Inspiring Lives of Learning, Faith & Service St. Mary’s Ryken A CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN THE XAVERIAN BROTHERS TRADITION
Take a virtual tour of waterfront87-acreourcampus. Scan the QR code below or visit: www.smrhs.org/virtual-tour
smrhs.org 1
Our Xaverian values: It is with great pleasure that I can say I’ve been a proud Knight for over 25 years. Starting as a biology teacher and now as the president of our beloved school, it truly is an honor and privilege to serve the St. Mary’s Ryken community.
I hope you will join us for our fall open house on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. You’ll have the opportunity to meet students and teachers and tour our beautiful campus. Also, look on the back cover for information on our Knight for a Day program. It’s a great way to get the true St. Mary’s Ryken experience. I look forward to meeting you. It’s a Great Day to Be a Knight!
Throughout this booklet you’ll find lots of ways to make the most of your experience as an SMR Knight. From the robust fine arts programs, athletics teams and clubs, all of our students find something to support their interests and grow their leadership skills. This is the most exciting time to become a St. Mary’s Ryken student! Earlier this year, we opened the St. Mary’s Ryken Flight Academy with over 24 flight simulators. Last year, the new MIL Family STEM and Innovation Wing opened. This space houses a wind tunnel, virtual reality, 3-D printers, drone lab, robotics build area and space for STEM classes.
Dr. Rick Wood President and CEO
Dear Future Knights, simplicityzealcompassionhumility trust 2 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Our Mission
As a school community, We Value: St. Mary’s Ryken is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school community operated under the Xaverian Brothers’ sponsorship dedicated to academic excellence and individualized student growth. As a Xaverian Brothers sponsored school, we embrace the spiritual values of our founders: simplicity, humility, compassion, zeal and trust. These values define our community and call us to lives of faith and service. smrhs.org
being a Catholic community. embracing the Xaverian Brothers’ charism and their values. preparing our students for success in higher education and beyond. offering and promoting academic excellence. fostering mutual respect to ensure a safe environment for the spiritual, mental, physical and emotional development of our protectingstudents.therights and embracing the contributions of all individuals within our acknowledgingcommunity.the transitional period between adolescence and young adulthood and supporting the growth of our students. addressing the learning differences of our students within the college preparatory curriculum. motivating our students to show integrity and leadership in actions through responsible citizenship.
3
Over $21 million in college scholarships were awarded to the 134 graduates in the SMR Class of 2022! On average, the Class of 2022 earned $164,000 per graduate in scholarships.
We realize you have many choices for your child’s high school experience. Let us prove that St. Mary’s Ryken is the right choice for your family! Mary’s Ryken
* Source: https://www.nationsreportcard.gov
Each day at St. Mary’s Ryken, students are welcomed by faculty and staff who share a strong moral foundation rooted in Xaverian values of compassion, humility, simplicity, trust and zeal. Catholic schools outpace public schools in national assessments year after year, according to The Nation’s Report Card,* the country’s leading measure of academic achievement in public and private schools.
Why Choose St. Mary’s Ryken
At St. Mary’s Ryken, your child’s future success is at the forefront of everything we do, and our alumni are proof of that.
4 St.
High School
Graduates from Catholic schools generally experience higher earning potential than public school graduates.
A dynamic sense of family and community has become our hallmark. The St. Mary’s Ryken community reaches beyond the high school years with students, alumni, athletic teams and faculty maintaining connections for years. This includes a solid alumni network that leads students to professional opportunities and strong friendships beyond high school.
Our teaching environment and college-like campus promote self-discipline, and we instill high expectations for proper behavior on and off campus.
Students are offered numerous leadership and extracurricular opportunities through clubs, mentoring, volunteering and positions within their athletic teams and fine arts groups. smrhs.org
As a member of the highly competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, we offer a well-rounded athletic program with 23 varsity sports. Annually, we celebrate championship-winning teams and student-athletes who commit to four-year universities to continue playing their sport.
The St. Mary’s Ryken Campus Ministry is the backbone of our school community, and over 200 students a year benefit from the faith formation and spiritual direction program. We offer daily Mass, monthly schoolwide liturgies and an on-site chapel for daily prayer.
