The Indiana Department of Education has announced its 2018-2019 Letter Grades, and, for the ninth consecutive year, Bishop Chatard High School has received an “A”.
“To be recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as an ‘A’ school for nine years in a row is a tremendous accomplishment. That consistency in success is a tribute to the hard work that our entire community displays,” Principal Joe Hansen said. “Kudos to our teachers and support staff as they continue to stress academic excellence while helping each individual student grow academically and spiritually.”
Bishop Chatard places a high value on this state recognition, in part because of the unique role the school plays in today’s Catholic school academic landscape. As the North Deanery high school of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Bishop Chatard’s mission is to provide a rigorous academic program to students with a wide range of learning levels. Earning an “A” from Indiana’s student-centered accountability system affirms that educators are successfully preparing BCHS graduates for college and beyond.
Earlier this school year, the state recognized Bishop Chatard’s Advanced Placement program, ranking it 13th in the state for success on AP exams. To qualify for this award, a school must have had at least 25 percent of its graduating class receive a 3, 4 or 5 on an AP exam. 42 percent of Bishop Chatard’s Class of 2018 graduates (results used for 2019 awards) earned a score of 3 or above on an AP test, placing BCHS in the top 3 percent of Indiana high schools and making it the highest-achieving diocesan school in Indiana.
Administrators say a willingness of students to challenge themselves academically, along with a teaching and counseling staff that works with those students from freshmen to senior year to keep them engaged, reinforces the school’s commitment to forming the whole person. Encouragement to get involved in extracurricular and faith-formation activities and group helps students find a healthy balance.
“On average, our students are involved in at least 2 extracurricular activities throughout the year,” Vice Principal of Student Services Ben Reilly said. Data also reveals that the grade point average of students increases with the number of activities they engage in. “Receiving the ‘A’ letter grade shows our students are able to balance a rigorous course schedule and enjoy activities outside of the classroom.”
“Bishop Chatard is proud to have the Indiana Department of Education confirm its long-standing tradition of academic excellence,” Vice Principal of Academics Ann Taylor said.
Executive Vice President Tyler Mayer reiterated his colleague’s sentiment, adding “May the good Lord continue to bless Bishop Chatard with talented professionals and outstanding students from supportive families!”