Mission Statement
    The Honors Program at Xaverian High School is designed to cultivate the talents, interests and scholastic aptitude of its ninth grade students through an interdisciplinary approach to academic study. Through a study of the core curriculum, students in the Program will have the opportunity to view the connections among distinct subject areas via complementary cultural experiences and the processing of such through enhanced exercises in critical reading, creative writing and an integrated use of technology as both a research and writing instrument. Consistent with the mission of Xaverian as a college preparatory school, the Honors Program will foster student preparedness for higher education and lifelong learning.

The Honors Program
    In addition to the core curriculum which includes enriched course work in religion, English, global history, modern language, math, science and physical education, the student in the Honors Program will take a pivotal course entitled Exploration. This course will serve to relate the individual disciplines to one another through a variety of exercises such as critical reading and discussion, creative and expository writing and an exploration of a variety of cultural issues culminating in the development of a “Personal Project.” The Personal Project may assume a wide choice of formats including but not limited to a research paper on a topic of interest, a fine arts exhibit or performance, a musical or theatrical presentation, a project involving research in mathematical theory, a science-based project or a community service enterprise. The Personal Project will be reviewed with the Exploration teacher and, when appropriate and required, the student will be referred to a Xaverian faculty member who will serve as mentor for the particular project. Hence, acceleration of studies is not the primary goal of the program but rather enrichment and appreciation for the interconnectedness of ideas and their expression through various media.

 Goal of the Program
   Consistent with the “Mission,” the Program is designed to assist the student in realizing his potential by preparing him for continued high level work in the years ahead. With successful work in the Honors Program, the student should be well prepared for the challenge of the International Baccalaureate Program as well as the demands of higher education.

 Student Admission
    Students are initially considered for the Honors program based upon performance on both the Cooperative Entrance Examination as well as the Scholarship or Placement Test. In addition, students may receive consideration based upon letters of recommendation from current school teachers or Principal, personal interviews with a Xaverian administrator and/or other evidence that the student possesses both the aptitude and motivation for such study. In addition, the type of work involved in this Program will entail a degree of self-motivation and initiative in terms of the selection of “Personal Projects” and the follow-up required for its completion.