become your best self EXCEL
SERVE
LOVE
2019–2020 ADMISSIONS VIEWBOOK 2019–20 VIEWBOOK | OLGCHS.ORG/APPLY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
02 —
06 —
28 —
COME EXPLORE
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
COME BELONG
10 —
COME EXPERIENCE
22 —
29 —
30 —
31 —
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
APPLICATION DEADLINE DEC. 13, 2019
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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
COME PLAY
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
OLGCHS.ORG/APPLY
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
WELCOME TO OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL — If the Good Counsel experience could be defined in a single word, it’s “community.” We are a community ... where our caring faculty will challenge you, building the skills and knowledge for you to be successful in college and beyond. We are a community ... where you will receive daily encouragement and support in your spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth. We are a community ... where you will be exposed to opportunities to uncover talents you never knew you had. We are a community ... where you will feel like you belong, making friendships – with classmates, teachers, and coaches – that will last a lifetime. We are a community ... where you will come to understand and appreciate our five core values: Simplicity, Humility, Compassion,
“
Our students are dedicated to improving our world by engaging in service to other communities: close
Zeal, and Trust. The exceptional experiences Good Counsel offers do not happen in a vacuum. Your learning is not bound by classroom walls. Our students are dedicated to improving our world by engaging in service to other communities: close to home, across the nation, and around the world. You can explore your
to home, across the
creativity, unlock your leadership potential, and develop your
nation, and around
skills through opportunities offered in a comprehensive fine arts
the world.
”
program, more than 40 sports teams, and more than 50 clubs. Our mission says it all: We inspire our students to excel, serve, and love. Imagine yourself a Falcon. We will help you soar. Peace and God bless,
Dr. Paul Barker President
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become who you want to be EXCEL
SERVE
LOVE
OLGCHS.ORG/APPLY
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
COME EXPLORE —
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School offers young men and women unparalleled opportunities to become who they want to be. As one of the area’s top college preparatory high schools, our students are challenged to become their best selves as members of our inclusive and supportive community. For families looking for the best-fit high school for their child, we are a Catholic, private, co-educational community that inspires each student to excel, serve, and love in his or her unique way.
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ABOUT THE SCHOOL
51 — $12M — 11 — 150 — 2 — 5+ — 1,200+ ACRE CAMPUS
STATE-OF-THE-ART PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABS
—
WE INSPI OUR STU TO EXCEL AND LOV
SEAT CHAPEL
GYMNASIUMS
ATHLETIC FIELDS
STUDENTS
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
IRE UDENTS L, SERVE, VE.
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COME BELONG — Rooted in the Xaverian values of Simplicity, Humility, Compassion, Zeal, and Trust, Good Counsel offers students a supportive environment to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Good Counsel is a place where students can be who they are and become who they want to be. We welcome students of all faiths and diverse backgrounds and promote a culture of excellence and achievement in Catholic education.
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“
There is always something happening at Good Counsel, and it keeps everybody involved. — Jacob Class of 2022
”
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
become a member of our community EXCEL
SERVE
LOVE
OLGCHS.ORG/APPLY
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F R E SHM AN
Becoming a Falcon As the newest members of our school, freshmen are paired with faculty advisors to help acclimate and find their place in our community. Students remain paired with their faculty advisors during their four years at Good Counsel to ensure personalized, individualized mentoring and support.
JUN IO R
S OP H OMORE
Learning as a Falcon Building off the supportive foundation established during freshman year, sophomores immerse themselves in the Xaverian values and learn how they can help shape their decision making skills and understanding of their community.
S E NI OR
Leaving as a Falcon Leading as a Falcon
Having nearly completed our
Junior year is a time for
rigorous college preparatory
students to hone both their
program, and with the Xaverian
leadership skills and their
values as a solid foundation,
individual talents as they
seniors are prepared for their
prepare for the college
next chapter after high school.
application process and
Students graduate ready
beyond.
to excel, serve, and love in whatever path they choose.
