ADMISSIONS GUIDE

Faith. Family. Future.

welcome

welcomeTO LANCASTER CATHOLIC

Something special is taking place in the heart of Lancaster County. Young men and women are sharing a high school experience like no other - a high school experience in a school driven by

A Living Faith

Academic Excellence

The Convergence of Tradition and Innovation

Lancaster Catholic High School was founded in 1928 by the faithful of the Lancaster County Catholic community. Since then, over 10,000 souls have been nourished within the halls of 650 Juliette Avenue. A Lancaster Catholic education is one that is college preparatory, laying the groundwork for post-secondary studies. Even more, a Lancaster Catholic education prepares young men and women for life by instilling in them the recognition of their value as a unique Creation of an all-loving God. This central tenet permeates all that we do - all that we are. Students at Lancaster Catholic are educated, nurtured, guided and formed in a highly supportive community by a faculty and staff who passionately embrace their role in this noble endeavor.

A LANCASTER CATHOLIC STUDENT IS...

Intellectually Astute -

Lancaster Catholic students

strive to be critical thinkers,

thoughtful consumers and

innovative creators.

Passionately Faithful -

Lancaster Catholic students strive to be men and women of faith who consistently seek to deepen their relationship with God through the gift of His Church.

Socially Responsible -

Lancaster Catholic students strive for a just society where all are treated with dignity and respect and all recognize their role as stewards of Creation.

Excellence

THEIR ACADEMIC FUTURE

The academic experience at Lancaster Catholic is characterized by rigor, critical thinking, real-world application and readiness. Put simply, a Catholic High graduate possesses the competencies needed to be successful in any post-secondary endeavor of their choosing, with 95% pursuing higher education.

At Lancaster Catholic, you are not a number. Our 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to expand their knowledge individually and our faculty to discover the needs of each student.

Lancaster Catholic accepts a diversity of students with one commonality: a commitment to the hard work of academic excellence. There is no room for excuses here!

Lancaster Catholic students are consistently among the top students in the region on national tests and in academic competitions. In addition to 45 Honors courses, Lancaster Catholic offers 5 dual credit classes through our partnership with Harrisburg Area Community College and 16 Advanced Placement courses to our students, more than any other secondary school in Lancaster County, public or private.

Lancaster Catholic offers a traditional education steeped in the liberal arts. All students complete yearly courses in theology and select from eleven Liberal Arts electives. Additional certifications are available in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Fine and Performing Arts. Top students may qualify for the National Honor Society and the distinctive honor of graduating as a St. Augustine Scholar.

LANCASTER CATHOLIC STUDENTS ROUTINELY EARN RECOGNITION THROUGH:

NATIONAL MERIT

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

SCHOLASTIC WRITING AWARDS

YOUNG ARTIST AWARDS

LOCAL, REGIONAL AND

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIONS

WE OFFER DUAL CREDIT AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES IN:

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

MODERN CULTURE OF THE UNITED

STATES (I & II)

EUROPEAN HISTORY

MUSIC THEORY

ART HISTORY

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

U.S. HISTORY

U.S. GOVERNMENT

EUROPEAN HISTORY

PSYCHOLOGY

MICROECONOMICS

MACROECONOMICS

ENGLISH LITERATURE

BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

PHYSICS B

CALCULUS I (AB)

CALCULUS II (BC)

“ “I feel that everyone at LCHS is given an opportunity to be great and it’s up to each of us to run towards greatness.

- Student ‘16

PASSIONATELY FAITHFUL

At Lancaster Catholic, theology isn’t just another class and our retreat programs and liturgies are not viewed as extras. Rather, they are an integral part of the Lancaster Catholic experience. The spiritual development of young people is central to what we do - not an afterthought.

As our young people face a society rampant with spiritual ambivalence, moral relativism and an overall loss of respect for human life, we ensure that they are equipped with the spiritual, emotional and intellectual maturity to successfully navigate the often troubled waters of young adulthood. At Lancaster Catholic, students encounter the sacred. They are supported in their individual journey of faith through open dialogue, dynamic orthodoxy and pastoral prudence.

Most of all, Lancaster Catholic provides students with something which is noticeably absent from other educational institutions: perspective. At Lancaster Catholic, we share a world-view deeply rooted in our belief in an all-loving and all-powerful God and faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. These central tenets guide all of our actions and activities. Amen.