The importance of service to others and servant leadership is instilled in the St. Mary’s Ryken curriculum and practiced daily. Service to others is modeled by our faculty and staff.
5
On-campus technology includes a 1:1 iPad program, and Project Lead the Way biomedical, computer science (focus on cybersecurity) and engineering (focus on aerospace) courses that lead to internships with local industry experts.
Academic Curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond! More than 150 college preparatory, honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered, including Project Lead the Way and dual enrollment opportunities with the College of Southern Maryland. Our faculty is committed to being accessible to students and parents, and has a genuine interest in the students’ success. Tutors and mentors are available in all subjects. 690 students from 6 counties and Washington D.C. (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and King George) and 2 states (Maryland and Virginia) courseshonors41 facultystudent-to-11:1ratiocourses28AP classaverage20size Scan the QR code to view the 2022-23 Course Catalog: 6 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
St. Mary’s Ryken Scholars Program
STEM
in: Biomedical Science Computer Science
To view
The Scholars Program offers accelerated curriculum concentrations to students who want a more rigorous and advanced course of study.
Engineering
Aerospace) And the following Humanities pathways: Global and International Studies PerformingHumanities Arts Visual Arts
The STEM curriculum uses Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the nation’s leading provider of programs. success in preparing students for higher education has been recognized by colleges and universities. benefits of the
The SMR Scholars Program offers pathways (focus on Cybersecurity) (focus on
STEM
our
eachselectionprogram,criteriaandcoursesforpathway,scantheQRcode: smrhs.org 7
PLTW’s
Living a life of Faith and Fun!
On campus, the Caritas Resource Center serves as a location for students to earn service hours, but, more importantly, understand the importance of serving others. At the center students can assist with helping those less fortunate prepare to move from homelessness to housing, participate in a mobile food pantry and help to prepare and pack items that are needed for the moves. Mary’s Ryken High School
8 St.
The Campus Ministry Department encourages and supports students’ spiritual growth and development. Students are able to seek spiritual formation through Mass, theology class, daily prayer, service opportunities, mission trips, retreats and spiritual direction.
Scan the QR code to view a list of club options: smrhs.org 9
beyond
Going the classroom with Clubs and Activities
St. Mary’s Ryken supports a well-rounded education that includes a competitive athletics program, fine arts curriculum and various extracurricular activities.
Multipleproductionstheatreperyear
fine29artscourses
An abundance of performance opportunities and extracurricular clubs are available to students who wish to hone their talents.
An appreciation of the arts is a priority at St. Mary’s Ryken. The Fine Arts Department offers a host of visual and performing arts classes taught by faculty who are accomplished, practicing professionals in their field.
(All students are invited to audition!) Mary’s Ryken High School
10 St.
The Arts are alive at SMR!
3 honor societies: A variety of chorus, dance instrumentalandshowcasesoncampus Local and competitionsregionalandperformancesthroughouttheyearDedicatedwaterfrontartsuiteincludingaceramicsstudio,darkroomandgalleryspace smrhs.org 11
Leadership, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship through Athletics 12 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Teams by season: Fall VolleyballGirlsGirlsBoysSailingFootballFieldDanceCrossCheerleadingCountryHockeySoccerSoccerTennis Winter Boys Basketball Girls WrestlingSwimmingGirlsBoysCheerleadingBasketballIceHockeyIceHockey Spring TrackBoysSoftballSailingGirlsBoysGolfBaseballLacrosseLacrosseTennis&Field inof71%studentsparticipatetheathleticsprogramvarsity23sports,includinganewdanceteamin2022! 31 Class of 2022 graduates will continue to use their talents as collegiate athletes smrhs.org 13
Supporting students with DiLearningfferences
SMR provides assistance in reading, writing and math for students with diagnosed learning disabilities and medical conditions that affect their performance in the classroom. Services include classroom and testing accommodations, and daily or weekly meetings with a resource specialist. learn more about the levels of support and documentation needed to receive services, scan the code: St. Mary’s Ryken High School
14
As part of our mission to focus on individualized student growth, St. Mary’s Ryken offers support services to students with learning differences. We are equipped with fully qualified staff, and students apply through the regular admissions application.
