XAVIER COLLEGE PREP

XAVIER STUDENTS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL

Palm Desert, California (August 25, 2008) - On Monday, August 25th, 90 new freshmen will be heading off to their first day of school at Xavier College Preparatory High School. In all, there are 235 students from 29 feeder schools, 55% who are female, all starting the new school year as the campus adds its third incoming class.

"The student body is extremely diverse with kids traveling from as far away as Beaumont and Chiriaco Summit, along with 17 other cities," says Principal Chris Alling. "Over half of our student population in the three classes have come from public schools. Parents want more for their children; they are looking for a challenging education, caring faculty who wants them to succeed and a stimulating environment that allows teens to look beyond themselves."

Currently 45% of Xavier students are on financial aid which partially covers costs for books, uniforms and tuition. "Our scholarship mission involves never turning a child away due to financial need," shares Board President DoeDee Rover. To sponsor a student scholarship, please call (760) 601-3900 x.6211.

The 48 "founding pioneers" and Class of 2010 are moving into their Junior year, because of this, a multitude of opportunities will be available including College Nights. This class will also embark on their service program called the "Junior Praxis Project". Already a dozen students went to East LA two weeks ago to the Dolores Mission Immersion Program, with a chance to dialog with former gang members at Homeboy Industries, spend time with homeless immigrants at the Guadalupe Homeless Project, and assist with tutoring and mentoring though Proyecto Pastoral. "These teenagers are going to make a difference while learning a tremendous amount of humility and spirit for mankind," shares Program Director Colin Gilbert. "Living service programs create future leaders who care about the entire world." Students aren't the only one's who benefit, this past Tuesday morning, twelve new faculty members joined the previous staff on a full day East Valley Immersion where they spent time visiting marginalized communities where Xavier students will be spending time this next year.

The school in just two years has achieved accreditation from the Western Association of California Schools and Colleges. Additional AP courses are being added including AP U.S. History, AP European History, AP Spanish Language, AP Language and Composition, as well Physics, Calculus, and Trigonometry. Along with the incredibly qualified teachers, Xavier has added Director of Athletics Matt Haven and Business Manager Fadi Germanos. The school plans to continue growing as new facilities are added. For more information how you can help please call (760) 601-3900 X.6211.

About Xavier College Preparatory

Xavier College Preparatory is the culmination of several years of vision and planning for a Jesuit Catholic High School in the Coachella Valley. Currently offering Freshmen-Junior classes during the school year, the incredible campus offers lots of opportunity for growth and encompasses 96-acres, located off the I-10 freeway and Cook Street. The first phase includes a 45,000 sf classroom building, a 45,000 sf Gymnasium, Hemstreet Baseball field and several practice fields. Future phases will include additional classroom buildings, a Performing Arts Center, an Administration Building, a Religious Center with Chapel, an Aquatic Center and competition facilities for Football, Softball, Tennis and Track & Field. Go Saints!

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