30%
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO 12:1 SERVICE IMMERSION TRIPS 4
OF CLASSROOMS ARE DESIGNED FOR ACTIVE LEARNING
STEM-BASED COURSES 15 OF STUDENTS RECEIVE A 3 OR HIGHER ON THE AP EXAMS 83% OF TEACHERS WITH MASTERS AND/ OR DOCTORATE DEGREES 60%
100
VARSITY / CLUB SPORTS 11/2 ADVANCED STEM CERTIFIED SCHOOL IN KS & MO 1st
GRADE SCHOOLS REPRESENTED IN THE STUDENT BODY
101
CHOIR MEMBERS
178 THEATER PRODUCTIONS PER YEAR 4
INSTRUMENTAL MUSICIANS
SERVICE HOURS DONATED ANUALLY 40,000
Thank you for choosing a Jesuit education for your son. Our goal is to have him prepared to succeed in college and lead in the world.
You have chosen a school for your son that:
• Has an average ACT score of 26
• Offers 21 AP courses, with 511 enrollees
• Sees 99% of our graduates go on to a four year college or university
• Offers 45+ co-curricular activities
• Offers a robust four year faith formation program. Rockhurst graduates in college report that 72% are still active in their faith.
• Has five Jesuit priests on campus
• Has 75% of teachers with Masters Degrees and/ or Doctorate Degrees.
At Rockhurst we take pride in the men we help to form through the principles of the Graduate at Graduation: being Intellectually Competent, Open to Growth, Loving, Religious and Committed to Justice.
Dear Class of 2029 families,
Greetings in the Lord! On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students, I am delighted to welcome you to the Rockhurst community. My hope is that you will find this Freshman Guidebook a helpful tool in building your and your son’s confidence and sense of belonging at Rockhurst. I pray that these next few months are blessed indeed, and I very much look forward to meeting you at upcoming events.
Ad majorem Dei Gloriam, “For the greater glory of God,”
Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ Principal
Parent communication is a priority of Rockhurst High School. The Principal’s Newsletter is a one stop shop for all Rockhurst news and important information. This goes out every Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
MyRock Login is the MySchoolApp username and password created when you applied to RHS. You will use that login information to continue to receive updates about your student during his time at Rockhurst.
Canvas is the learning management system where instructors can deliver content to students, keep parents informed on class content, and where assignments are turned in and graded.
For official dates relating to Rockhurst, view the calendar at: https://www.rockhursths.edu/calendar
@RockhurstHS
@RockHighPres (President Laughlin)
@GoHawklets (Athletics)
@RockhurstHS
@RHSAuction
@RockhurstHigh
@RHSAuction
@RockhurstHS
At Rockhurst, our lunch plan is included in Tuition and Fees for the 2025-2026 school year. Students have a choice of a hot lunch, sandwich or salad bar, soups, and vegetarian options.
There is an allergy-specific line for students with dietary and allergy needs. Milk, water, and juice are available as drink options, and frozen yogurt and cookies are available as dessert options.
In addition to the lunch offered in the Dining Commons, Rockhurst offers daily breakfast (a la carte) in the Dining Commons, and afterschool snacks offered in the Quarry located in the Barry Commons.
These can be purchased using MySchoolBucks, cash, or card. MySchoolBucks is an app your son can download to his phone. You (or your son) can add money to his account, easily providing him with money to purchase breakfast and snacks.
Qualifying Exams are offered for students who would like to test into an advanced level of Computer Science, Math and Modern and Classical Languages. Anyone may sign up to take the qualifying exams.
Qualifying Exams are offered: April 26, 2025 May 3, 2025
Computer Science Exams: 8:00 AM
Modern and Classical Languages Exams: 8:00 AM
Math Exams: 10:00 AM
Initial placement in freshman Advanced Algebra, Advanced English 1, Advanced Spanish 1, and Biology is based on HSPT scores in each of those areas.
Rockhurst High School is a college preparatory educational institution sponsored by the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits). Rockhurst’s educational mission is supported by the payment of tuition by the families of our students, by annual fundraising events, and by the generosity of our many benefactors.
Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $16,750 plus $1,100 for the Lunch Fee and a $490 Technology Fee*, for a total of $18,340, which may be paid annually, in a quarterly payment plan, or in 10 monthly installments.