To
QR
Knights Apprentice Program
New students are paired with upperclassmen who help to guide and mentor their freshmen and transfer mentees into becoming successful new Knights. Mentors are selected based on their ability to be positive, responsible role models.
A robust college preparation and application process curriculum integrated into academic classes
SMR-sponsored college tours during the school year Annual on-campus college fair with over 60 colleges represented Coffee With Counselors Coffee With Counselors is held quarterly. These morning events are open to all SMR parents and are an opportunity to talk to the counseling team about various topics
The SMR counseling team supports students socially, emotionally and academically throughout their four years. Students are assigned a counselor based on the student’s last name and stay with that counselor throughout their time at SMR. This fosters a strong counselor-student relationship.
Student workshops on how to write college essays, apply for scholarships, apply to college and choose the right school College night events with appropriate content for each grade level and parents
CollegeCourseincluding:selectionpreparation for all grade levels
Mental Technologyhealthand social media
An on-site school therapist is available to meet with students needing additional support.
The SMR Counseling Department is an invaluable team player in your child’s college choice journey. With its age-appropriate events and workshops for both students and parents starting freshman year, the team shows it’s never too early to prep for the college application process.
smrhs.org 15
Freshman Experience is a four-day summer program designed to acclimate incoming freshmen to the SMR campus, learn the curriculum, and meet faculty and fellow classmates. It also gives students a chance to make new friends before the school year begins.
Supporting Each Student every day, every year
During orientation, students will prepare for the school year through several activities including: connecting with their mentors, meeting their teachers, learning about student activities, attending technology check-in and participating in a Battle of the Houses! New Family Welcome Activities
College Advising Starts Day 1.
Orientation
Throughout the summer, SMR offers opportunities for new students and parents to get to know each other and the SMR community.
Freshman Experience
Easing the Transition for New Students
The auditorium is used for fine arts events, theatre productions, student assemblies and parent meetings. St. Mary’s Ryken High School
The spaces include a virtual reality system, 3-D printers, robotics arena, robotics build rooms and two large classrooms for labs. Chapel of Charity, Rupert Hall Daily Mass is held in the Chapel of Charity. Classrooms Classroom spaces are equipped with modern furniture, Apple TVs and Wi-Fi.
MIL STEM Innovation Lab, Paschal Hall
Mary Joy Hurlburt Theatre, Romuald Hall
College-like Facilities
16
Our 87-acre, waterfront campus offers a high school experience like no other in the Southern Maryland area. Our college-like campus prepares students for life after high school. Each day, students attend classes in six different buildings on campus, allowing them plenty of time outdoors.
Strength and Conditioning Room, Donnie Williams Center
Centrally located on campus, this all-inclusive health and wellness facility bridges the upper and lower campus. It’s the main hub for most school events, all-school Masses and indoor athletic competitions.
Located on Breton Bay, St. Mary’s Ryken offers opportunities for students to try many new and different activities, such as sailing—which is offered during the fall and spring.
MIL Family Stadium SMR athletic facilities include a state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat outdoor sports stadium with a professional-level, NFL-grade turf field and a six-lane track. turf for the MIL Family Stadium and upgrades in the Chapel of Charity smrhs.org
Sailing on the St. Mary’s Ryken Waterfront
Donnie Williams Center
The St. Mary’s Ryken Flight Academy is an interactive classroom that provides all students with an opportunity to learn about the field of aviation.
Students utilize the college-level training facilities to maintain the level of competitiveness required as members of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. All SMR community members have access to this space.
17
Coming soon! New
Flight Academy
There
The school day starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. Freshmen carry a full roster of seven classes plus a study hall. Each day has four class periods (1-4, then 5-8), on a rotational schedule. Each student will have a study hall every other day so that they can complete assignments and meet with teachers as necessary. The rotating schedule varies the routine for students, which sets them up for success in the classroom. It also lessens the impact of early dismissal on students who participate in extracurricular activities. are 10 minutes between classes and 30 minutes for lunch. Course Map The Course Map is a visual tool to assist with understanding course requirements for each grade.