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL  |  OLGCHS.ORG/APPLY
PARTIAL LIST OF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY ADMITTANCE FOR THE CLASS OF 2019:
University of Pennsylvania New York University University of Virginia Boston College University of Michigan University of Notre Dame Carnegie Mellon University University of Southern California Case Western University Davidson College Georgetown University George Washington University Wake Forest University Harvey Mudd College Vanderbilt Unviersity
CLASS OF 2019 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
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STUDENTS PER YEAR ON AVERAGE ACCEPTED TO IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITIES IN EACH OF THE PAST 10 YEARS
—
$34.7M IN TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
—
71%
OF GRADUATES RECEIVED ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
—
38% —
Johns Hopkins University Northwestern University Bryn Mawr College College of the Holy Cross Swarthmore College Middlebury College
OF GRADUATES WERE ACCEPTED INTO HONORS PROGRAMS
—
43%
GRADUATES ARE ATTENDING ONE OF THE US NEWS TOP 100 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
United States Military Academy at West Point Villanova University College of William and Mary
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become inspired by what we offer EXCEL
SERVE
LOVE
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
COME EXPERIENCE —
Good Counsel’s diverse community thrives when our students are challenged to truly understand and experience our Xaverian values. These values are emphasized in all aspects of the school, but especially through religious studies, retreats, community worship, and various service projects. Students are given the chance to grow in the generosity and self-sacrifice that have always been the hallmark of the Xaverian tradition.
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“
Now that I've started doing community service, I really enjoy it. It makes me feel like a better person. — Sophia Class of 2021
”
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XAVERIAN TRADITION AND THE RYKEN PHILOSOPHY — Our Lady of Good Counsel High School was founded by the Xaverian Brothers as a college-preparatory school for boys in 1958. Thirty years later, we opened our doors to young women. Today, we educate more than 1,200 students each year in the Xaverian tradition of academic excellence and caring. The Xaverian Brothers are a lay religious congregation founded in Belgium by Theodore James Ryken. In the spirit of their patron, Saint Francis Xavier, the Xaverian Brothers undertake missionary work throughout the world to spread the ideals of Christian brotherhood. Their sponsorship of Good Counsel is perhaps best embodied by the congregation’s motto: “In harmony small things grow.”
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL | OLGCHS.ORG/APPLY
OUR VALUES AND TRADITIONS
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XAVERIAN VALUES: SIMPLICITY, HUMILITY, COMPASSION, ZEAL, AND TRUST
— 5 — 6+ — 1 — 30K RETREATS
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRIP OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND MASS, DAILY THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR
HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE PERFORMED BY THE CLASS OF 2019
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Academic excellence is the norm at Good Counsel.
13:1
—
STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO
ACADEMICS — Good Counsel’s curriculum provides each student with a challenging and rewarding academic experience. Our academic model offers a foundation with which our students can explore their interests and grow intellectually in preparation for college and beyond. Our curriculum is defined, yet flexible; students can choose a path that allows them to focus on a certain field of study or explore a host of subjects, all while benefiting from a college preparatory program. Our highly skilled and caring faculty are educators who invest in the advancement of every student.
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—
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
1431
—
TOP 25% AVERAGE SAT SCORE
89%
OF FACULTY HOLD MASTER’S OR DOCTORAL DEGREES
— 1:1
IPAD PROGRAM
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
College Preparatory Program
Xaverian Honors Program
—
—
Our college preparatory program is
Our Xaverian Honors program challenges
designed to expose students to the
qualified high-achieving students to
essential content and skill development
think critically and engage deeply in a
needed to succeed in college. Through this
given subject. With more than 50 course
comprehensive and challenging curriculum,
offerings, this program prepares students in
each student will meet all graduation
later years for AP and/or IB courses.
requirements and be prepared for college.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
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Religious Studies (4 years)
Social Studies (3 years)
English (4 years)
Fine Arts (1 year)
Mathematics (4 years)
Technology (1 year)
Foreign Language (3 years)
Physical Education (1.5 years)
Science (3 years)
General Electives (3–7 credits)
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Academic excellence is the norm at Good Counsel.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program — Our IB Program, recognized by top colleges and universities as one of the best available for high-achieving, highly motivated students, is a two-year college preparatory course of study that requires students to take examinations in six subject areas. Students are admitted to the comprehensive IB Program at the end of the sophomore year for study during junior and senior years.
LEARN MORE AT OLGCHS.ORG/IB
1995 —
33 —
227 —
$4.8M —
YEAR IB PROGRAM WAS
IB COURSES OFFERED
IB EXAMS ADMINISTERED IN
TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS
MAY 2019
OFFERED TO 28 IB STUDENTS
IMPLEMENTED, FIRST AND LARGEST AMONG ALL
IN THE CLASS OF 2019
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE AREA
Ryken Studies Program — Ryken Studies is a college preparatory program designed for highly motivated students who have been diagnosed with mild learning differences. This program assists students in their core courses using varied teaching styles and strategies that focus on skill development in smaller group settings. By junior year, most students move into the College Prep, Honors, AP, and IB Programs as they prepare for college.
