matter the destination, at home or abroad, these values are at the core of our robust Study Abroad Program.
Open to any student, we offer a variety of facultychaperoned travel abroad opportunities to a minimum of three locations each year. These cultural enrichment trips help students expand their knowledge of the world around them and learn valuable cultural competency.
STUDY ABROAD TRIPS:
March 2024: Budapest, Vienna, and Prague
May 2024: Lima, Peru
October 2024: Athens, Greece
March 2025 Madrid, Paris, and London
October 2025: Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
March 2026: Venice, Florence, and Rome
JACI LUKBAN ’28
Went to Greece in 2024 and travels to Portugal in October 2025
Varsity Basketball
Marching Band
Clubs: Medical Careers Club and Latin Club
Every experience in Greece was a lesson that will shape my future. Leaving my comfort zone allowed me to be more open-minded and empathetic towards other cultures. I cannot wait to add another stamp on my passport with the Portugal trip!”
LUKAS TERRY ’26
Went to Greece in 2024 and travels to Portugal in October 2025 Varsity Wrestling
My favorite part of Greece was the food. I am excited to compare the cultures of the U.S., Greece, and Portugal. Studying abroad improved my work ethic and helped me understand how fortunate I am.”
INTELLECTUAL PASSIONS AND EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Curious about a subject? Looking for a group of friends who love your favorite discipline as much as you do? We have plenty of opportunities beyond our curriculum to pique your interest and inspire you. From academic clubs and alumni speakers to exchange programs and prestigious honor societies, Father Ryan is the perfect place to explore your passions. Our exchange programs offer singular opportunities to discover another place and culture and make lasting friendships. Through our abroad exchange program, Father Ryan French students can attend the Saint-Denis International School in France, living with a host family. They then host French students at Father Ryan.
Father Ryan’s exchange with Xaverian High School, a Catholic high school in Brooklyn, New York, includes a fall visit by Xaverian students who stay with Father Ryan students and their families. In February, these students are hosted by Xaverian for a week while they attend classes, tour the city, and visit cultural attractions.
FAQS
What are Father Ryan’s four levels of learning? College Preparatory, Honors, High Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP). All levels are rigorous and demanding. Students may move within levels throughout their four years at Father Ryan if they meet a minimum grade requirement and receive a teacher recommendation. Any movement is done in conversation with the Academic team.
How do incoming students choose a personalized learning program?
All freshmen are placed in our College Preparatory curriculum. Based on performance on the High School Placement Test, other standardized testing, report card grades, and teacher recommendations, freshmen also have options for Honors, High Honors, and AP classes. All incoming students learn about the four levels of learning in the required Freshman Seminar taught by faculty/staff or Transfer Seminar taught by Paul Davis ’81, Father Ryan President. These seminars help students navigate academics and all aspects of Father Ryan.
How does Father Ryan assist students in the college application and selection process?
Our College Counseling office works with each student and his or her family, beginning in 9th grade, to understand and navigate the college admissions process.
Through one-on-one meetings, class programs, events for students and families, and robust digital resources, we guide students through the college admissions process to help them create a list of next-step choices that are the best fit for them. Learn more at fatherryan. org/collegecounseling.
What is the difference between Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate curricula?
While both Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses allow students to earn college credit by passing a standardized test and are generally considered to be the most challenging high school courses available, the structure of the AP and IB curricula is quite different.
With AP’s flexibility, student choice, and course structure, it can offer a more personalized approach to learning than IB. AP courses are one-year courses. Students can take one or several courses based on their capacity, schedule, strengths, interests, and college goals. The IB is a full, two-year diploma program with a significant time commitment. Students commit to the entire, prescribed set of six subjects across multiple disciplines that may or may not align with the student’s strengths or intended college major.
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How are students supported academically and personally?
Every Father Ryan teacher offers opportunities for students to receive one-on-one help. We also offer tutoring programs. Our House System and the daily, small-group student-faculty Mentor Groups with students from all grades are another space where students are guided and supported. Incoming students form relationships with sophomores, juniors, and seniors to help them navigate their first high school math test or look at schedules and course selection. We have three full-time personal counselors and three full-time college counselors to help support students in and out of the classroom.
How does a student change a course level?
Our thoughtful, intentional process includes a required teacher’s recommendation, a minimum grade, and signatures from the teacher and from the student’s parents.
How does Father Ryan’s faith-based mission connect with academics?
As a Catholic school, our mission of being an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential is visible in just about any class, lesson, and everyday moments, not just in the yearly Theology class or at an All-School Mass. We teach students why it is important to approach every subject with integrity. We recognize that a vital part of the learning process is making mistakes. That is why we create space for students to reflect, grow, and build resilience through their successes and their setbacks. When they graduate from Father Ryan, they have cultivated the qualities needed to support their success, not only in the classroom but throughout their life.
When do families discuss a student’s strengths and challenges during the admissions process?
Parents will have several opportunities for conversations during the admissions process and through questions on the Support Application and the Pre-interview Questionnaire. In January and February, applicants participate in an in depth admissions interview to share more about potential students’ needs. Once admitted, students and families will meet with an academic advisor to select courses for their first year at Father Ryan and that academic advisor will answer questions related to academics.
THE NEXT STEP
The Class of 2025 is attending the following colleges and universities:
Auburn University
Austin Peay State University
Bellarmine University
Belmont University
Berklee College of Music
Butler University
Clemson University
Columbia State Community College
Concordia University (Montreal)
Cumberland University
Davis & Elkins College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)
East Tennessee State University
Emerson College
Florida State University
Furman University
George Washington University
Georgia State University
Hope College
Indiana University (Bloomington)
Iowa Central Community College
Louisiana State University
Loyola Marymount University
Marist University
Marymount Manhattan College
Miami University (Oxford)
Middle Tennessee State University
Nashville Auto-Diesel College
Nashville State Community College
Northwestern University
Pellissippi State Community College
Rend Lake College
Saint Mary’s College
Samford University
Southern Methodist University
Southern Union State Community College
Spelman College
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Nashville)
Tennessee Technological University
Trevecca Nazarene University
Tulane University of Louisiana
United States Naval Academy
The University of Alabama
University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Arkansas
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati (Main Campus)
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Dayton
University of Iowa
University of Kentucky
University of North Alabama
University of Notre Dame
University of Mississippi
The University of Tampa
The University of Tennessee (Chattanooga)
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
University of Utah
University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Villanova University
West Virginia University
Western Kentucky University
Xavier University
York College of Pennsylvania
COLLEEN ALVIS ’25 GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Father Ryan held me to a high academic and personal standard, and its size exposed me to the best of both worlds: large enough to offer a wealth of experiences and perspectives, yet small enough to view each student as an individual. From studying abroad at our partner school in France or taking an inaugural Dual Enrollment course, I am a more well-rounded person open to the challenges ahead.”
WHO WE ARE
Father Ryan High School is Nashville’s trusted coeducational, college preparatory high school centered in Catholic values, where students are known, loved, and inspired. We combine academic excellence with personalized learning paths to help each student reach their full potential— spiritually, academically, and personally. For over a century, we have built a compassionate community with a legacy of 14,800 alumni leading lives of purpose serving Nashville and the world.