Gonzaga College High School Admissions Viewbook

GONZAGA

C O L L EG E H I G H S C H O O L

A Catholic, Jesuit School for Young Men in the Nation's Capital

LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THING S

When you attend Gonzaga, you are in the heart of our nation’s capital.

To the south are the offices of Congress, the Capitol, Union Station, the Supreme Court, and places others know mostly from field trips. Around Gonzaga’s campus are apartment buildings and row houses, schools, businesses, nursing homes, and homeless shelters. There’s proximity to those in need as well as to those with affluence and power.

AT GONZAGA , YOU LEARN IN THE MIDDLE OF THING S,

and when you sit down in your history or calculus class, or head to jazz band rehearsal, or board the bus for a game, being in the middle of things shapes you.

Over your years at Gonzaga, you learn who and where you are in the world and what gifts you have to offer.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOU COME TO REALIZE THAT GOD CAN BE FOUND IN ALL THING S —in every person, at all times,

and in all settings. Ultimately, Gonzaga is about boys becoming young men with and for others—on campus, in the city that surrounds them, and around the world.

KEY FAC TS AND FIGURES Founded in

1821

Washington, D.C.’s only Jesuit High School 1 of 2 Jesuit communities in Washington, D.C. (Gonzaga and Georgetown University)

3

blocks from the Union Station Metro

More than

950

students from 200 grade schools and 150 zip codes in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

14:1

Student-faculty ratio

“ W E’RE CREATING YOUNG MEN WHO ARE AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD.“ Stephen Szolosi, Director of Campus Ministry

The only U.S. high school with a homeless shelter on its campus (the Father McKenna Center, in the basement of St. Aloysius Church)

AC C ESSIB L E

More than

1/ 3

of students receive tuition assistance

LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THINGS 3

FAITH & JUSTICE

A Jesuit education seeks to form Men and Women With and For Others.

Embedded in that concept is the idea that faith and justice are two sides of the same coin. At Gonzaga, one place where that idea powerfully comes to life is historic St. Aloysius Church.

Upstairs is where the young men of Gonzaga celebrate the Eucharist and deepen their relationship with God. Downstairs is home to the Father McKenna Center, which provides food, shelter, clothing, and services to men from the surrounding neighborhood who are facing homelessness. In St. Al’s, faith meets justice for the young men of Gonzaga.

Gonzaga students engage the world around them in countless other ways as well.

Locally, students make, pack, and deliver meals to those in need. They spend time with the elderly at a nursing home adjacent to campus and tutor young people from underserved communities after school. Through these and other service opportunities, Gonzaga students learn about the city, their neighbors, and themselves.

“ AT GONZAGA , OUR STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL TO THE FULLEST, AND THEN CONFRONT THE QUESTION, ‘AND NOW WHAT? WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THAT GOD HA S GIVEN ME?’”

Service trips—both in the U.S. and to other countries—immerse Gonzaga students in complex issues like immigration, rural poverty, and environmental justice. They learn from and work alongside impoverished members of the Lakota Sioux tribe in Red Cloud, South Dakota. They tackle community rebuilding projects in areas of Louisiana still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. They experience first-hand the realities of immigrants along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The entire campus at the corner of North Capitol and Eye Street offers its own sort of sanctuary. But it’s a sanctuary of connection, not isolation. The late Father Horace B. McKenna, SJ, the Jesuit priest after whom the McKenna Center is named, often said that Gonzaga sits at the intersection of poverty and power. “It’s the real world,” echoed a recent graduate.

Rev. Stephen W. Planning, SJ, President

FAITH & JUSTICE 5

SERVICE & RETREATS RE F LEC T I ON A ND G ROWTH

It was while recovering from injury that Ignatius of Loyola, in the 16th

The Gonzaga Retreat Program

century, experienced the religious conversion that led to the founding of the Jesuit order.

In this same spirit, the Retreat Program at Gonzaga offers freshman and sophomore retreats, plus the powerful Kairos retreat for juniors and seniors. Students have opportunities to step back from their everyday lives, recharge emotionally and spiritually, form bonds of brotherhood with their classmates, and deepen their relationships with each other and with God.

11

Number of service immersion trips each year, to work at places such as the Oscar Romero Center in Camden, New Jersey; the Kino Border Initiative

700+

Number of students who participate in Kairos or other retreats every year

in Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico; and Jerusalem Farm in Kansas City, Missouri

20,000+ Number of hours devoted to regional, national, and international community service by Gonzaga students each year

“ T HEY’RE LEARNING HERE WITH THEIR EYES WIDE OPEN. OTHER S CHOOLS TALK ABOUT SERVICE . AT GONZAGA , IT’S AROUND YOU ALL THE TIME .”

