Xaverian High School Admissions Profile for Parents

Xaverian High School is a co-ed school providing education to boys and girls from 6th to 12th grade. Located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, the school was first established in 1957 and is one of only thirteen throughout the country that is sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers.

Xaverian is one of the leading schools in New York City for over 60 years and is founded on the Catholic faith as well as the desire to grow in intellect, leadership, music, athletics, and more. They have also educated almost 1,200 students per year, totaling over 17,000 alumni.

Their goal is to provide a ‘thriving learning community that challenges its young women and men to fortify their faith in God, feed their intellectual curiosities, forfeit selfishness for Christian service, foster self-growth and forge lasting relationships, ultimately shaping confident and courageous leaders.’

Xaverian High School Quick Facts

Percentage of students accepted to college	100%
Yearly tuition	$16,300+ fees
Number of clubs and organizations	39
Number of sports and athletic teams	40
Student to teacher ratio	13:1
Average class size	27
Approximate Grade Size	300 students per grade
Religious foundation	Catholic, Xaverian Brothers
Student body	co-ed
Average SAT score	1230
Average ACT score	27
Xaverian High School Admissions Exam	TACHS in November of 8th grade
TACHS Choice Ranking	Must place on TACHS choice list, 1st preferred. The farther away you live, the less important putting Xaverian 1st is.
Xaverian High School Scholarship Exam	HSPT – The Scholarship Exam for Xaverian High School is on multiple dates in late November and early December. Register here – https://xaverian.myschoolapp.com/page/event-detail?siteId=1599&ssl=1&register=39915
Website	https://www.xaverian.org/
Virtual Tour	https://www.xaverian.org/admissions/interactive-viewbook
Test Dates, Open House Dates, Information Session Dates	https://www.xaverian.org/list-detail?pk=180351&fromId=276192

 

Xaverian High School Scholarship Offerings and Financial Information

Tuition rates for Xaverian will vary from one year to another. For 2021 the rates are $16,300 per student. This does not include Genesis students whose rate is $10,475 or any fees such as activity fees, freshman registration fees, and technology fees. Students who pay their full tuition early (approximately July 15th each year) are eligible for a 1.75% discount.

All high school students will pay $250 for activity fees and $135 for technology fees each year. They will also pay $250 as incoming freshmen for a registration fee, which is non-refundable.

All Genesis (middle school) students will be charged a $275 activity fee per year.

Activity fees include the cost of all intramural memberships, club memberships, memberships to groups and organizations, and athletic memberships.

Xaverian Scholarships

Xaverian High School offers academic scholarships as well as music scholarships but does not award athletic scholarships. Financial aid is also available for students who qualify.

Xaverian High School awards approximately $3.4 million to students through need-based financial aid and academic, merit-based scholarships each year. Xaverian also offers grants for children of NYPD and FDNY. They offer many of scholarships and have many scholarship funds to which you can donate, if you so choose. Some scholarships must be provided to musicians and those who exhibit ‘Xaverian values’.

Students who do not qualify for scholarships may still break down their tuition expenses into one of several plans. The first is an annual plan where the full fee is due by July 15th, which offers a 1.75% discount.

The second is a semi-annual plan where families pay 50% of tuition on July 15th and 50% on January 15th. There are no discounts associated with this plan.

The third option is an eight-month plan where tuition payments are made from September through April. This plan requires a $40 fee for the SMART TUITION program.

The final option is the ten-month plan where tuition payments are made from July through April. This plan also requires a $40 fee for the SMART TUITION program.

No interest is charged on any of these plans.

 

Xaverian High School Academics

Xaverian High School is accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, which is a non-required accreditation that demonstrates excellence and the value of the education received.

They also offer 11 AP courses alongside eight courses from St. John’s University College Advantage Program and 4 Syracuse University Project Advance courses. These include language courses, religious study courses, science, math, history, and more. (source)

The STEM program allows students at the Middle School and High School levels to interact with the latest technology and learn the most advanced science related to all areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Ryken also offers the STEM program. Each of these groups provides students with the ability to learn computer science, robotics and automation, design and modeling, engineering, and biomedical science.

