Xavier High School

Unless you have cash to burn or live in a city with a poor public high school, save your money for your child's college tuition. Xavier likes to promote the myth that its Catholic atmosphere is supposed to foster higher learning, but in reality if you want your son to nurture his faith and excel in his studies then you're better off sending him to public school, going to church as a family, and keeping on top of his studies at home. Their policies are meant to bolster the image of the school rather than what is in your son's best interest; for example, the shirt-and-tie uniform policy robs youth of the freedom to express themselves in perhaps the most formative years of their lives. Students are given a choice to either raise money for the school's advertising revenue every year on their own or face detention. Instead of using some of the money from the outrageous cost to attend the school to pay for bus fare for out-of-town students, they make you pay for that as well. They care more about how much press their football program gets rather than how well their students perform on tests. College is expensive enough; don't waste your son's education budget on a school like Xavier.
—Submitted by a student

I would highly recommend Xavier High School. Although it was a sacrifice to pay the tuition, I would say I got my money's worth and then some. I found there to be virtually no fund raising at all. The quality of the teaching and guidance staff is very high and level of academics is rigorous. The community spirit and attention given to each student is exceptional. Self discipline and respect is expected from all. Great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I attend Xavier High School so from a students perspective I can say that I enjoy it. If you want your son to excell in academics and other programms then Xavier offers that to them.
—Submitted by a student

My son went there and loved it. He was in the honors program and excelled. The teachers are excellent, there are a vast amount of sports, intramurals, arts/music, and other extra curriculars. There is something for everyone. School spirit is great, I've never seen students so committed. The music program is phenomenal. Parents are very involved and so are many of the alumni. The work load is very hard but I'm sure it will pay off for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Xavier for four years, in summary I would classify this as a Catholic High School, not a Predatory school. I conclude this for the following, all applicants are accepted, there is absolutely no admissions criteria. As a result the resources required to address all of the needs are few. In accepting all applicants the need and focus on fund raising is extraordinary.This effort is directed at the parents that are already paying a hefty tuition. A college predatory school has one objective, preparing a student for college. This means from the day they arrive the school is intimately involved in helping the student build a resume, they do not do this. Request the stats and compare to other prep programs. As for the community environment, that basically revolves around fund raising.
—Submitted by a parent

I would recommend this school if religious instruction is important to you. However, if your son is tracked for the honors program in the public school system you may want to consider that.There is definitely an urban element, also something to consider if your son is coming from a small town.If you expect extracurricular involvement you must provide the transportation or have your son do without. Difficult as so many colleges expect that today.
—Submitted by a former student

My son has attended this school for three yrs, he is graduating next yr. I can't say enough about this school...Academically it is the best of them. You are in a family at xavier, it is a community.It is a school if you are excepted to feel lucky to have your child in.The boys tow the line in this school. They learn respect, about god and to have pride. I would recommend this school very much!
—Submitted by a parent

this is an excellent school academically. It also provides a strong sense of responsiblity and character in the students. The only down side of attending is that it is difficult to continue to play sports unless you really excel. However, there is a great sense of school pride and spirit so if you cannot be on the team you most certainly will enjoy attending the games.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school to attend. not only do receive a wonderful education, but you also experience the life of a roman catholic by going to mass, having relgiion classes, and many other things. Xavier High School is perhaps one of the most well known and respected schools, not only in Connecticut, but also throughout the country.
—Submitted by a student