Maggie Mejia, parent

“ AT GONZAGA , DEALING WITH THE REAL WORLD IS BUILT INTO THE CURRICULUM… [THE SCHOOL] STANDS APART EVEN FROM OTHER SCHOOLS THAT REQUIRE SERVICE HOURS IN THE FOCUS OF ITS MANDATE .” from the Washington Post Magazine: “Learning by Heart,” April 2017

FAITH & JUSTICE 7

EDUCATION IN THE JESUIT TRADITION

In keeping with our Jesuit heritage, learning at Gonzaga is academically challenging, invigorating, broad, and deep.

Students are encouraged to be open to new experiences, to ask probing questions, to think for themselves, and to explore complex ideas. Here students learn how

to think, not what to think. They cultivate a love of learning that stays with them throughout their lives.

“OUR TEACHERS ARE GRANTED A TREMENDOUS DEGREE OF EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM. THEY ARE EMPOWERED TO TEACH FREE THOUGHT, TO ASK PROBING QUESTIONS THAT DRIVE STUDENTS TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES. AT GONZAGA , WE HEED THE CALL OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA TO ‘LIVE IN THE TENSIONS’ OF THE WORLD. WE HAVE CONVER SATIONS THAT ARE MESSY AND DIFFICULT, AND WE BELIEVE THAT IN THAT MESS, AMONG THOSE TENSIONS, WE FOSTER THE GREATEST GROWTH IN OUR STUDENTS AND WE FIND GOD’S GRACE .”

Tom Every, Headmaster

104

Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors sections offered

90

percent of faculty have an advanced degree

20

average class size

14:1

student-faculty ratio

EDUCATION IN THE JESUIT TRADITION 9

CHARAC TERISTIC S OF A GONZAGA EDUCATION Grounded in the LIBERAL ARTS More about HOW TO THINK than

Encourages students to look OUTSIDE

FAITH AND JUSTICE are incorporated

the “silos” of subjects and explore

across the curriculum

the ways they connect to each other

what to think—students digest

Learning happens through the

complex material, think critically,

An emphasis on connecting the

lens of EMPATHY and involves

learn to problem-solve, and

classroom to the REAL WORLD and

the unity of heart, mind, and soul

communicate their ideas in

on exploring the ethical dimensions

words and writing as well as

of real-world action

across multiple media

Empowers students to FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL

Commitment to CURA PERSONALIS, RIGOROUS AND VIGOROUS—

or care and concern for each

challenging and full of energy

person, with appreciation for their gifts, circumstances, background, and insights

A Challenging, College-Preparatory Curriculum Gifted faculty—over 90% of whom have advanced degrees—combine compassion and creativity as they teach these subjects (followed by course examples):

Computer Science

Physical Education

programming, website development, independent study

English

Religion ethics, social justice, theology, scripture

classic, African American, Irish, dystopian literature, language and composition, poetry and

Science biology, chemistry, physics,

creative writing

environmental science

Fine Arts

Social Studies

studio art, photography, vocal and instrumental music, film, TV, theater

Mathematics algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, pre-calculus, calculus, linear algebra

Modern and Classical Languages French, Latin, Spanish, Greek, Chinese

history, art history, government and politics, economics, psychology, geography

A broad range of electives Visit Gonzaga.org/academics for the full range of course offerings.

“ B ECAUSE OF WHAT YOU LEARN, YOU FEEL ABLE TO TACKLE ANY SITUATION.” Dean, 11th grade

EDUCATION IN THE JESUIT TRADITION 11

CO - CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Student clubs and organizations, visual and performing arts, and athletics give students opportunities to explore new activities, discover what they like, practice leadership and teamwork, display their Eagle pride, and forge lasting friendships.

50+ Student Clubs and Organizations Gonzaga offers studentrun clubs organized around academics, multiculturalism, sports, faith, and many other themes. If you don’t find a club that fits your interests, you can start one that does.

Here’s a sampling:

Publications & Literary Clubs

Politics & Special Interest

Aetonian yearbook

Student Government Association

Aquilian student newspaper

Eagles for Democracy

Phoenix art & literary magazine Gonzaga Poets & Writers Multiculturalism & Diversity

Sons of Liberty Support Our Troops Peace Club Eagles for Life

Model U.N.

Fun & Games

Onyx, Inc. Multicultural Student Union

Booster Club

French Club

Chess Club

Latino Students Club

Table Tennis Club

Academic & Co-Curricular G.E.A.R. engineering & robotics

Fencing Club

Guitar Club Food Critics of Gonzaga

Speech & Debate National Honor Society It’s Academic!

Cura personalis Involvement in student clubs and activities is just one of many ways we reinforce the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Cura personalis calls for respect for each person’s unique circumstances and encourages the uncovering of each young man’s individual gifts and talents.

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 13

THE VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS The Visual Arts EXPRESS YOURSELF

DISPLAY YOUR TALENTS

GET PUBLISHED

through courses in drawing,

in the Cantwell Hall Gallery and

in the Phoenix, Gonzaga’s

painting, sculpture, photography,

elsewhere throughout campus.

arts and literature review.

design, and computer-generated art.