Xaverian gives all admitted students an iPad. All classrooms have Apple TV’s. On top of this, the entire school is equipped with WiFi, and there are multiple auditoriums and computer labs to assist student learning. Social media is also used in lessons to help facilitate additional learning by students. The school also offers online databases, resources, and electronic books for students.

I used to each at Xaverian and can personally attest to how dedicated the teacher there are. By attending Xaverian, your student will have the pleasure of being taught by excellent teachers such as Mr. Mace, Ms. Hayes, Mr. Procida, Dr. K, Mr. Raimondo, Ms. Schneider, and many others.

College Preparation Program

All students attending Xaverian will be enrolled in a college preparatory program that gives them the skills and courses necessary to attend college and to excel. The program allows students to graduate with a Regents diploma, which is a higher level diploma than the standard offered at traditional New York High Schools.

Students will also be able to earn credit for college.

IPAX Internship Program

Students who are in full honors complete the IPAX internship program. In this program, students have the opportunity to work hands-on with professionals in a range of different career paths. The program will enable students to be placed with a mentor in a profession of their choice to gain work experience, networking skills, and additional experience for their college applications.

IPAX Internship program consists of at least 20 hours in the chosen profession. It serves as a required portion of the Honors Program. Students can work in a range of different fields, including journalism, law, architecture and engineering, business, medicine and dentistry, arts and culture, and politics, military, and law enforcement.

The Ryken Program

Those students who are considered to have the cognitive ability to pass the rigorous program offered to Xaverian students but who exhibit a documented disability that interferes with their academic performance can qualify for the Ryken Program with Xaverian.

Xaverian designed this program for students with reading, mathematical, or writing disorders, receptive or expressive language disorders, or attention deficit disorder, though other students may also be eligible. It offers all of the same rigorous educational resources and accolades of the traditional Xaverian experience with extensive support as required by the student.

Students in the Ryken Program will still complete all of the requirements for a Regents Diploma with the assistance of trained staff, after-school tutoring, small classes, and state-of-the-art technology. This program requires a separate application. There are limited spots available for students each year.

SAT/ACT Scores and College Matriculation

Most students from Xaverian go on to schools like New York University, St. John’s University New York, and Fordham University. They study programs such as business, pre-med, and psychology. Students at Xaverian achieve an average of 1230 on the SAT and 27 on the ACT (source).

Xaverian High School Student Life

Xaverian High School is located in Brooklyn, specifically in the Bay Ridge area, which is right across the street from the Narrows Botanical Gardens and the Belt Parkway. It’s located inside a single large building, encompassing nearly a full city block. Xaverian has one of the best cafeterias a high school could possibly have. From first hand experience, the food is consistently delicious and relatively inexpensive.

Xaverian High School Sports

There are plenty of sports teams at Xaverian throughout the year, with 40 different teams available in a range of different sports offered throughout the school year.

Fall Sports:

• Boys/Girls Cross Country
• Boys Football
• Bowling
• Boys/Girls Soccer
• Girls Volleyball
• Girls Tennis

Winter Sports:

• Boys/Girls indoor track & field
• Basketball Boys/Girls
• Boys/Girls swimming
• Cheerleading
• Ice hockey

Spring Sports:

• Boys/Girls outdoor track & field
• Boys baseball
• Girls softball
• Boys/Girls lacrosse
• Boys/Girls Golf
• Boys Tennis
• Boys Volleyball

Xaverian High School Extracurriculars

There are 11 extracurricular events, clubs, and activities available through Xaverian, through co-ed programs that include art clubs and the chess team or model UN and National Honor Society. Not to mention, there are 28 different musical programs available, each of which are performing groups. Some of Xaverian’s over 35 extracurriculars include the following:

• Art and Literary Magazine
• Art Club
• Chess Team
• Clipper Society
• Mock Trial
• Model UN
• National Honor Society
• Rocket Club
• Speech & Debate
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Student Newspaper

 

Xaverian High School Famous Alumni

There are a number of famous alumni from Xaverian High School, which include professionals in all areas of the world, including Emmy-winning actors, entrepreneurs, professional sports players, politicians, and writers.