To view the rotational schedule, scan the QR code: GRADE9101112THGRADETHGRADETHGRADETH St. Mary’s Ryken toIntroductionIntroductiontoReligionCatholicism Literature Composition*& The Old Testament The New Testament Pre-AP Literature & AmericanLanguageLiterature MoralSocialTheologyEthics AP Language & African-AmericanNonfictionCompositionLiterature TheologySacraments/SeminarHonorsSeniorTheology AP ReligiousBritishLiteratureEnglishLiteratureLiterature THEOLOGY (4 credits) ENGLISH (4 credits) 28 credits required for graduation The SMR Schedule
Below is a typical freshman schedule: LiteratureTheology and Composition Conceptual Physics Ancient World History Algebra I or Geometry World language of their choice 2 electives 18 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
RykenConceptualChemistry*Physics* Ancient World History* AP Human Geography First Year or Second Year* World Language Algebra Geometry*II*AlgebraI* Chemistry*Biology* AP World History Modern World History AP Human Geography Second Year* or Third Year* World Language Trigonometry*PreCalculus/AlgebraII*Geometry* APAPChemistryBiologyPhysics*Biology* AP U.S. History U.S. History Third Year* or Fourth Year* or AP World Language AP Statistics AP Calculus Trigonometry*PreCalculus/ABAlgebraII* AP Physics C APAPEnvironmentalScienceChemistryAPBiology APGovernment&GovernmentPoliticsAmerican AP or Fourth Year* World Language AP Statistics AP Calculus Trigonometry*PreCalculus/AB/BC 28 credits required for graduation EDUCATIONPHYSICAL ARTSFINE TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE (3 credits) SOCIAL STUDIES (4 credits) WORLD LANGUAGES (3 credits in sequence) MATH (4 credits) (1 credit required for each) ELECTIVES * Honors option available RykenConceptualChemistry*Physics* Ancient World History* AP Human Geography First Year or Second Year* World Language Algebra Geometry*II*AlgebraI* Chemistry*Biology* AP World History Modern World History AP Human Geography Second Year* or Third Year* World Language Trigonometry*PreCalculus/AlgebraII*Geometry* APAPChemistryBiologyPhysics*Biology* AP U.S. History U.S. History Third Year* or Fourth Year* or AP World Language AP Statistics AP Calculus Trigonometry*PreCalculus/ABAlgebraII* AP Physics C APAPEnvironmentalScienceChemistryAPBiology APGovernment&GovernmentPoliticsAmerican AP or Fourth Year* World Language AP Statistics AP Calculus Trigonometry*PreCalculus/AB/BC 28 credits required for graduation EDUCATIONPHYSICAL ARTSFINE TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE (3 credits) SOCIAL STUDIES (4 credits) WORLD LANGUAGES (3 credits in sequence) MATH (4 credits) (1 credit required for each) ELECTIVES * Honors option available EDUCATIONPHYSICAL ARTSFINE TECHNOLOGY (1 credit required for each) ELECTIVES smrhs.org 19
Ryken High School
Possess a deep intellectual curiosity with a passion for lifelong learning, have the ability in personal and professional pursuits to effectively utilize evolving technology and understand how it impacts our society, have the competency for critical thinking and analysis in the humanities and the sciences, and be well prepared for post-secondary academic pursuits
Be a person of moral character, be able to nurture a relationship with God through prayer, be a steward for social justice, and possess an understanding of Catholic theology and tradition
Be a confident, self-assured young adult capable of developing enduring personal relationships, nurturing a spirit of harmony, be open to diversity and possess a global perspective, and be committed to making a difference in their community by their leadership. Mary’s
As a school community, we are committed to proving to you that St. Mary’s Ryken is the right choice for your family and your child’s future!
