The Ryken Program

The Ryken Program is a program for students who have received low scores on standardized tests and/or who have struggled in previous academic work. Students will be invited to interview for the Ryken Program based on their high school placement scores. Typically, Ryken Program candidates are students who do poorly on tests, have low standardized test scores, have poor grades, or may be behind their grade level in reading, but are motivated to be successful at Mount Saint Joseph.

This program was created to help meet the needs of students who are ready to move on to the high school level.   However, the students have shown that they need more structured assistance in their first year at the Mount.  We feel that these students should have the opportunity to pursue a Catholic education while gaining the specialized instruction that will ultimately guide them toward the road to success. 

The Ryken Program is not designed to serve the needs of students with diagnosed learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral problems.   

Your son is entering a new phase in his education: high school. This transition can be intimidating for some because of the new campus, getting to know new teachers, making friends, and managing schoolwork along with sports and after school activities. It is during this time that your support and guidance are very important.

We require parents to attend monthly meetings for the Ryken Program. This enables us to stay in touch with you about the program's different components and provide you with a built-in support group. Most importantly this program gives us the chance to address important issues concerning your son's education. The meetings will give all of us the opportunity to view a variety of learning materials as well as discuss the best possible way to ensure your son's success in the classroom.

Freshman Year                        

Students in the Ryken Program will be grouped together for the following subjects:     

• English, Biology, World Civilizations I, and Basic Algebra

They will be integrated into the following academic classes with the college preparatory population:

• Religion, physical education, freshman seminar, computer applications, and electives

Students receive small group instruction with a Ryken teacher for one period each day.  During this time, students will participate in a lesson determined by their individual needs and work on improving the areas in which they need the most help.  Students will receive study skills and techniques to help them develop better. 

Sophomore Year

Students are mainstreamed for all subjects except:

• English, Math, Spanish, Chemistry in the Community and World Civilizations II

Junior and Senior Year

Beginning with the student's junior year, our goal is for him to be completely mainstreamed into the school's college preparatory curriculum. 

It is the school's mission now, just as it was in 1876 when our doors first opened, to help young men develop intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

The Mount understands and respects that no two students are alike.  That is why we have an educational program to fit the individual needs of each of our 1,100 students.

Mount Saint Joseph has always had an academically diverse student body.  The Ryken program is designed to enable young men to reach their academic goals successfully.

We strongly believe that, when given the proper tools, one person can make a difference.

Take the Archdiocesan High School Test in December. 

Submit a Mount Saint Joseph application by TBA.
Send academic records from previous schools to MSJ.  The records must include the following:

• School records from the last 3 years
• 8^th grade report cards
• Achievement test scores
• Any Psychological  or Educational testing results

Once all required records have been received, the Ryken Admission Committee will select potential candidates.  Interviews with the candidates will begin in January.

In order for each student to realize his academic potential and succeed here at MSJ, he must be highly motivated and committed to success.

Once accepted, students must successfully complete the Mount Saint Joseph Summer School Program. 

For more information about the Ryken Program, contact: 

Miss Kate Stearns, Director of Special Programs 410-644-3300 x259        
e-mail:  kstearns@admin.msjnet.edu

The Ryken Program has a one time additional fee.