• Tom Abinanti, politician, lawyer, member of the New York State Assembly, 1964
• Oday Aboushi, NFL player
• Brian Alvey, Internet entrepreneur, 1987
• Rich Aurilia, professional baseball player, 1989
• Michael Badalucco, Emmy-winning actor, 1972
• Scott Baio, actor, 1978
• Pedro Beato, baseball player
• Jason Calacanis, Internet entrepreneur (CEO & Co-Founder of Weblogs, Inc., CEO of Mahalo), 1988
• Bill Corbett, writer, and performer on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
• Pete Davidson, actor, comedian, and cast member of Saturday Night Live, 2011
• Charles L. English–United States Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovenia
• Levance Fields, college basketball player, 2005
• Christopher Hoban – former NYC police officer, killed in the line of duty
• Mike Longabardi – NBA assistant coach, 2x NBA Finals champion (2008, 2016)
• Ruddy Lugo, major league baseball player
• Chris Mullin, NBA Hall of Fame, head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm, 1981
• Tito Nieves, Latin music star
• Chris Taft, NBA Player, 2003

Xaverian High School Admissions Process

The application process for Xaverian begins with an online application. Students must complete this according to a strict deadline in November. The school must receive letters of recommendation by the same deadline.

Xaverian requires students to sit for the TACHS exam in November and put Xaverian as one of their three choices. They must also submit two letters of recommendation from a teacher, principal, or coach along with the application and must send copies of the student transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted prior to a strict December deadline and must include final grades that are not included on the transcripts submitted by the student’s middle school with the application.

Students who are interested can then sit for the scholarship exam or contact the music office if they would like to sit for a music department scholarship. Parents must submit financial aid applications by a strict deadline in December.

XCEL Summer Program – Xaverian Community of Emerging Leaders

This leadership program is offered to students currently in the summer between their 7th and 8th-grade years. The program runs for a period of one month, Monday through Thursday, and provides students with an opportunity to showcase and develop their leadership skills in a unique environment.

The program is for young men and women and includes TACHS prep courses as well as elective courses in one of several different areas, which include:

• Robotics
• Film Production
• Forensics
• Microbit and Drone Programming
• Journalism
• History of Bay Ridge

Students also engage in recreational activities in the school gymnasium or at nearby Shore Road Park. There are leadership seminars, team-building programs, and a one-day servant leadership retreat. The goal of this is to aid students in developing their leadership skills as well as spiritual and educational enrichment.

Taking the TACHS as Entrance Exam for Xaverian

Students who wish to attend Xaverian High School must complete the TACHS exam for admissions consideration. This exam is a standard for Catholic schools in the area. Xaverian must be listed as one of the student’s choices on their exam. Their results from the exam must be provided to the school directly from the testing facility.

The best way to prepare for the TACHS exam is through practice tests or by joining the XCEL program, offered through Xaverian in the summer between 7th and 8th grade. The XCEL program provides leadership, educational and spiritual development, as well as TACHS prep. Practice tests allow the student to study and prepare on their own time.

If you are interested in practice tests for the Xaverian scholarship exam and TACHS, we offer them between April and October each year. The practice exams make sure that students do not face any surprises on test day. You can schedule a practice test below, or you can check out this schedule of practice tests for the Xaverian scholarship exam and TACHS to find out more. The earlier you start, the more prepared your child will be as we begin with more straightforward exams and work our way to more difficult ones as we near the actual exam.

I work with students throughout their middle school careers to strengthen their academic skills. My students have earned over $12.8 million dollars in scholarships to NYC’s top private high schools.

Full Breakdown of Scholarships 2022

Signup for Your Student’s First High School Admissions Practice Exam: TACHS or HSPT

Taking the HSPT for the Xaverian High School Scholarship Exam

Any students who wish to be considered for a scholarship from Xaverian must complete the official scholarship exam. They must have at least 90% in their middle school in order to be considered to sit for the exam, and the student must state that they are interested in their application.

