Academics
Bishop Ireton offers an
extraordinary and gifted faculty and staff. The average Bishop Ireton teacher is
someone with a master’s degree, often two, with more than ten years of teaching
experience. Our teachers understand they are seeking to "touch eternity" by
preparing students through instruction and example to lead future generations.
The dedication of our teachers fosters a learning environment
characterized by challenge. Our students focus on preparing for college, and
take 26.5 credit hours in order to graduate. Students can take courses in each
of three levels: College Prep, Honors and/or Advanced Placement. Our classes are
kept small (student/teacher ratio is 13/1) to facilitate increased individual
attention. Computer technology is integrated in all subjects to produce students
with the skills needed to excel in today’s information society.
The
following are some quick facts regarding the Class of 2008's academic successes:
99% of the
seniors pursued higher education immediately after graduation.
3 students were
National Merit Semi-Finalists; 2 students were National Merit Finalists; 8
students were National Merit Commended students.
The graduates
earned over $12.5 million in college scholarships.
They averaged
1773 on the full SAT with 100% participation.
Athletics
Excellence in
Academics and Athletics
Bishop Ireton invites all students to participate
in athletics and urges student athletes to strive for academic and athletic
excellence. In team sports, a dedicated coaching staff provides the leadership
for our teams to be competitive in the WCAC within the framework of good
sportsmanship. The athletic department encourages student athletes to maximize
their athletic talents during all three sports seasons.
We field 41
interscholastic teams on which more than 500 of our students, almost 70% of the
student body, participate. We compete in the Washington Catholic Athletic
Conference, and our teams are supported by the Athletic Boosters through service
and fundraising. Ireton is also eligible to compete for Virginia State
Independent school championships and Virginia State Catholic titles.
Co-curricular Activities
As we focus on developing
the whole person, we believe opportunities for social and personal development
are essential to a complete education.
Co-Curricular programs are
designed to enable each student to discover, develop and respect their God-given
gifts and talents. This process of self discovery fosters in each student an
appreciation of the aesthetic nature of human life and culture. By being
involved in one of our many programs, like Drama, Model United Nations or Peer
Helpers, our students will learn to respect their own uniqueness and dignity and
to be confident and self-possessed adults. In addition to these benefits,
co-curriculars foster a spirit of trust and hopitality among students, faculty
and staff.
Our Symphonic Wind Ensemble is an activity which epitomizes
"excellence" in co-curricular programs. This program is based on two concepts:
the artistic performance of quality wind and percussion literature, and the
development of individual musical responsibility. This program has grown over
the more than 35 years since its inception to be one of the most highly
acclaimed high school music programs in the United States.