Top 10 numbers to know about Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

From academic achievement to student engagement, 10 numbers begin to tell the story of the difference an education at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools can make:

90 percent

This is the amount of O’Gorman Junior High eighth grade students who met the preACT benchmark for reading and math.

“For our students as a whole to achieve at that level, with 90 percent meeting the benchmark in reading and math, is pretty remarkable,” said Wade Charron, principal at O’Gorman Junior High.

“Students who meet an ACT benchmark have a very good chance of earning a B or higher grade in the corresponding course or courses at a typical college or university.”

Like with any standardized test, especially at primary or middle grades, it is never a guarantee of future high school or collegiate success, “but it does mean that our students are definitely on the right track,” he continued. “These scores are a testament to the hard work of the students, but also huge credit goes to the outstanding, tried-and-true teaching practices of our elementary and junior high teachers.”

Plus, 90 percent also happens to be the pass rate on Advanced Placement exams taken by O’Gorman High School students last spring.

AP classes at O’Gorman High School are taught on-site by faculty, challenging students to excel within the academic community. The work directly ties to the head start they will receive in college as most schools offer credit for passing scores on AP exams. The 2024 graduating class earned 1,600 cumulative AP credits.

70

This is how many OGHS seniors out of 187 in the graduating class of 2024 ended with a 4.0 GPA.

This is especially impressive because a student needs a 92.5 percent in a class to get an A at O’Gorman, compared with 90 percent to receive an A in most public schools.

“The number of students in the graduating class of 2024 who had a 4.0 cumulative GPA is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students over their four years of high school,” said Joan Mahoney, principal at O’Gorman High School.

Among this group of students, 96 received the Presidential Academic Award for exceptional GPA and ACT/SAT scores.

“This high number of students with a 4.0 GPA corresponds with a median ACT score for the class that is a 25.6 – nearly 6 full points above the national average,” Mahoney added. “Both the GPA and ACT statistics for the class of 2024 are due to the rigor of our curriculum and the commitment of our students.”

Which leads us to the next number.

36

It’s a perfect ACT score, and there was one of them earned in the 2024 O’Gorman graduating class.

80 percent

Eight in 10 fourth graders at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools scored in the 80th percentile in reading and 75th percentile in math.

“High performance at this stage also helps ensure continued success as they move through junior high and high school,” said Christopher Uttecht, vice president for educational services. “By focusing on key skills like reading comprehension and problem-solving in a Christ-centered environment, we prepare our students not only for academic achievement but also for personal growth as faith-filled, well-rounded individuals.”

125

Competing at the highest level against schools with substantially greater enrollment, O’Gorman athletes have been awarded 125 championships, and the fine arts programs regularly earn state, regional and national recognition.

28

OGHS offers 28 clubs, in addition to 23 sports and numerous performing arts programs.

“This success in extracurricular activities is due, in part, to the fact that over 95 percent of the students participate in at least one extracurricular activity,” said Steve Kueter, director of athletics. “With over 23 different varsity sports being offered at O’Gorman, which is the most you can offer, student-athletes are able to compete in a wide variety of sports.”

51

This is the number of musicals that OGHS has performed since the first one — “Guys and Dolls” — in 1973.

“Each year, the spring musical showcases the entire performing arts department by bringing the choir, band and theater all together to produce an amazing show,” said Teresa Fester, class of 1988 alumna and director of theater at OGHS. “The effort our students continue to put in while also keeping up with their studies and excelling academically is incredible. It’s such a great way to end the school year.”

75 percent

At OGJH, 75 percent of eighth graders and 80 percent of seventh graders participated in campus ministry events.

“It is amazing to have so many students voluntarily choose to attend campus ministry,” said OGJH’s chaplain, Father Michael Kapperman. “What it shows is that these students understand that there is so much more to education than just getting good grades. An authentic education seeks to form students’ mind, body and soul. At campus ministry, these students learn that they are made for more; namely, they are made to be great citizens of heaven and great citizens on this earth.”

12,000

This is the total number of community service hours contributed in the 2023-24 school year from OGHS students. An additional 2,584 hours of community service were contributed in the 2023-24 school year from OGJH students.

125

This is the number of high school students who participate in biweekly faith-sharing small groups led by not only campus ministry leaders but students as well.

“This semester, we currently have over 20 small groups that take place before school or over the lunch periods,” said Brian Stai, campus ministry coordinator.

“It is so inspiring to see so many students at OGHS take time out of their week to pray with Scripture and have a discussion with their friends and classmates. It is an intentional way the students desire to grow in their walk with God!”

Of course, the numbers are just the start of the story. To learn more about Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, click here.