The Performing Arts

Make music together

A full theater calendar

Three instrumental music groups

The Gonzaga Dramatic Association

and two choral ensembles perform

stages two shows each academic

classical, jazz, and contemporary

year—one in the fall and one in the

About that stage…

music at Gonzaga and around the

spring. Joined by young women from

The Sheehy Theater, built in 1896,

country, including in regional and

area high schools, recent Gonzaga

is the oldest continuously operating

national competitions.

stage productions have included

theater in the old federal city of

Hairspray, Godspell, A Midsummer

Washington. It received a complete

Night’s Dream, Beauty and the Beast,

revitalization in recent years, and

Shakespeare wrote, and at Gonzaga

and dozens of other classic and

boasts state of the art technology,

you can be on it, behind it, build it,

contemporary works. Each spring’s

a full production studio, and a shop

or write or direct what happens there.

One Act Play Festival features works

for set design and construction.

“All the World’s a Stage,”

directed, performed, and in many cases written by students.

“ A RT INVOLVES USING A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PART OF THE BRAIN. YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO BE VULNERABLE , TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT’S OK TO PUT YOUR IDEAS OUT THERE . ART HELP S YOU TO THINK CRITICALLY AND CREATIVELY, TO EXPERIMENT WITH NEW THING S, AND TO EXPRESS YOURSELF.” Shelly Farace, Fine Arts Department Chair

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 15

PURPLE PRIDE The banners hanging in the gym tell one part of the story of Gonzaga athletics.

The banners speak to the championships—more than 100 in over a dozen sports in the past ten years. But the banners don’t tell you the most important thing: the philosophy that underpins Eagles athletics.

Sports, like everything else at

Win or lose, there’s a pride you

Gonzaga, have important lessons

feel when you wear Gonzaga purple,

to teach—lessons about leadership

whether you’re on the field of play or

and teamwork and resilience and

cheering from the stands. At Gonzaga

sportsmanship and working together

you’ll find a competitive spirit that’s

for a common goal. About placing the

timeless and contagious and a sense

team above the individual. About

of camaraderie that’s second

picking each other up after a loss.

to none.

About brotherhood and the joy and fun of competing alongside friends.

Those are sports lessons, but they’re also life lessons.

40 Teams in 17 Sports The breadth of sports at Gonzaga means that there are countless opportunities to compete. Sports that many incoming students have already played (basketball, baseball, football, lacrosse) combine with sports they might never have tried before (water polo, rugby, crew). And with at least one no-cut sport offered every season, every student who wants to play, gets to play.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Cross Country

Basketball

Baseball

Football

Ice Hockey

Crew

Soccer

Indoor Track

Golf

Water Polo

Squash

Lacrosse

Swimming & Diving

Rugby

Wrestling

Tennis Track and Field

“ S TUDENTS DON’T COME TO GONZAGA ONLY FOR SPORTS. THEY COME TO EXPERIENCE SOMETHING SPECIAL THAT WILL STAY WITH THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.” Joe Reyda, Director of Athletics

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 17

“ Y OU’RE NOT ON A LEAFY CAMPUS — YOU’RE IN THE CIT Y, IN REAL LIFE , EVERY DAY. IT TEACHES YOU HOW TO THINK NOT JUST ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CLASSROOM, BUT ABOUT YOUR PART IN THE BROADER WORLD. AND THAT PREPARES YOU EXTREMELY WELL FOR COLLEGE AND BEYOND.” Sean Creamer ’82, Chairman of the Board of Trustees

AFTER GONZAGA

NEXT STEP S Gonzaga is a Catholic, Jesuit high school that welcomes young men from all faith traditions. Our students are bright, curious, eager for a challenge, and ready to engage the world around them in meaningful ways.

If that sounds like you, please visit www.Gonzaga. org/admissions to learn how to visit campus, sign up for the Eagle for a Day program, or submit an application.

Gonzaga College High School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 202.336.7101

“ AT GONZAGA , EXTRAORDINARY THING S ARE HAPPENING . HERE , YOU WILL GROW IN KNOWLEDGE , FRATERNIT Y, AND FAITH. YOU WILL LEARN TO FULLY DEVELOP THE GIFTS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU. AND YOU WILL COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT HOW YOU USE THOSE TALENTS IS YOUR GIFT BACK TO GOD.” Rev. Stephen W. Planning, SJ, President

As Washington, D.C.’s only Jesuit high school, GONZAGA blends education with conscience to help young men develop strength of faith, intellect, and character.

Learning inside and outside the classroom— including learning that deeply engages the world beyond the campus—prepares young men for college success and for lives of integrity, purpose, and service to others.

G O N Z AG A C O L L E G E H I G H S C H O O L / 1 9 E Y E S T R E E T N W / WA S H I N G T O N D C 2 0 0 0 1 202.336.7 101 www. gonzaga.org