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September 2026 Welcome to a New Year of Junior Irish News!

Did You Know?

Our school year is joyfully underway, kicked off by welcoming our 217 incoming students (9th grade and transfers from across Nashville, the country, and Canada) from 45 zip codes. A start-of-the-school highlight was sorting new students into one of our six Houses and Father Ryan traditions like Senior Crowns and Backpacks. Our House System and traditions make our large school feel like family immediately. Enjoy this video of Drop-Off on the first day of school.

221 students took at least one AP test last spring? 93% of those students scored a 3 or better on at least one exam? We offer 9 Dual Enrollment classes for college credit, taught by our faculty on our campus during the school day? 34 students were inducted into the Hibernian Cum

We are excited to share our Father Ryan news each month and ways our Junior Irish family may join us for events and activities on campus. If you know of a family who would enjoy these monthly emails, please complete this short form.

Get Junior Irish Information

Laude Society, the high school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, last spring, with a cumulative GPA of 94.95+ and scoring at least a 1240 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT? The Class of 2030 includes 31 Hayes Scholars, our program

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for top-achieving students?

Our 2026-2027 Theme: Knowledge “Education is simply the soul of society.” - G.K. Chesterton Each year, we adopt a theme as a school community. Our faculty and staff are considering our theme of knowledge and the chosen quote by G.K. Chesterton, a leading 20th-century Catholic scholar, as they teach, mentor, and collaborate with colleagues to deepen the academic experience for each student.

100% of Hayes Scholars scored 3+ on AP exams in spring 2026? Father Ryan’s 4 levels of learning are unique among Nashville high schools?

Through our four levels of learning—a distinction among Nashville private schools—our students continue to achieve success and embrace their academic potential.

Mark Your Calendars!

During Spring 2026, 221 students took at least one AP test, and 93% of those students scored a 3 or better on at least one exam. That capped an academic year which saw a total of 417 AP courses taken by Father Ryan students. We kicked off this school year with every one of our 200 courses reimagined and revised following our two-year, in-depth faculty-led Professional Learning Community (PLC) initiative. This approach shifts our focus from simply teaching content to creating a cohesive, aligned academic experience for all. Our shared PLC work is ongoing through faculty-wide professional development to ensure mastery of essential knowledge in each course. Last week, we inducted 21 remarkable students into the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, the national mathematics honor

Application Assistance Sessions with Enrollment Team Wednesday, September 16 5:30-7:30pm Champions Room just inside Giacosa Stadium

society. The Diary of Anne Frank, performed by The Purple Masque Players October 1-3 Center for the Arts

A must-see production of the classic, poignant play Buy Tickets

What is the State of the School? Twice a year, our President, Paul Davis '81, shares a detailed look at all things Father Ryan. He sent his State of the School letter last week, which includes stats, links, photos, and video.

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Preview Day Sunday, October 25 1:00-3:00pm Registration begins at 12:30pm in the Center for the Arts Register Here Open Visit Day Thursday, October 29 2/10

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Learn More

Junior Irish Night Junior Irish Night 2026 was a great success! Hundreds of families joined us for games, fun, and a spirited time at our home opener against Riverdale. Our Junior Irish families, along with our students, alumni, and fans, create a great atmosphere on campus. We hope you can attend another Friday night to cheer on the Irish this fall. Thank you for joining us and showing your Father Ryan pride! Mark your calendar for our Winter Junior Irish event on January 15, 2027.

8:15am-1:45pm Drop-off and pick-up in the Main Office Register Here Morning Coffee with Father Ryan Tuesday, November 10 9:30-10:30am Neuhoff Library Have your questions answered by students, administrators, and faculty. We are showcasing the Hayes Scholars Program, but all families are welcome to join us. Register Here

Application for 2027-2028 is Open! The application for admission for Fall 2027 is open. We had a record number of applicants last year and recommend early applications. To help families with the application, we are hosting a free application “Help Session” on Wednesday, September 16, 5:30-7:30pm, in the Champions Room just inside Giacosa Stadium. Our Enrollment team will be ready to help you with both the Admissions and/or Tuition Assistance application(s) and answer any questions you may have. We have laptops on hand. No need to register ahead of time.