The tuition for the upcoming year is established by the Board of Trustees each spring.
*As part of your son’s Technology Fee, he will receive an Apple MacBook Air, AppleCare, and books to be used during his time at Rockhurst and will go with him when he graduates.
Rockhurst offers a variety of Summer Camps. Camps include, but are not limited to:
• Robotics
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Soccer
• Sports Performance Academy
www.rockhursths.edu/summer
• Swim & Dive
• Baseball
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Study Skills
Summer School is a requirement for some of our incoming freshmen, though the classes are open to all members of the Class of 2029.
Courses offered include:
• Intro to Freshman Algebra
• English/Language Arts (grammar focus)
• Reading Practicum (reading and study/note-taking skills)
Summer School runs from 8:00AM - 11:30AM during the month of June. Some students will be required to attend additional tutoring from 11:30AM - 12:00PM. Satisfactory completion is necessary for admittance for students who are required to attend.
A limited number of students may complete Intro to Computer Science in the summer in order to open an elective credit for the regular school year.
Each summer, our English Department asks our students to begin their Jesuit Education by completing a summer reading selection. This year’s selection is UNBROKEN (The Adapted Young Adult Version) by Laura Hillenbrand. More information on the summer reading requirements and assignments will follow. Stay up to date by visiting the Resource Board on your MyRock Login.
All daily Masses are located inside of our beautiful Chapel of the Sacred Heart. See the sidebar for more information about daily Mass and spiritual offerings.
These quarterly offerings are a chance for the class to come together in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Class Masses are offered throughout the year in the Rose Theater.
Offered throughout the year, particularly on Holy Days of Obligation, all-school masses are celebrated in the performance gym and are “White shirt and tie days.”
Freshmen take part in a class bonding, spiritual retreat in early fall of their freshman year. The retreat is designed to help inspire our freshmen to take advantage of all that Rockhurst and the Rockhurst community will give them throughout their time on campus. Themes around brotherhood, finding your spiritual path, and reflection are the center of this retreat.
The Daily Examen
An Ignatian prayer offered at the end of day, that allows students to reflect on their daily interactions and what they can do to improve.
Daily Mass
Chapel of the Sacred Heart- 7:30 AM.
Sacrament of Reconciliation & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Available during Activity Period.
Every incoming student is paired with a school counselor who supports his academic and socialemotional health throughout his four years.
At the end of freshman year, students are matched with a college counselor at the end of their freshman year with whom they work with for the the following three years, planning their path toward college.
Rockhurst High School has an extensive Health and Wellness Program. For more information visit: https://www.rockhursths.edu/student-life/health-andwellness
Freshman Cura coordinates the many essential pieces of programming to assist in the transition into freshman year and Rockhurst High School.
Freshman experience, in small groups, a deeper dive into the Grad@Grad qualities and begin to develop a 4-year digital portfolio reflecting their growth in those areas.
Freshman Small Group is an opportunity to discuss topics such as wellness, relationship building, and academic support while meeting in small groups with their school counselor.
Here, a freshman become acquainted with the tools to be the best version of himself. Topics include the Parent/Student Handbook, school traditions, academic integrity, Ignatian identity, sportsmanship, and the importance of service.
Rockhurst supports students with diagnosed learning differences who are eligible for limited accommodations to experience success in a college preparatory environment.
Many students with diagnosed learning differences have been successful in all required courses offered at Rockhurst High School.
Students who are eligible for accommodations in high school generally are eligible for accommodations in college. Rockhurst will guide families in the transition to college.
• Extended testing time
• Separate testing space
• Preferential seating
• Counselor check-ins (organizational skills, grade updates, etc.)
• Additional accommodations recommended in a neuropsychological or psycho-educational evaluation will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Curriculum modification
• One-on-one class instruction
• Modified assessments (shorter versions of the assessment)
• Oral tests/quizzes/exams or assignments
Occasionally, students will need classroom/testing supports due to a temporary impairment, (i.e. injury, accident, or other health concern). If this situation arises, the following written documentation from a doctor should be presented to the Academic Services Director and school counselor:
• Description of injury and degree of impairment
• Date of injury/onset of condition
• Description of medical restrictions, if any
• Expected date of recovery
• Recommendations for the student and school
• Doctor’s name, credentials, address, phone number, and date
Questions? Please contact: Scott Reagan Academic ServicesDirector sreagan@rockhursths.edu
1. A parent must provide copies of all psychoeducational evaluations and other documentation supporting the need for accommodations.
