Academic Programs at Bishop Chatard High School

Course Descriptions

Bishop Chatard offers over 120 unique courses, including 24 honors, 20 Advanced Placement, and 7 Dual Credit classes. The school’s Academic Support Program provides services and individual support for specific learning needs. We operate on a flexible schedule, incorporating a modified 60-minute block schedule, with each class having four periods per week.
View Course Descriptions

Diplomas

To receive a Bishop Chatard diploma, a student is required to: 1) complete a total of 8 semesters in high school, 2) pass the ISTEP+ Assessment in Math and English/Language Arts or qualify for a state waiver, and 3) successfully complete all of the academic requirements, including Theology.
View our Diploma Requirements and Grading Scale

Summa Cum Laude Program

Summa Program Logo Based on the Latin expression to indicate academic distinction for “the highest of honor,” the Summa Cum Laude program, a special three-year honors program for the advanced college-bound student, is offered by Bishop Chatard.

The Summa program is designed to meet the needs of academically motivated students by offering courses that are challenging and rewarding. The program encourages involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities and service by focusing on the growth and development of the whole person.

This three-year program, encompassing the sophomore, junior, and senior years, will challenge and prepare the most gifted college-bound individuals for a successful postsecondary career. For the Class of 2024, 9 students received this distinction.

The Summa Cum Laude student will:

COMMIT to an intensive course of study at the highest academic level offered by the school;
ACHIEVE the highest standards of academic success as demonstrated by school exams and standardized testing;
PARTICIPATE and be a leader in the life of the school and the community;
ENGAGE in the Christian Service Program beyond the minimum requirements;
ATTAIN and sustain no less than a cumulative 4.0 GPA.

Students who have demonstrated a 3.85 GPA at the end of their freshman year may apply for acceptance into the program in the fall of their sophomore year.

Summer Programs

Summer School

Bishop Chatard offers summer school classes to BCHS students during the month of June. Information on courses offered and registration details are announced during the Second Semester of each school year.

Driver’s Education Course

Bishop Chatard hosts a state-certified Driver’s Education program each summer. Classroom sessions are conducted in June, with in-car sessions following throughout the summer.

Registration opens in early spring.