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Ignatian Scholars Program

The Ignatian Scholars Program is a two-year track designed for intellectually gifted and academically motivated young men. Ignatian Scholars pursue a rigorous course of honors study and, if they continue to excel, are invited to take the many Advanced Placement courses Xavier offers. Additionally, Ignatian Scholars are encouraged to apply for Xavier's innovative co-curricular offerings such as the Holocaust Studies Program.

Ignatian Scholars

Fast Facts

of the incoming freshmen class

15%

of Ignatian Scholars

100%

honors courses

AP courses

All Ignatian Scholars take Honors English, History, and Science for their first two years. At a minimum, freshman Ignatian Scholars take Honors Algebra, although many qualify for more advanced mathematics course offerings. Most Ignatian Scholars apply to and are accepted into the National Honor Society.

As part of the program, Xavier invites Ignatian Scholars to attend lectures from special guest speakers, visit cultural and artistic landmarks, and attend theatrical events in New York City. We are intent on making sure that our Ignatian Scholars build deep and lasting connections, both among themselves and with our alumni. Ignatian Scholars often connect with alumni to discuss college and career paths beyond Xavier.

Ignatian Scholars are also exposed to the broad range of opportunities that New York City affords. In recent years, Ignatian Scholars have visited the East Coast Headquarters of Google and Facebook. They also participate annually in Basecamp Expeditionaries, a social entrepreneurship course.

Approximately 20% of accepted students are offered a place in our Ignatian Scholars Program. All applicants who wish to be considered for the program are required to have exceptional grades in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Applicants accepted into the Ignatian Scholars Program must score above 90% on the HSPT, overall and in sub-categories. Every Ignatian Scholar admitted into our freshman class receives some form of a merit scholarship upon their acceptance. If you have specific questions about this program, please contact a member of our Admissions Team at admissions@xavierhs.org.

Co-Curricular Programs

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Holocaust Studies
Anthony S. Aracich, S.J. Fellowship for Asian Studies

Holocaust Studies

Xavier’s Holocaust Studies Program is a unique and meaningful opportunity for students, and is open to all sophomores and juniors at Xavier as well as freshman Ignatian Scholars. There is an application process for acceptance into the program. This year, about 15 students will travel internationally, and over 50 more will participate in the domestic encounters. Through the generosity of Thomas Maher ’80 and his wife, Nancy, the program is fully funded in all aspects.

The Holocaust Studies Program grew out of a desire to keep the memory of the Holocaust vividly alive in the minds and hearts of the next generation. Students bear witness to the murder of more than six million of our Jewish brothers and sisters and the systems and decisions that allowed it to take place in one of the darkest chapters of human history. Xavier is proud to take a multidisciplinary approach to study and learn from the horror. Ultimately, we want to deepen our own humanity and better equip ourselves to confront evil in our time as we work together to create a hope-filled future.

Anthony S. Aracich, S.J. Fellowship for Asian Studies

Xavier is honored by our selection as the first Jesuit school to be supported by the Lii-Haybyrne Institute for Asian Studies. Founded by Jim Haybyrne, a proud graduate of Xavier’s Class of 1962, and his wife Penny Lii, their Institute promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of Asia’s diversity and complexity to selected Jesuit high school faculty and students. The Institute focuses on the three Asian countries of India, Japan, and China. For the 2024-25 school year they have selected China as the focus country. In subsequent years, the focus will shift to Japan and then India.

Aracich Fellows will participate in Asia focused educational programs from US-based partners of the Institute such as AFS-USA, the Asia Society, and The Ricci Institute of Boston College, before embarking on an incredible international journey to China over the summer. The Aracich Fellowship will cover all travel and living expenses for three weeks in China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong). The Beijing Center, a partner of the Lii-Haybyrne Institute, will make all arrangements for the Fellows and Xavier faculty chaperones while in China. This fellowship is open to students in their sophomore year, and there is an application process for acceptance into the program.

John Torraca '26

“One academic offering that has majorly impacted me is the Holocaust Studies Program. The reason I chose to join this program is because I do not want the same thing to happen again. I wanted to gain knowledge on the subject in order to actively prevent prejudice against any group of people."