2. Based on the documentation received and its subsequent recommendations, Rockhurst High School will determine what accommodations, if any, are able to be granted by the school.
3. In order to begin accommodations on the first day of school, documentation must be submitted by August 1 at the latest, with an earlier date preferred. A learning difference does not automatically result in a student receiving academic accommodations, such as extended time on unit/chapter tests, exams, or on national standardized tests.
Documentation must:
• State a specific diagnosis
• Be diagnosed or reconfirmed within the last three years
• Describe presenting problem and history
• Describe limitations; how learning is impacted
• Include dates, tests, and results used to determine diagnosis
• List recommended accommodations
• Include professional credentials and signature of the evaluator
Rockhurst students are expected to be clean and neat in their attire and personal grooming. The Dean of Students is the final judge of appropriate attire and grooming.
Any clean, pressed dress shirt with a collar, or sport shirt with a collar, or a turtleneck (minimum two-inch collar) may be worn. The following shirts are not permitted: Hawaiian and/or loud prints, T-shirts, Henley’s, jerseys, or tank tops. Shirts may not be layered in such a way that one shirt is exposed beneath another shirt. Shirts must be tucked in at all times, during, before, and after school.
Any type of dress pants may be worn with a belt. Work clothes, baggy pants, bell bottoms, “cargo” pants, denims, jeans, worn, or faded pants are not allowed. Approved Rockhurst shorts may be worn during periods announced by the Dean of Students.
Jackets or hooded sweatshirts must not be worn during school around the building and must be kept in a student’s backpack. Students may wear sweaters (cardigan, v-neck, quarter-zip fleece or other material, or a pullover) or Rockhurst sweatshirts over the dress shirt.
Dress shoes, loafers, or tennis shoes that are not distracting must be worn with socks. The following shoes are not permitted: Hiking boots or hiking shoes, work boots, sandals, moccasins, or slippers. If parents are uncertain whether a particular type of shoe is permitted, they are encouraged to call the Dean of Students before purchasing.
Socks must be worn and visible at all times.
Hair must be clean and well groomed. It may not cover the eyes, the ears or the collar. Hairstyles (lines or designs, uneven patches of hair, ponytails, mohawks, faux hawk, unnatural color, etc. ) are not allowed. The face is to be clean-shaven. Sideburns must not extend below the ear. The Dean of Students reserves the right to make the final determination concerning appropriate hair length or style.
Co-curricular activities, (e.g. games, dances, performances, etc.) are official school events and are therefore under the direction of school officials. Student dress at such events should always be in good taste and reflect the image of Rockhurst High School.
A clean, pressed white, longsleeved collard dress shirt, tie, long trousers, and belt are to be worn on Mass and assembly days and other special occasions designated by the administration.
Authorized spirit shirts may be worn on pep rally or other designated days. Athletes may wear their game jersey over the dress shirt with a collar on pep rally days. The rest of the dress code remains the same for student-athletes.
Students are not permitted to have visible tattoos. If a student has a tattoo, it must be covered with clothing. Missouri and Kansas law requires a person to be 18 years of age or older to get a tattoo.
Earrings or other visible body piercings may not be worn, nor may “studs” or devices meant to hold open a pierced ear or body part. Students are to refrain from wearing jewelry that is attention seeking, such as chains, hemp bracelets, or necklaces, etc. Students may not wear items that “cover” a pierced body part.
Hats or caps may not be worn inside the building during the school day
During the school day, students may only use cell phones during their lunch period and Activity Period. Students can only use them in the Dining Commons, Barry Commons or Gym. Outside of lunch period, students are to turn off all sound from the phones and keep them out of sight, including during passing periods. Students are never to use cell phones in the locker room, bathroom, or other places that demand privacy. Students are not allowed to make phone calls during school hours.