The St. Mary’s Ryken
In the Xaverian tradition, a challenging Catholic, college preparatory, educational program is a hallmark of St. Mary’s Ryken. As a center of growth and learning, SMR expects that all students and faculty are committed to academic integrity and excellence as well as spiritual growth. Such an atmosphere instills the desire to learn for the sake of learning and increases our students’ personal confidence as they experience success in the classroom, on the stage, in the community, among their peers and on the athletic field. Understanding the importance of developing the whole, unique individual, it is our hope that an SMR graduate will:
20 St.
Portrait of a Graduate
134 graduates >$21.3 million in scholarships were offered 4 National CommendedMeritScholars 3 will be attending service academies (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Academy Prep) 237 colleges and universities offered admission to Class of 2022 graduates in 35 different states, Washington, D.C., and England 29 AP Scholars >18,600 service hours completed in their community (more than 10,000 over the requirement!) >40% received scholarships totaling over $100,000 70% of the class received at least one scholarship 24 accepted into honors colleges or universities 27 received the SMR Scholars Program Diploma of Distinction 20 will attend a Catholic college and one will be entering the seminary 31 students will continue to use their talents as collegiate athletes The Class of 2022 smrhs.org 21
were accepted
Class of 2022 graduates into these top-rated
schools: 22 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
Arizona State University Bucknell University Columbia MountHamptonGettysburgDickinsonUniversityCollegeFranklin&MarshallCollegeCollegeUniversityIndianaUniversity-BloomingtonLoyolaUniversityMarylandHolyokeCollegeMuhlenbergCollegeNorthCarolinaA&TStateUniversity Ohio St.RochesterProvidenceStatePennsylvaniaUniversityStateUniversityCollegeInstituteofTechnologySmithCollegeJohn’sUniversitySt.Mary’sCollegeofMarylandTexasChristianUniversityUnitedStatesAirForceAcademyUnitedStatesNavalAcademy University of Dallas University of Delaware University of MarylandBaltimore County University of MarylandCollege WorcesterWashingtonJeffersonUrsinusofUniversityParkPittsburghUniversityofVermontCollegeVirginiaTechWashington&CollegeCollegePolytechnicInstitute smrhs.org 23
Adam ’18, Brian ’20 and Nina ’22 have all graduated from SMR with a solid academic background as well as strength in their Catholic faith! Both are very important for young adults moving on to college or their vocation. The faculty as well as the clergy have all been pivotal in preparing our children to take on the world with confidence in themselves, their abilities and their faith. Having a high school where our children can learn academics, participate in sports and theatre and most especially be free to express, share and grow in their Catholic faith is a gift to parents. The spiritual direction program and the priests volunteering their time for the students is unique and a huge benefit for every student that chooses to participate.
24
Parent and Student Testimonials
“ St. Mary’s Ryken has been partners in building the foundation of the lives of myself, my brothers (Classes of 1983, 1985, 1986) and sisters (1991, 1995) and now my own children.
God Bless St. Mary’s Ryken!” —Julie Ferrero ’87 Nina Ferrero speaking during the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony St. Mary’s Ryken High School
“
Our experience at St. Mary’s Ryken has been nothing short of spectacular! Our daughter transferred from the public school system the summer of her junior year. The staff at SMR made the transition seamless, providing support every step of the way, from a personal campus tour to the selection of classes. Midway through her first quarter, we knew we made the right decision. While the public schools were still struggling to adjust to the COVID pandemic, SMR established a hybrid learning system that focused on safety and education. As soon as public health officials determined it was safe to return to in-person learning, SMR made the switch. This allowed our daughter to get the full experience of a real college preparatory learning environment, and this is where SMR stands out. The staff at SMR created an environment that nourished her strengths and improved her weaknesses. As she makes the transition to college, she is surely better prepared due to her experience as a student at SMR!”
’22
—Arthur Ellis
—Dana Brown
Nyla Brown
“ St. Mary’s Ryken has not only prepared Nyla academically, but she has expanded her cultural awareness and built a strong sense of community. She has grown into a well-rounded young adult and is more than ready to take on the rigor of college.”
Macy Ellis ’22 smrhs.org 25
In 2021, SMR marked its 40th anniversary as St. Mary’s Ryken. Because of the fortitude and determination of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Xaverian Brothers, the all-girls St. Mary’s Academy and all-boys Ryken High School were merged to combine their vision of continuing Catholic education to serve high school students in Southern Maryland.
