Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total enrollment at Bishop Chatard and its average class size?
The overall school enrollment for 2011-12
is approximately 724 students.
The average class size for most BCHS classes is
approximately 22 students. This number is smaller
for some classes such as world languages, fine
arts, and AP courses, which can average 8-12
students.
Are students allowed to 'Test Out' of Freshman level courses?
Yes. Freshmen can 'test out' of the first year of study in world languages and math,
and be placed directly into the second year. There are also honors
courses in most disciplines, including English,
science, math, music, social studies, and the world
languages. Freshman level honors courses are
offered in math and English.
Summer school is offered in various subjects, including but not
limited to health, computer technology I & II, and
pre-algebra, to help students with remediation or
to accommodate their schedule for the freshman
year. Please contact the guidance office for more
specific information.
Are students able to take classes for college credit while at Bishop Chatard?
Bishop Chatard High School offers 10 dual credit
courses along with numerous AP classes (Macroeconomics,
Government, Chemistry, Biology,
English Composition and Literature, French,
Spanish, Statistics, Calculus, U.S. History, World
History, Psychology, Art History, and Studio Art)
that have the potential for college credit.
Where can I find out what courses are offered at BCHS?
A listing of all course offerings by department can be found under
'Academics'.
What extracurricular activities are open to Freshmen?
Bishop Chatard encourages all students to
investigate and become involved in as many extra/
co-curricular activities and athletic pursuits as
possible, no matter what their grade level! See
Join a Club for a listing of clubs and organizations at BCHS.
What is the admission procedure?
Each eighth grader seeking admission for the
Class of 2016 is required to have an application,
placement test results, ISTEP results, and 7th and
8th grade report cards on file in the admission
office by December 16, 2011.
In January, one-on-one Pre-Registration Meetings will allow the student a chance to register for Freshmen classes and ask any questions he/she may still have. Acceptance letters will be sent in February. See Apply to BCHS for specific details.
Whom do I contact to arrange
to shadow at BCHS or find out more about the school?
Shadowing is done by appointment only. The
Shadowing page explains the BCHS process and has a link to reserve a shadowing date online. For more information about Bishop Chatard, please contact Meredith Fredrickson, Director of Enrollment, at (317) 251-1451 Ext. 2267.
When are the placement tests for the Class of 2016?
The placement tests for incoming freshmen are scheduled for November 12 & December 3, 2011. We encourage all students applying for the Class of 2016 to take the placement test at BCHS, although we will accept scores sent to us from other high schools. Pre-registration is highly encouraged (
register here), and there is no fee for the test.
Are religion classes and service hours required at BCHS?
Students are required to take religion classes each
of their four years at BCHS. Also, all students must
complete a minimum of three community service
projects each year. The program culminates in a
senior service essay which must be completed in
order to graduate.
Where can I find out more about the Service Program at BCHS?
Details about the mission of the service program and other aspects of faith life at Bishop Chatard can be found under
'Campus Ministry'.
When does the school day start?
The school day begins at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 3:10
p.m. (Exceptions: Monday - school begins at 8:40am, and Friday - school ends at 2:10pm.) Students can be dropped off as early
as 6:45 a.m. as long as they report to the cafeteria
until the academic hallways open. All students
must be picked up by 5:00 p.m. While waiting, they report to the student life center to do homework and relax until their ride comes.
What type of schedule does Bishop Chatard have?
The school operates on a rotating eight-period day
schedule. The rotation allows students to attend
an individual class at different times of the day.
Most students take seven academic classes and
one lunch/study period.
Do students receive academic and college counseling?
Yes. As freshmen, students are assigned a
counselor who will follow them throughout their high school career (this includes course selections and standardized tests).
Counselors are also responsible for college and career counseling beginning freshman year. Bishop
Chatard also now employs a full-time college
advisor to provide additional support.
What about college acceptances and scholarships for BCHS graduates?
Go to
the listing of the Class of 2011 scholarship awards and college acceptances to see the success of the most recent graduating class.
Do you have any photos of life at BCHS?
Photos from various student and community activities at BCHS can be found in the
'Photo Gallery'.