If a student needs to call or text a family member for an emergency, he should do so after asking a teacher or administrator for permission. Failure to comply with the cell phone policy will result in the cell phone being confiscated and the student receiving a JUG (detention). The cell phone will be returned after the JUG is served. It is strictly forbidden to film or photograph or record any member of the RHS community (faculty, staff, and students) without prior approval from faculty or administration.
Playing games is treated like cell phone use. The only time a student may game during the day is during his lunch. Even during this time, the student can only game in the Dining Commons. This includes gaming on any device—cell phones, iPads, etc. Failure to comply with the gaming policy will result in a JUG (detention).
These items may only be used before/after school, during activity period, or during lunch. However, earphones cannot be used in the Dining Commons during lunch. Also, headphones are not allowed to be used during passing periods. These items are not to be used in the classrooms unless the teacher has granted permission.
What device will my son use at Rockhurst? Members of the Freshmen Class will be issued a Macbook Air by Rockhurst High School. This laptop will contain a high-speed Apple Silicon processor chip and a solid-state storage drive (SSD). The laptop will be issued with a laptop case and a four-year Applecare warranty.
Does my son own his Macbook Air?
Families will pay the cost of the Macbook Air over four years. Once the laptop has been paid in full and the student graduates, he will have full access to the laptop for use in college.
How will my son receive his Macbook?
Computer Services will take delivery of all new Macbooks during the summer and prep units for use by students. Freshmen will tentatively receive their Macbooks during Freshmen Orientation in August. No setup required – your son’s laptop will be ready for use as soon as he opens it.
Will families have to purchase any additional accessories for the Macbook? No. Rockhurst will supply the laptop, charger, and a protective case for the unit. Rockhurst will also deploy all software required for use in your son’s classes. Families may optionally purchase a carrying case for the laptop, but this is not required.
What happens if my son’s Macbook breaks? All laptops supplied to students by Rockhurst come with a four-year Applecare+ for Schools warranty. In the event that a student’s laptop breaks and requires service by Apple, he can visit
the RHS Computer Services department. Computer Services will supply the student with a loaner laptop and take care of arranging repair with Apple and shipping the unit to a repair depot – no family visit to the Apple Store required!
What is the cost for a Macbook repair?
Included in laptop fees, students will receive Applecare+ For Schools which allows each student two Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH) incidences per year without additional fees/charges. This may include a cracked screen or a liquid spill on the unit. Any incidences exceeding these two in a school year will incur additional charges to the family.
I would like to separately purchase my son a Macbook. Is this allowed? Rockhurst requires that all students purchase laptops directly from RHS. This allows Rockhurst to provide a consistent, seamless experience for users and to prep units during the summer. In addition, our Applecare policy will allow Rockhurst students to handle all service/repair needs in the building instead of requiring off-site visits to the Apple Store.
I have an upperclassmen son at Rockhurst. Can he opt into the 1:1 Macbook program? At this time, upperclassmen are required to continue using iPads.
What happens to the Macbook if we withdraw/transfer from Rockhurst prior to graduation? The student’s family will be responsible for paying the balance of the Macbook upon withdrawal and will own the device.
Sports are one of many exciting ways to get involved at Rockhurst for new freshmen. Rockhurst offers four fall sports, all of which begin on August 11, 2025.
It is important to get all physical information turned in prior to the start of fall sports.
All sports with tryouts will require student athletes to be there on day one to be considered for the team.
For more information about athletics, visit our website: www.gohawklets.com
Sports offered at Rockhurst:
• Baseball (spring)
• Basketball (winter)
• Cross Country (fall)
• Football (fall)
• Golf (spring)
• Hockey (fall-winter)*
• Lacrosse (spring)*
• Soccer (fall)
• Swim & Dive (fall)
• Tennis (spring)
• Track & Field (spring)
• Volleyball (spring)
• Wrestling (winter)
• Intramurals (year-round)
*denotes club sports teams (not MSHSAA sponsored)
Questions? Please contact: Tom Kruse, Athletic Director tkruse@rockhursths.edu
Rockhurst is home to many student co-curricular activities, including our 181 member choir. Cocurriculars are an ever-expanding and dynamic part of Rockhurst student life. Due to this dynamic nature, offerings can vary from year to year.
