Xaverian Brothers High School review by Fairfield University student.
Xaverian's academic program is regionally unrivaled. All students receive a well-rounded education supported by a dedicated, enthusiastic faculty. Course requirements include three years of science, history, a foreign language, plus a fine arts requirement. English, mathematics, and theology are required for all four years. There are three tiers for each class, organizing students by academic strength into college-prep, accelerated, and honors levels. This allows the teacher to tailor their curriculum based on the general needs of the class as well as develop of sense of each students' individual needs. Students are competitive and college-oriented at every level. Xaverian excels in every academic department. Grades are not the sole indicator of the faculty's successful methods - each year, a class graduates with a wide-variety of academic passions, choosing to further pursue writing, theological studies, lab sciences, and the arts. The general teaching philosophy at Xaverian is aligned with the traditions of the Xaverian Brothers and the Jesuits, who both emphasized education of the whole person. Learning goes hand in hand with building a community and a broad worldview. For the first two years, classes were generally based around lectures with the occasional discussion. Peer-learning and discussion was introduced mainly through debates in upper-level theology classes and foreign language discussions. Socratic seminars were a staple of English and Writing courses. Personally, I was very comfortable with the upper-level discussions and there is no shortage of discussion-based courses in college. I felt more than prepared in these courses this past year. Xaverian prides itself on the faculty's strong relationship with the student body. The best example of this are the academic centers, where all the teachers in a certain department have their desks. There is always one teacher on duty to help any students during their unstructured period. Students can easily receive extra help in the centers before, during, or after school. Teachers frequently review tests, homework, and essays for students, advertising their availability throughout the year. Even if their specific teacher is not present, other teachers are extremely willing to help.
College counseling is primarily facilitated through Xaverian's guidance department. Each students' relationship with their guidance.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Xaverian Brothers High School as experienced by former pupil and Fairfield University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
My primary piece of advice when applying to Xaverian is to be an involved student..... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Xaverian Brothers High School by former pupil and Fairfield University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Xaverian is reknowned for its unrivaled quality of student life. It has top-notch educational and recreational facilities that are currently in the midst of being renovated and further improved. Each classroom is well-equipped with Smart Board technology to complement the laptops, tablets, and other various devices that students are allowed to utilize during class. The school takes pride in its arts program, providing a massive space for music recording and performance, and a gorgeous art studio for creation and presentation. The recently renovated theater is used for drama productions, music performances, and assemblies. Generally, the cafeteria is always open during.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Xaverian Brothers High School as experienced by former pupil and Fairfield University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review