1999 The performing arts building, Romuald Hall, is constructed. The building houses a 320-seat theater and media center and also becomes home to the history department. Many other renovations are finished, including a new cafeteria, refurbishments to the exterior of Paschal Hall and its classrooms, and the lower athletic fields and tennis courts.
Over 40 Years of history!
2003 SMR joins the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), the most prestigious private school athletic conference in the country. By being part of the WCAC, SMR student-athletes are more likely to have the chance to continue to play their sport in college.
The library in Rupert Hall is renovated to become the Chapel of Charity in honor of the Sisters of Charity.
1981 The newly formed St. Mary’s Ryken High School opens in September on the grounds of the former Ryken High School with 560 students. Brother Matthew Burke is the principal. The St. Mary’s Academy grounds become home to the College of Southern Maryland.
St. Mary’s Ryken High School
2002
26
The school year opens with 680 students from over 40 middle schools, 6 counties and 2 states!
2019
The Donnie Williams Center opens and becomes the campus hub for many school, community, spiritual, sporting and alumni events. The MIL STEM Innovation Wing, which includes a computer lab, robotics arena, STEM spaces and wind tunnel, also opens.
2009 In June, construction begins on a stadium with a turf field and six-lane track. smrhs.org
2022-23
2007 The Knights football team begins its first season.
2020 The Caritas Resource Center opens to assist the less fortunate in the local community move from homelessness to housing.
The St. Mary’s Ryken Flight Academy opens with 24 flight simulators.
2022
27
ProcessAdmissions Applicants to St. Mary’s Ryken are evaluated for admission based upon the following criteria: Submission of the online SMR application with application fee Appropriate ability as demonstrated on the Archdiocese of Washington High School Placement Test (HSPT) High level of academic achievement in the seventh and eighth grades A demonstrated desire to attend SMR Recommendations of principals and/or teachers Satisfactory disciplinary and attendance history In-person or virtual interview with a member of the SMR community SMR reserves the right to revoke acceptance at any time for academic and/or disciplinary reasons. Tuition for the 2022-23 School Year $18,475 Financial Aid Financial aid at St. Mary’s Ryken is based on a family’s ability to pay. The primary responsibility for funding a child’s education lies with the parents. As such, we expect that each parent will fund the child’s education to the extent that they are able. Our financial aid program is designed to assist families after they have considered all of their own resources. Financial aid is available for qualifying families from both the Archdiocese of Washington and SMR. Applications for tuition assistance must be completed by using TADS, the tuition assistance program. Scan the QR code to learn datesapplicationScanfinancialaboutaid:theQRcodetoviewimportantprocessforthe2023-24schoolyear: 28 St. Mary’s Ryken High School
A late bus (activity bus) is available for students who reside outside of St. Mary’s County. It departs the St. Mary’s Ryken campus at 5:30 p.m. every school day when athletic practices or activities are occurring.
Transportation St. Mary’s Ryken students come from Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and King George counties. Transportation is available for all students.
Merit-based Scholarships
Scan the QR code to learn scholarships:about smrhs.org
St. Mary’s Ryken awards merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen in the areas of academics, leadership, service and fine arts. Merit-based scholarships are four-year scholarships and therefore high school transfer students are not eligible.
Scan the QR code to learn transportationaboutoptions:
29
Inspiring Lives of Learning, Faith & Service. Discover the Difference of a St. Mary’s Ryken Education! For more information, contact our Admissions Team: 301-475-7668 | admissions@smrhs.org Open House You are invited to our Fall Open House on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. Campus Tours Please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@smrhs.org if you would like to schedule a family tour. They are offered year round. Follow Us: Facebook youtube
our
Knight for a Day Students in grades 8-10 are invited to join community for the day and learn what SMR is all about. This is the best way to get the true St. Mary’s Ryken experience. Visiting students are paired with a current SMR student, attend classes, enjoy lunch on us, explore our beautiful campus, and experience a day in the life of an SMR student. the QR code to sign
Scan the QR code to learn more and RSVP: Scan
up: Visit Us!
