Xavier College Preparatory: A Legacy of Faith, Academics, and Empowerment
Xavier College Preparatory, a private, Catholic, all-girls high school in Phoenix, Arizona, stands as a beacon of educational excellence and holistic development. Founded in 1943 by the Jesuit Fathers of St. Francis Xavier Parish and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), Xavier has a rich history steeped in tradition, academic rigor, and a commitment to empowering young women.
A Foundation of Faith and Tradition
Traditions form the core of the Xavier identity. From the uniform, the blue plaid skirt which serves as the mark of young women of faith pursuing excellence, to daily practices and annual celebrations, these rituals and traditions provide the freedom necessary to focus and the reflection required to celebrate achievements and bind students in true community for decades. The school's identity is deeply rooted in its Catholic faith and the principles of Jesuit education. All interaction between teachers, students, parents, and the community is rooted in the principle of cura personalis (Latin for "care of the person"). A second major principle of Jesuit education is the Jesuit motto Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (Latin for "For the Greater Glory of God"). Xavier College Preparatory hopes to graduate students who strive, in all their decisions, to serve God's greater glory.
The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who have run Xavier since its founding, were themselves founded by Mother Mary Frances Clarke, who migrated from Ireland to the United States with four other women. Later the BVM sisters established schools throughout the East, Midwest and West. In Arizona since 1936 with the opening of St. Mary’s High School, the BVMs have been instrumental in shaping Catholic education.
Academic Excellence and Innovation
Xavier College Prep offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum. All Xavier students take a college-prep curriculum, which includes Theology, Computer Science, English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages. Partnering with Rio Salado College, Xavier provides students the opportunity to earn an Associates Degree while still in high school. The school follows a traditional college preparatory curriculum. Students are required to take classes in English, Mathematics, Catholic Theology, Social Studies, Laboratory Sciences, World Languages, Fine Arts and Physical Education as well as half a semester of Computer Programming. 46 Honors classes are available in all fields of study, and 27 Advanced Placement Classes are available to students in grades 9-12. All seniors are required to take AP Literature. There is also a service requirement for all juniors.
The Social Studies Department's mission is to create quality instruction by linking significant skills and knowledge in social studies to the total development of the student, equipping them to deal with complex issues in society.
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Xavier has a strong record of academic achievement. In the past 10 years, the school has congratulated 89 National Merit Finalists, 143 Commended Scholars, 36 National Hispanic Scholars, and five National Black American Scholars. Xavier students have been designated Presidential Scholars in 1979, 1986, 1990, 2001, 2008, and 2014; Presidential Scholar Semi-Finalists in 1975, 1993, and 2014; and Flinn Scholars in 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2019. Xavier Named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School!
The school also embraces innovation, particularly in the field of computer science. Xavier was the first high school in the state of Arizona to found a chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society. The induction of its founding members occurred on August 28, 2019. The Computer Science Department was inspired by Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, BVM, who was one of the first two Americans to earn a PhD in Computer Science and a member of the same order of nuns, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Xavier Computer Science Honor Society also offers many opportunities for young women to become more involved in STEAM. One of the Society's biggest events of the year is Girls Have IT Day.
Empowering Young Women
As an All-Girls’ school, Xavier prepares our students to become women who rise to the highest level of leadership. Girls fill every seat in the Student Council, the Computer Science Honor Society, and every position in the Calculus Club. As an All-Girls’ school, Xavier students enjoy a great sense of respect for self and others. It enables them to find and use their voices in the classroom, in the community, at college, in their careers, and beyond. The school fosters a supportive environment where young women can develop their voices, pursue their passions, and become confident leaders.
Athletics and Activities
Xavier College Preparatory offers a full range of athletics. Under the direction of Vice Principal for Activities/Athletic Director, Sister Lynn Winsor BVM, named Coach of the Decade by MaxPreps in 2019, student-athletes first focus on the important lessons of Christian values, sportsmanship, leadership and self-discipline. Xavier “Gators” are well-known for their athletic prowess, team spirit, and sense of fairness. Xavier Spiritline cheer won the USA national championship in 2017. Xavier Spiritline pom got second place in the USA national championship in 2017. Recently, Sister Lynn Winsor was interviewed & filmed by CBS Evening News (national). This year marks the 50th anniversary of the start of Title IX, which expanded and gave equity to girls' athletics in schools. XCP's Noelle Bofia - UNC Women's Basketball secures its first commitment from the 2026 recruiting class! XCP's New Head Varsity Flag Football Coach!
Xavier High School has over 80 clubs available to students including three publications and multiple honors societies. When you join the National History Club, you join students and teachers from around the country in learning, reading, writing, and living history. The school provides a wide array of co-curricular clubs and activities. XCP's Fall Play - Clue! Fall Play Audition Information! Frosh Night! Rio Salado Parent Information Night!
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A Commitment to Service
Along with nationally recognized programs, Xavier fosters a commitment to service and excellence in character in young women. Educating the whole person - intellectually, spiritually, physically - is our goal. Xavier is a Roman Catholic school of the diocese of Phoenix, all faiths find a home here and are united by a communal approach to the greater good through our Christian Service program.
Historical Context
Ever since St. In the United States, the Jesuit educational tradition can be traced to the arrival of Jesuits with Lord Baltimore’s colonists in 1634. What was to become Fordham University opened in 1841 and was placed under the direction of the Jesuits in 1846. It was a member of that community, Fr. John Larkin, S.J., who in 1847 traveled to Lower Manhattan to found Xavier. In 1886, the military department was established under the direction of the National Guard, beginning a lasting military heritage that continues to thrive today. 1897 saw the class systems reorganized to complete the break between college and high school departments. In 1912, the college was closed, and full emphasis was placed on secondary education. The enrollment was 338 at that time. With the National Defense Act of 1916, the Congress of the United States created a Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program and authorized the establishment of Junior ROTC units at secondary schools that would offer a course of military training for a minimum of three academic years. In 1968, Xavier was raised to the status of a military institute, offering four years of military science and training. Graduates were then eligible for two years credit towards Senior ROTC advancement and one honor cadet could be nominated for each of the major service academies. Today, Xavier High School holds memberships in the Jesuit Schools Network, the National Association of Independent Schools, National Catholic Education Association, and the New York State Association of Independent Schools.
Founded in 1943 by the Jesuit fathers of St. Francis Xavier Parish and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Xavier remained on Brophy’s campus until the spring of 1953, sharing Brophy’s facilities for one year when Brophy ultimately reopened in 1952. Originally located on the campus of Brophy College Preparatory, the school moved into Fitzgerald hall on its current campus in the spring of 1953. More buildings have been added as the school has grown. Since then, the Xavier campus has added Lutfy Hall (1973), the Activity Center (1981), Brown Hall (1983), the Virginia Piper Center for Science and Technology (1994), the Virginia G. Piper Goettl Student Center (2002), and the Chapel of Our Lady (2012). While the school remains all-female, students at Xavier share many classes with students from Brophy College Preparatory, the all-male Jesuit high school that is adjacent to Xavier. However, students were permitted to take classes at Brophy College Preparatory however, this is no longer the case.
Xavier's Strategic Plan
Xavier's Strategic Plan!
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