Apply Now

Preview Day, Sunday, October 25

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1:00-3:00pm Registration begins at 12:30pm in our Center of the Arts Attending Preview Day is much more than taking a tour. Our exciting afternoon for your family includes: Students sharing their academic and personal success and how they are growing through our faith-focused education. What makes us uniquely “Father Ryan,” from our nationally recognized House System to our personalized learning with four flexible levels of learning. Why belonging is so essential to our community culture and how we embrace our promise: You Will Be Known. You Will Be Loved.® Sports, clubs, the arts, and more. We know that admission season can be a whirlwind of visiting schools and trying to ascertain what is best for your child and family. Our goal is to help you find the right fit. Tips for Making the Most of Preview Day and Admissions “Season” By Erin (Baltz) Riggs '00, Director of Enrollment: Come with an open mind. Set aside assumptions about Father Ryan and experience the school as it is today. Do your homework. Review academics, support services, athletics, arts, service opportunities, and school culture before you arrive. Ask questions. Talk with faculty, staff, coaches, and students to learn what your child’s experience could look like. Pay attention to the culture. Notice how students interact, whether they seem comfortable and happy, and how welcoming the community feels. Explore what fits your child. Look beyond academics and consider your child’s interests, talents, personality, and opportunities to get involved. Be present and have fun. Take in the campus, classes, traditions, and Irish pride without feeling like you have to make a decision on the spot. Arrive on time. You won’t want to miss key presentations and opportunities to hear about Father Ryan’s mission and vision. Keep asking questions afterward. If something comes to mind after Preview Day, reach out to the Admissions Office. We're happy to help.

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Register for Preview Day Join us for other Admissions Events: Open Visit Day*: Thursday, October 29, 8:15am-1:45pm (Dropoff and pick-up in the Main Office) *Offered for any 8th grade student who does not visit Father Ryan with their current school. Morning Coffee with Father Ryan: Tuesday, November 10, 9:3010:30am, showcasing the Hayes Scholars Program (but open to all 4th-8th grade families).

We welcome personal tours and visits. Contact the Admissions Team at admissions@fatherryan.org.

When Did Students First Know That They Belonged at Father Ryan?

This month’s Irish Insights blog showcases student reflections on belonging at Father Ryan and an in-depth exploration by two faculty members on our immersive and inclusive focus on student belonging.

Read the Blog

New Year, New Century, New Plaid! The Father Ryan plaid has evolved and changed over the years. This fall, following our two-year centennial celebration, we introduced our new Father Ryan plaid to kick off our second century. Our students are sporting the new plaid and proudly showcasing our uniform’s new chapter. Our Deans of Students also got into the sartorial spirit! Go Irish!

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Summer Job Shadowing & Mentoring Now in its second year, our summer job shadowing and mentoring program for juniors and seniors included nine students placed with alumni or community members throughout Nashville. From law offices and veterinary medicine to the music industry and more, our students received hands-on knowledge about careers.

Welcome Home, Alumni Faculty and Staff We have several new faculty and staff this year. It is always wonderful to welcome alumni back to our community. Father Christian Hamrick '17, Chaplain and member of Campus Ministry Father Hamrick and our Campus Ministry team hosted a Back-to-School Sunset Mass at our on-campus Monsignor George Rohling '31 Grotto. He is leading optional daily Mass and our monthly All-School Masses. He will also serve as Chaplain at Camp Marymount, Associate Pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Antioch, and is in residence at St. Edward Church. He attended the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, for his first year and then transferred to Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas, for the next three years. He then went to Rome to study and graduated from the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He was ordained by Bishop Spalding on August 9, 2025.

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Mrs. Deanna (Wycheck) Szabo '09, Personal Counselor Mrs. Szabo, a licensed therapist, has joined our full-time counseling staff. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University and a M.S. in clinical mental health counseling from Lipscomb University. Most recently, she worked in private practice to provide individual, family, and group therapy for adolescents and adults, addressing substance use, mood disorders, trauma, attachment, parent coaching, and relationship concerns. Last year, Mrs. Szabo and her husband, Cole, also a licensed therapist, gave a parent education presentation at Father Ryan on substance use prevention and parenting techniques for emotionally resilient children.

Dustin Schletzer ‘00, Association Director of Band After serving as Father Ryan Band Director from 2008-2017, Mr. Schletzer worked as a financial planner in the Nashville/Franklin area and served as the Tennessee Titans Drumline Entertainment Coordinator. We are thrilled that he has returned to us. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University.

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Irish Athletics Congratulations to: Gigi Lewis '28 and Elliot Hartz '28 on being named TSSAA Top Girls Soccer Players ahead of the 26-27 season.

Bella Burk ‘27 and Heidi Green ’27 on being named to the Tennesseans Preseason Top Volleyball Players ahead of the 2026 season.

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Lydia Brunner '27 on placing 1st at the 2026 Saturday Light Fever XC Invite! Lydia crossed the finish line in the 5000 Meter Run with a time of 18:22.70.

Join us this season to cheer on the Irish in our fall sports. View Athletics Schedule

Irish Arts Our Visual and Performing Arts faculty are talented, working artists who bring their passion for their medium to the classroom. Congratulations to Visual Arts teacher Jessica Lewis on having two of her paintings selected for the Portrait Society of Atlanta Fall 2026 Open Juried Exhibition.

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Want to learn more about Junior Irish opportunities? Visit our Junior Irish webpage to learn more about how you can get your child involved with Father Ryan today!

Junior Irish Webpage

Erin (Baltz) Riggs '00

Peyton (Carell) Fuller'13

Ben Spence

Erin (Corrigan) Vallett '95

Director of Enrollment

Assoc. Director of Enrollment

Enrollment Registrar

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