PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is opening the doors of its sixteen high schools to seventh-grade students across the five-county region. The Archdiocese’s Universal Visitation Day, slated to take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024, is designed to provide prospective high school students with a revealing glimpse into the distinct academic programs, campus life, and vibrant school spirit that characterize each institution.
From Bucks County’s Conwell-Egan Catholic High School to Pope John Paul II High School in Montgomery County, this day-long exploration invites students from all educational backgrounds – parish and regional schools, Independence Mission Schools, as well as current public, charter, cyber, and private school students – to make the most of this unique opportunity.
The initiative’s core ambition is to demystify the transition to high school, enabling future high schoolers to meet administrators, teachers, and current students. Beyond the traditional campus tours, the comprehensive program includes hands-on activities that spotlight the academic strengths of each institution.
For instance, at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Bucks County, students can dive into the STEM program, engage in an Art/Music Expo, and even experience traditional classrooms. Similarly, at Pope John Paul II High School, students will follow a truncated class schedule, thereby paving the way for a day filled with exploration, connection, and celebration.
In Chester County, Bishop Shanahan High School will guide students through its sprawling campus and introduce the student body, club, and activity leaders, offering invitees an authentic experience of life as a Shanahan Eagle.
Meanwhile, Delaware County’s Cardinal O’Hara High School has crafted a day to give students an intimate look at life as an O’Hara Lion. Similar experiential learning opportunities are available at Saints Neumann Goretti High School, where students will get a chance to participate in special classes, enjoy an orchestra presentation, and learn about life as an SNG Saint from the school’s ambassadors.
For those venturing to Archbishop Ryan High School in North Philadelphia, the Visitation Day will commence with a prayer, followed by a detailed orientation and classroom visits, offering students a glimpse of a math-themed escape room and the school’s innovative Virtual Reality Lab.
By opening its doors to prospective students, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the Catholic high school experience. This proactive approach empowers students, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future education while fostering a sense of excitement and anticipation about the journey ahead.
Beyond the sheer logistical feat of organizing such an expansive event, the Universal Visitation Day reiterates the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s commitment to the next generation of academic achievers, creating a welcoming, inviting space for students to step into their high school journey.
Exploring the high school landscape can be challenging for young students and their parents. The Archdiocese’s initiative seeks to ease this transition, showcasing the excellent educational opportunities available in the Greater Philadelphia area’s Catholic high schools. As students engage with the schools’ administration, teachers, and students, they get a chance to envision their own high school journey more clearly, making it less of a daunting unknown and more of an exciting new chapter.
In essence, the Universal Visitation Day serves as a unique opportunity to acquaint students with the dynamic world of Catholic high school education, thereby fostering not merely informed choices but also nurturing future leaders.
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