The Ignatian Scholars Program is a two-year program designed for intellectually gifted and academically motivated young men who want to maximize their high school learning experience. The 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. All Ignatian Scholars take Honors English, History, and Science for their first two years. At a minimum, freshmen Ignatian Scholars take Honors Algebra, although many start in Honors Geometry. 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 some of New York City’s many 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. We typically have alumni come to meet with our Scholars or our Scholars will connect with our alumni who are involved in a variety of careers across New York. We want our Ignatian Scholars 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 participate annually with Basecamp Expeditionaries, a social entrepreneurship course.
Approximately 15% of accepted students are offered a place in our Ignatian Scholars Program. All applicants who wish to be considered for Ignatian Scholars 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.
Ignatian Scholars embarking on a Classic Harbor Line boat tour in October 2022
If you have specific questions about this program, please contact a member of our Admissions Team at admissions@xavierhs.org. If you have questions about the co-curricular opportunities of the program, please contact the Director of the Ignatian Scholars Program, Michael Aprea '06.