CAMPUS MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES:

SERVE IN LITURGICAL

MINISTRIES AS

- MUSICAL MINISTERS

- LECTORS

- ALTAR SERVERS

- EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS

OF HOLY COMMUNION

RETREAT LEADERS

ACCESS TO MORE THAN

17 RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES

WEEKLY EUCHARIST ADORATION

SACRAMENTS

“ “Campus Ministry is my favorite part of the LCHS community. Not only do I get

to learn about my faith every day, but I also have opportunities to live it out, in a

way that continues to grow and improve my faith.

- Student ‘16

Devoted

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS FALLBoys Cross Country

Girls Cross Country

Field Hockey

Football

Golf

Boys Soccer

Girls Soccer

Girls Tennis

Cheerleading

WINTER

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Bowling

Boys Swimming

Girls Swimming

Wrestling

Cheerleading

SPRINGBaseball

Boys Lacrosse

Girls Lacrosse

Softball

Boys Track & Field

Girls Track & Field

Boys Tennis

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS:

22 SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS

3 TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

5 TEAM AND 2 INDIVIDUAL

DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS

1 TEAM AND 3 INDIVIDUAL

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Commitment

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL … DEVELOPING LEADERS

At Lancaster Catholic, being involved is the norm, not the exception. An involved student is a successful student. Through our clubs, teams and activities, our students are afforded a wide variety of venues for personal growth, social development and success.

LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY THROUGH ATHLETICS

With 23 varsity sports and a long tradition of excellence, students can truly become part of something special. Our student athletes, a full 60% of the student body, recognize that lessons learned in the classroom are complemented by those learned on the field, the court, or the track. The athletic program is a seamless extension of what occurs in the classroom. Our identity and mission are maintained and reinforced through an athletic program which promotes confidence, hard work, dedication and sportsmanship - at all times.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

Student life at Lancaster Catholic is enhanced by our numerous extracurricular offerings. Writers, actors, chess enthusiasts, programmers, leaders, entrepreneurs and more will all find opportunities for expression and personal growth. The clubs and activities not only provide another dimension to the student experience, they also provide the opportunity for leadership. Our activities and clubs are student-formed and student-led. We believe the best way to polish leadership skills is giving our students the opportunity to lead.

LCHS CLUBS & ACTIVITIES:

National Honor Society

Student Council

Student Ambassadors

Link Crew

Rosmarian – Yearbook

Quiz Bowl

Mock Trial Club

Writers Anonymous

Chess Nuts

Prom Committee

Drama (Fall Play)

Future Business Leaders

Respect Life Club

Environmental Club

Global Group

Model UN

Varsity Club

Audio/Visual Club

Aevidum

Red Cross Club

Dance Team

Serteen

MiniTHON

““

A COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS

In a day and age when the Arts seem to be under assault - serving as an easy target for budgetary cuts in schools across the country - Lancaster Catholic stands stronger than ever in our commitment to support them. At Lancaster Catholic, the Fine and Performing Arts are one of the crown jewels of the Crusader Experience. In fact, we currently offer more programs in music, art and theater than at any time in our school’s history. We firmly believe that young people’s academic, spiritual and personal lives are enriched by their encounter with the beauty, the mystery and the heritage of an Arts-rich curriculum.

We offer a full array of courses, ensembles, productions and performance opportunities. Students may earn an additional credential - a Fine and Performing Arts Certificate - by taking a prescribed number of courses and participating in annual productions or performances. Our students compete in local, regional, state and national competitions in chorus, art, orchestra, band, writing, drama and poetry. We are one of only a handful of schools across the country which offers a course in Dramaturgy. In addition to these electives, all students take an Introduction to Humanities course as a graduation requirement.

We are confident that you will find no other school in the county with the ongoing commitment to the Fine and Performing Arts as Lancaster Catholic High School.

My daughter has been involved with the Fine and Performing Arts Program at LCHS since

she was in elementary school, and it has given her a phenomenal outlet to

develop her God-given musical talent. My family is continually blessed

that she is part of this program and that LCHS has provided so much support for the Arts.