The exam is not the only piece to getting a scholarship as the student’s TACHS scores, letters of recommendation, overall application, and grades will play a role in getting (or not getting) a scholarship. The Xaverian scholarship exam is very difficult, with the most difficult part being the little amount of time given per question. It has vocabulary, logic, analogies, reading comprehension, math, grammar, spelling, and editing/revising. This shares some overlap with the TACHS. It also has some overlap with the private school admissions exams of the ISEE and SSAT.

Xaverian uses the HSPT as a scholarship exam, which is the same type of exam Xavier, Fordham, St. Peter’s Prep, Loyola and many other high schools use. It is also the admissions exam for Regis. The formats and types of all of the exams will be identical, but the questions will be different. Students must take the Xaverian exam separately and cannot send the scores to Regis/Xavier/Fordham/St. Peter’s Prep or vice versa.

Comparison between the HSPT and TACHS

HSPT compared with the ISEE

HSPT compared with the SSAT

Students are also able to apply for a music scholarship by contacting the music office and auditioning. Students who receive an academic scholarship are eligible to receive a music scholarship as well. Information about both scholarships, as well as financial aid, can be found here.

Prep for the Xaverian High School Admissions Process

Anyone who is looking to get into Xaverian or to get their child into Xaverian will want to get started early. The school is very competitive, and doing well on the TACHS exam is crucial to acceptance. Not only that, but the school requires excellence in middle school, reflected on student transcripts and grade reports, for consideration for admission and scholarships.

High-level accomplishments in middle school will be a big part of getting into Xaverian High School. Students who wish to get into the Genesis Middle School will also need to show dedication and excellence, even in the early years of their education.

Advanced tutoring, and especially sessions with small groups or even individually, will help students who are looking to get into Xaverian to get the help they need to give them a leg up. All provided material throughout the tutoring process is cumulative, so the earlier your student starts, the better off they will be when it comes time to apply to Xaverian.

As someone who scored in the 99th percentile on these exams and earned full scholarships to all high schools I applied, I know the preparation and commitment it takes to succeed in getting into a private high school. My team of tutors offers group and private tutoring sessions to boost your student’s academic performance and self-confidence for the rigorous private high school admissions season.

Similar Preparation to other NYC High Schools

You may also consider high schools like Xavier in Manhattan, St. Edmund’s, Fontbonne Hall Academy, St. Joseph By the Sea, Monsignor Farrell, Hill in Staten Island, Notre Dame Academy, Convent of the Sacred Heart in Manhattan, Marymount, or The Mary Louis Academy in Queens. Many schools share identical preparation and have identical tests. The nuances of their admissions processes vary, but we can answer any questions you have about these. More Information on other high schools and exams in the NYC area

Individual and Group Tutoring Sessions

My students have earned admission some of the most prestigious schools in the country, including Regis, arguably the most prestigious high school in the country. I work with students to improve their academics to make sure they achieve success in their exams and beyond, even when they already excel. My students have also earned large scholarships to high-level schools, earning over $12.8 million in financial assistance through merit based scholarships with twenty-nine students passing the rigorous Regis exam. In addition, students I tutored have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Xaverian with countless others earning admissions to Xaverian High School. In addition, I used to teach chemistry at Xaverian High School.

John Zaborskis has tutored students to help them earn over $2 million ($2,167,000 as of 2022) in scholarships to Xaverian since 2015.

John tutored students that earned over $3.8 million to the best NYC high schools in 2022.

Most students take a TACHS or HSPT practice test before their first lesson to identify areas of improvement and potentially group similar students with similar goals. We also use this to compare to future practice tests to determine what is working and what isn’t. Call, text, or email us to discuss the best options for your student including individual one-on-one tutoring or in a group. Online group sessions have rolling starts year round. You can view availability for groups and tutoring at Book Me.

Contact me for more info or to start tutoring lessons