What's one question you ask every student applying for your school?
What do you believe you can contribute to the Bishop Gorman community as a student here?
What’s one of the most important things a student should consider when inquiring about high school?
Academic expectations, course offerings and graduation requirements.
How does a student know they would be a good fit for your school? How do you ensure a student can thrive in your school environment?
The best way to experience Bishop Gorman is by attending Preview Day. Alexander Dawson is a partner school of ours and a relationship we very much value. Alexander Dawson has their own designated Preview Day just for their 8th grade class. Preview Day is an immersive experience that includes interactive mini-course lessons, lunch with student ambassadors, and spirited activities.
How do you personalize a student’s education? What systems are in place for different educational needs?
Bishop Gorman recommends courses for all incoming freshmen based on High School Placement Test scores, middle school transcripts and teacher recommendations. A rubric is used for placement with a longitudinal track record for student success.
We have 3 academic tracks - College Prep, Honors and Scholars if a student wishes to pursue a specific Bishop Gorman High School diploma type. Students on the College Prep track can still take Honors and/or Advancement Placement courses in subsequent years with good grades and teacher recommendations.
An A/B block schedule (4 classes a day) allows for students to have the flexibility to take additional electives or more advanced classes.
A student will have the same Academic Counselor for 4 years. The counselors monitor academic progress and assist in advising class placement and schedules. They will meet with their assigned students regularly throughout the school year to ensure students have the necessary credits and classes to achieve their goals.
Lastly, for those students with a diagnosed mild to moderate learning difference our Learning Center extends additional educational and support services. For students formally enrolled in the program, the Learning Center offers a comfortable learning environment for small-group studying, individual tutoring and test-taking accommodations.
What does a typical school day look like?
School begins at 8 AM and students attend 4 class periods that are 85 minutes in length.
Students enjoy lunch in our Student Commons for 30-minutes. School ends at 2:35 PM and the majority of our students are involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, theater, or clubs.
What programming do you offer students outside of class, for example, extracurriculars after school, to help keep students engaged?
Bishop Gorman promises a well-rounded high school experience. We have 28 different athletic teams, 50 + clubs, societies and activities as well as a robust performing arts and communicative art program. There truly is something for everyone.
What is your most interesting school tradition?
We welcome our newest Gaels with a gauntlet consisting of cheerleaders, the marching band and faculty and staff, who cheer, play and clap as the freshmen enter the school for the first day of the school year.
How do you support the mental health and emotional well-being of students?
We have a full-time Wellness Counselor who provides support to our students with their non-academic needs. Taking care of our students’ emotional needs is just as important as taking care of their academic needs. The Wellness Counselor helps with school/social life balance, family issues, etc.
What does college counseling look like at your school?
Under the direction of our College Counselor, students will experience a comprehensive college planning program that includes:
- An annual college fair of more than 120 schools
- On-campus college visits throughout the school year
- A college application camp prior to the start of senior year
- Hosting a variety of parent information nights on the college application process
- Collegiate financial aid/scholarship information
- Guiding and advising on NCAA requirements and procedures
In addition, all of our students use Naviance which is a web-based program designed to help navigate every aspect of the college admissions process.
What else is essential for students and families to know about your school?
Bishop Gorman provides a college preparatory education in an environment distinguished by Catholic values. We are committed to a faith-based environment, where students will find spiritual discovery and acceptance throughout their Bishop Gorman journey. It is important that our students are living purposefully in faith and service through the following requirements:
Theology: Students are required to take Theology courses each year at Bishop Gorman.
Liturgy: Students and faculty worship together monthly to enhance the spiritual experience.
Christian Service: Students are required to participate in service opportunities. Service opportunities create teaching experiences while setting a foundation for our students to become servant leaders.
And although optional, we have a variety of retreat opportunities where students can explore their relationship with God, themselves and others.