• ACE (ArchitectConstruction-Engineer)
• Album Club
• Apiary (Bee) Club
• Architecture & Engineering Club
• Astronomy Club
• Automotive Club
• AV/Tech Crew
• Book Club
• Bowling Club
• Business Club
• Cannonball Club (religious vocations)
• Chess + Tabletop Gaming Club
• Chapel Choir
• Chamber Choir
• Chinese Club
• Classics Club
• Coffee Club
• Conservation Club
• Culinary Club
• Drama Club
• Drone Club
• Drum Corps
• eSports
• Faber Society (altar servers)
• French Club
• Freshman Brothers Program/ Retreat Leaders
• Future Doctors of America (Doclets)
• Human Dignity Club
• Ignation Leadership
• Improv/ Stomp Rocket Club
• Jesubots (Robotics Team)
• Joseph of Arimathea Club (Pallbearers)
• Kairos Retreat Leaders
• Lifting and Nutrition Club
• Math Club
• Mock Trial Team
• Model United Nations
• National Honor Society
• Outdoors Club
• Pep Band
• Photography Club
• Pickleball Club
• Ping Pong Club
• Prep News (STUDENT NEWSPAPER)
• Pro-Life Club
• Regis Club
• Rock Collection Literary Magazine
• Scholar Bowl Team
• Software-Engineering/ Cyber Patriots
• Sources of Strength
• Spanish Club
• Speech & Debate
• Student Diversity Union
• Student Government Association
• Student Success Center
• St. Joseph “Men for Mothers” Club
• Target Shooting Club
• Video Game Club
• Visual Arts Club
• Yearbook Club
• Yell Leaders
What does the Parents’ Club do?
The purpose of the Parents’ Club is to strengthen and support the Rockhurst High School Community.
Freshman President’s Welcome .......................................................5/01/25
Parent/Guardian Kick-Off ........................................................ August 2025
First Day of School ...........................................................................8/20/25
Mother/Son Mass & Brunch .......................................................... Fall 2025
Father/Son Bags Tournament .......................................................10/18/25
Ladies Bingo ..................................................................................10/23/25
Mother/Son Dinner Dance .............................................................. 2/01/26
Women of Rockhurst Retreat ............................................................ 3/7/26
Grandparents Mass & Brunch ........................................................... 3/8/26
Spectacular Auction ........................................................................ 4/18/26
School Breaks 2025/26 Fall Break .....................................................................10/17/25 - 10/20/25 Thanksgiving Break .....................................................11/26/25 - 11/28/25 Christmas Break ........................................................... 12/20/25 - 1/05/26 Spring Break ................................................................... 3/13/26 - 3/22/26
The above dates are subject to change; always check the Rockhurst master school calendar
The volunteer program is a way to share your interests, talents, and time with others who also care about the students and tradition of Rockhurst High School.
Examples of volunteer opportunities:
• Serving as a Class Representative for the Parents’ Club
• Hosting a Gift Gathering Party
• Acting as a chaperone during student functions
• Joining community service activities
• Being a greeter during the Open House
• Attending or hosting Freshman Parent Welcome Party
• Attending and hosting friend-raising events at The Rock
• Working the Hospitality Desk
• Volunteering for Spectacular Auction Volunteering at The Rock Shop
• Hosting Lunch Bunch
For more information and opportunities visit: https://www.rockhursths.edu/parentsstudents/parent-volunteer-opportunities
Questions? Please contact: Moira Kelly Healy,
Director of Engagement
mhealy@rockhursths.edu
Father / Son Mass
One Tuesday of every month
(Chapel of the Sacred Heart- 7:00 a.m.)
Moms in Prayer
Weekly on Wednesday (Chapel of the Sacred Heart (and zoom) - 12:15 p.m.)
Parents are invited to attend all school masses offered at Rockhurst
Attend Registration Night (2/25/25)
Attend President’s Parent/ Guardian Welcome Reception (5/01/25)
Attend Class of 2029 Summer Social (6/13/25)
Submit Physicals & Immunizations by (8/01/25)
Review Dress Code
Visit the Rockshop for RHS Apparel
Review Co-Curricular and Athletic Options
Complete Summer Reading