By James Russo ‘18

Every year, Chaminade holds an open house to display its extensive athletic programs, ever-expanding property, modern technological advancements, and renowned academics.  Aspiring future students and their families travel throughout the school, taking note of the plethora of clubs, activities, and sports in which they can participate, as well as the rigorous academic curriculum.  This year’s open house took place on Saturday, October 1.

The Bloomberg Business Center, CrossFit Center, Physical Fitness Center, Saragossa daily retreat house, and the currently under-construction Science, Technology, and Research Center were highlights of the tour.  The addition of iPads to the college preparatory liberal arts curriculum sparked interest in the prospective Class of 2021.  The National Honor Society and volunteers helped clarify or answer questions the students had. “It was great to see the enthusiasm of the parents and future Flyers for the integration of the iPads into everyday schoolwork,” said Ryan Schmidt ‘19.

In addition to learning about Chaminade’s innovative use of iPads, the potential students explored the other modern elements of the curriculum.  The Bloomberg Business Center was particularly interesting for several prospective students and parents.  Chaminade obtained this sixteen-terminal hub in late December 2014 to teach students how to analyze markets, assess economic situations, and interpret key news developments and their impact on the global economy.  This foundation of economic understanding serves students regardless of whether they are interested in business by laying the basis of understanding markets.

Moving toward the athletic areas, the tourists observed the CrossFit and Physical Fitness Centers.  Coaches gave a brief explanation of the athletic facilities of both training buildings.  The numerous weights and rigorous exercise equipment appealed to athletes of the future class.

The groups then toured Chaminade’s second phase of the Advancing the Mission program, the day-retreat center Saragossa.  This comfortable house offers students an atmosphere of sanctity and withdrawal from society, which is taken advantage of by freshmen and sophomores on day retreats.

Lastly, the Class of 2021 was informed of the Science, Research and Technology Center.  Due to the planned opening of this building in the autumn of 2017, they will be the first to experience this facility for the complete duration of their high school careers, effectively beginning a new age of academic growth at Chaminade.

This annual tradition demonstrated to potential students that Chaminade High School has more to it than hard work.  By showing these young students the clubs and athletics they could join, the ever-strengthening academics with which they can challenge themselves, and the various new features of the campus, these future Flyers learned that at Chaminade High School there truly is something for everyone.