Salesian High School

A Home, a School, a Parish and a Playground

At Salesian High School, a college preparatory, all-boys high school in New Rochelle, every student applies to college. And for the past four years, every graduating senior has been admitted to college. The school places a strong emphasis on college prep and academics, but also on skills that will serve each student for life.

Salesian is a Gilder Lehrman American History Academy, which means that four years of American history and culture are integrated into the curriculum, with extracurricular opportunities for enrichment as well. The school also has a unique, alumnifunded program called Math Leaders. Each year six freshmen are awarded a full scholarship based on their math aptitude and placed in a special class with their own math teacher for their entire four years at Salesian. “They learn math just as fast as we can teach it, “says Principal John Flaherty. Approximately 30% of the students at Salesian are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, and the school offers classes that earn students college credits through Iona College.

A science program in which students prepare science projects for national competitions is also one of the cornerstones of a Salesian education. Students can also participate in marching band, orchestra and intramural and interscholastic sports. “We have everything except football,” says Flaherty. “Golf, soccer, baseball, tennis, volleyball, cross-country, track, even rock climbing. We offer a lot of activities.”

When it comes time to apply to college, and indeed, from the very first day students walk through the door, Salesian’s dedicated guidance staff is there to make sure that everyone is taking the proper course load, prep tests and everything else that goes into a successful admissions experience. The school has three full-time and two parttime guidance counselors for a student body of 525.

Salesian students have gone on to New York University, Cornell, Fordham, Boston College, Rochester Institute of Technology and Columbia University, among many other schools. “We were founded in 1920 – I think we’ve made it into every college and university in the U.S. by now,” says Flaherty.

In addition to academics, Salesian focuses on character development and faith. The school’s mission is to make Salesian a home that welcomes; a school that prepares for life; a parish where Christian values shape character; and a family where lasting friendships are formed. “Belief, education and faith are the keys to happiness and success,” says Flaherty, who became the principal in 1989 and has worked at Salesian since 1967.

For more information, call (914) 632-0248 or visit www.salesianhigh.org.