LEARN MORE AT OLGCHS.ORG/RYKEN
$4.2M —
40 —
TOTAL ACADEMIC
STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO
THE RYKEN PROGRAM EACH
THE CLASS OF 2019 RYKEN
YEAR
GRADUATES
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
Advanced Placement Program — For students seeking rigorous, college-level coursework, our Advanced Placement Program offers 18 courses across all academic disciplines. The AP program allows students to pursue advanced work in one or several subjects and earn college credit or advanced standing in the subject, depending on their AP exam score.
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LEARN MORE AT OLGCHS.ORG/AP
If you have an idea, you can find a faculty or staff member to help you make it a reality.
91% —
91% —
OF AP CALCULUS BC
AP COURSES IN WHICH THE
STUDENTS EARNED THE
AVERAGE STUDENT EXAM
TOP SCORE OF 5 IN 2019
SCORE IS 3 OR HIGHER
— Tyler Class of 2023
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STEM Program — Our STEM program introduces students to engineering through a nationally recognized, hands-on, project-based curriculum called Project Lead the Way. Good Counsel is the only private school in Maryland to offer this program. For the second consecutive year, Good Counsel has been recognized as a Distinguished Project Lead the Way School—a distinction given to only 3% of qualified schools nationally. Students are admitted into the STEM Program prior to freshman year.
40 — STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO THE STEM PROGRAM EACH YEAR
LEARN MORE AT OLGCHS.ORG/STEM
MIT, CAL TECH, RIT, PURDUE, AND UMD ENGINEERING PROGRAMS ACCEPTED GOOD COUNSEL STEM GRADUATES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS
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Academic excellence is the norm at Good Counsel.
GLOBAL PROGRAMS — Launched in 2015, the Global Program at Good Counsel promotes international-mindedness and enriches our school community in many ways. We welcome international students from around the world to learn through our rigorous curriculum, and we provide support by coordinating Homestay arrangements, offering ELL classes, and managing the Global Buddies Program in which American students are paired with international students. Both international and American students are invited to participate in Model UN activities and to compile comprehensive portfolios through the Global Scholars Program. Lastly, our Global Program includes many opportunities for American students to participate in international exchanges, both as hosts and visitors.
At a Glance — Ranked as the top co-educational Catholic High School in Maryland (NICHE 2019) International Student Population I Capped at 5% Representation I 19+ countries Housing Type I Homestay managed by CSIET certified agencies Historically, Good Counsel has consistently sent students to Ivy League colleges and has been named a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education twice. 99% of our international graduates have been accepted by the top 100 universities as ranked by US News & World Report 2019
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
LOCATION 45 minutes from Washington, D.C.
LEISURE Atlantic Ocean beaches
Close to 3 major international airports
The world's largest museum complex, the Smithsonian Institution
Olney, MD, ranked one of the safest places to live in Maryland (NICHE 2019)
Major political and cultural epicenters in nearby Baltimore and Washington, D.C
Climate | Four distinct seasons Top colleges including Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University
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An outlet for every artist to emerge
ARTS — Good Counsel students are encouraged to express and create the extraordinary in their everyday lives. Our dynamic arts programs give students an opportunity to read, interpret, and create what cannot be experienced through any other means. With programs in choral music, instrumental music, visual arts, dance, and theatre, Good Counsel has an outlet for all students to discover their artistic side.
LEARN MORE AT OLGCHS.ORG/ARTS
Performing Arts Center — A home for musicians, dancers, actors, speakers, debaters, singers, and students interested in the technical and behindthe-scenes aspects of performance, our Performing Arts Center is the perfect space for our robust arts programs. Recently opened in 2016, the three-story, 26,000 square-foot, stateof-the-art space includes a 650+ seat theatre, set design and construction shop, dressing rooms, fully equipped orchestra pit, costume and properties shops, black box theatre, dance studio, and arts education classroom. 20
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
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THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
— 4
CHORAL CONCERTS
— 5
INSTRUMENTAL CONCERTS
— 1
MARCHING BAND— THE ONLY ONE IN THE WCAC
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100%
OF THE FINE ARTS FACULTY PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED IN THEIR FIELD
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Discover your passion
CLUBS — We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that allow young men and women to grow intellectually, spiritually, creatively and physically. Our students become part of a dynamic community when they attend Good Counsel—each club fosters exploration while building social and leadership skills. Particular focus is given to teaching students how to use their gifts and talents to serve others. Some clubs participate in interscholastic competitions, such as the Robotics and Speech and Debate clubs.