- Parent ‘18

Invested

COURSES Introduction to Humanities

Honors Humanities

Individual Music Instruction

History of Music

Music Theory

AP Music Theory

Concert Band

Chorus

Concert Choir

Independent Music

Composition

Art I, II and III

Ceramics

AP Art History

Acting Technique I & II

Dramaturgy

Dance Ensemble

ENSEMBLES AND PRODUCTIONSConcert Band

Marching Band

Pep Band

Orchestra (co-op with LMHS)

Spring Musical - cast, crew

and orchestra

String Ensemble

Guitar Ensemble

Jazz Band

Percussion Ensemble

Brass Ensemble

Woodwind Ensemble

Concert Choir

Mixed Chorus

Mass Choir

Fall Play

Rock Band

Integrated

TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY

An effective education draws upon the timeless lessons of the past while integrating the advances of new knowledge. At Lancaster Catholic, we embrace the classic approaches of dialogue and debate, small group discussions and lecture, presentations and projects. At the same time, we make full use of the technological advances available to students and staff. All classrooms are equipped with interactive SMART boards. In 2014, we launched our one-to-one technology initiative by issuing iPads to all students. We have incorporated the iPads into daily classroom routines and the entire building is Wi-Fi enabled. At the start of 2015, our Theology department began integrating digital citizenship and internet safety into their curriculum for all grade levels following the launch of our new responsive web site design and mobile app.

Other resources include our computer lab, PCs and laptops in the library, expanded electronic resources for student research, our digital photography lab, our broadcasting studio and 3 fully integrated TEAL (Technology-Enabled- Active-Learning) classrooms. Our curriculum offerings are supplemented by a Distance-Learning program. Our Director of Technology Integration assists students and ensures that they stay on track with their course work throughout the school year.

LANCASTER CATHOLIC DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES INCLUDE:

AP MACROECONOMICS

AP MICROECONOMICS

GAME DESIGN

AP ART HISTORY

AP PSYCHOLOGY

JAPANESE I & II

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE

““

With my very helpful school-issued iPad, I have been able to reach new heights in and out of the classroom. It enables deeper discussion and more evidence while in class, and serves as an efficient resource to check or submit

assignments at home.- Student ‘16

PREPARATION FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

A Lancaster Catholic education solidly prepares young people for future academic and professional life. It also equips them to encounter the cultural and personal challenges they may face in their daily lives. This preparation begins by providing students the opportunity to interact with the larger community. Education and preparation for life cannot simply happen within a building.

Students in the Christian Service class spend 3 mornings or afternoons per week assisting at a local elementary school, nursing home, hospital or other community organization. Humanities and foreign language classes visit cultural sites in New York City and Washington, D.C. English classes travel to the National Holocaust Museum, Vietnam and World War II Memorials. Summer work camp students have traveled to Baltimore, Charlotte, Wheeling, Madison, New Orleans and Greensboro.

Lancaster Catholic students may choose to participate in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Women in Business mentoring program and attend the Annual Business Expo. All students explore our Christian call to be of service to others through our Good Samaritan program. The 20 hours of service required annually foster the proclamation of the Gospel within our community.

These experiences more fully prepare our students for their departure from Lancaster Catholic. Whether they arrive on a college campus, enter the military or join the work force, they are equipped with a first-class education and a world-view grounded in faith and service to humanity. We prepare students for the temporal and the eternal.

LANCASTER CATHOLIC STUDENTS…

ATTEND TOP COLLEGES

AND UNIVERSITIES

EARN APPOINTMENTS TO

MILITARY ACADEMIES

MERIT OVER 3 MILLION

DOLLARS IN SCHOLARSHIP

OFFERS EACH YEAR

PERFORM MORE THAN 10,000

SERVICE HOURS ANNUALLY

““

Lancaster Catholic was

truly an investment

as both of our children

received college scholarships

two to three times the amount

we paid in LCHS tuition.

- Parent ‘14

For more information about our Partner Catholic Elementary

Schools, please go to www.lchsyes.org/partnerelementary.

O Catholic High, we hail thy name, Loved guardian of our youth. O Radiant the holy flame That lights thy lamp of truth. We pledge you our firm loyalty, O Alma Mater dear. We’ll cherish, love and honor thee And thy great name revere, We’ll cherish, love and honor thee And thy great name revere.

650 Juliette Avenue | Lancaster, PA 17601

717.509.0313 | www.lchsyes.org