LEARN MORE AT OLGCHS.ORG/CLUBS
60+ — 12
CULTURAL, ACADEMIC, AND SOCIAL CLUBS
CONSECUTIVE DC/MD/VA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES FOR THE SPEECH & DEBATE TEAM
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
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COME PLAY — We believe that a truly comprehensive education challenges the whole person. Through our top-ranked athletics program, our student-athletes learn self-respect, self-discipline and self-esteem. They learn how to win with dignity, handle defeat and acknowledge their mistakes. But most importantly, they understand themselves better as they strive to live the Xaverian values both on and off the field. Our graduates have won at the Penn Relays, played at the highest level of Division I athletics and traveled throughout the country to compete. They’ve even gone on to win gold in the Olympics, play in the NFL and compete on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Their efforts bring honor to our school and earn respect and admiration from their opponents. Our strong athletic program promotes enthusiasm, loyalty and school spirit among our students, faculty, alumni and community.
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
become a leader and a champion EXCEL
SERVE
LOVE
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FALCON ATHLETICS
54 — 775+ — 67+ — 27
VARSITY, JUNIOR VARSITY, AND FRESHMAN-LEVEL ATHLETIC TEAMS
STUDENTS PLAY AT LEAST ONE SPORT
WCAC CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES IN THE PAST DECADE
NCAA STUDENT-ATHLETES IN THE CLASS OF 2019
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
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ADMISSIONS CRITERIA — Applicants to Good Counsel are evaluated for admission based on the following criteria: • Submission of the online application form along with a $60 nonrefundable application fee. The online application can be found at olgchs.org/apply. • Appropriate ability as demonstrated on the High School Placement Test. All applicants must take the placement test. • High level of academic achievement in the seventh grade and first quarter of the eighth grade. • A demonstrated, sincere desire to attend Good Counsel. • Recommendations from principals and/or teachers. • Satisfactory disciplinary and attendance history. • In-person interview with a member of the Good Counsel community.
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin in the administration of our educational and admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs. Our Lady of Good Counsel reserves the right to revoke acceptance at any time.
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
FINANCIAL INFORMATION — TUITION:
$24,215 REGISTRATION DEPOSIT:
$1,000 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Good Counsel offers financial aid to qualified families to help reduce the total cost of tuition. We encourage all students to complete the online tuition assistance forms each year. This form, called FACTS, provides a need-based financial analysis. The application is available in mid-October at olgchs.org/ admissions under the “Tuition and Fees” tab. All applications must be submitted by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019.
LEARN MORE AT OLGCHS.ORG/ADMISSIONS
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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION — Good Counsel is proud to offer a number of scholarship opportunities to our students. For the full list of scholarships available for incoming freshmen, please visit olgchs.org/ scholarships. Application Requirements for Fine Arts Scholarship: • Fill out the Incoming Freshman Fine Arts Scholarship Application Form at olgchs.org/apply and mail it to the Admissions office by DECEMBER 13, 2019. • Attach a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s current theatre or music instructor, or an adult other than the parent who is familiar with the student’s experience. • Confirm interview or audition date and time.
Application Requirements for Speech Scholarship: • Fill out the Incoming Freshman Speech Scholarship Application Form at olgchs.org/apply and mail it to the Admissions office by DECEMBER 13, 2019. • Upon receipt of your application, you will receive additional information on rules and a schedule for the Speech Scholarship Competition held in March 2020. • Contact Mr. Chuck Ehrman at cehrman@olgchs.org with any questions.
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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL
Diversity Statement — We believe diversity is a blessing that enriches our community. We respect, value and celebrate the unique, God given gifts of each member of our community. We strive for excellence in promoting equity and justice for our entire community. We love and serve our students, faculty, staff, parents and visitors of any age, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, appearance, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, neighborhood, sexual orientation, national origin, or political affiliation. We seek to identify and challenge all forms of prejudice, discrimination and injustice.
Important Deadlines
Contact Us
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—
SEPTEMBER 11
8th grade shadow visits begin
OCTOBER 8
Parent information night
OCTOBER 27
Open House
DECEMBER 7
HSPT Exam
DECEMBER 11
8th grade shadow visits end
DECEMBER 13
Application deadline
Financial aid application deadline
STEM application deadline
Fine arts, speech and debate scholarship
application deadline
FEBRUARY 20
Admissions decisions mailed
FEBRUARY 21
Admissions decisions emailed
MARCH 13
Freshman registration
MARCH 20
Transfer application deadline
240.283.3230 admissions@olgchs.org
Getting to Good Counsel
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— olgchs.org/transportation
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WE INSPIRE OUR STUDENTS TO EXCEL, SERVE, AND LOVE.
240.283.3230 I ADMISSIONS@OLGCHS.ORG OLGCHS.ORG/APPLY 4
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL