Skip To Main Content

Home

You Will Be
Known.

You Will Be
loved.

Crest Small $

A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service. Founded in 1925, Father Ryan High School is a co-educational, college preparatory, Catholic high school in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tradition

Tradition – Since 1925, Father Ryan has been rooted in strong traditions of Catholic faith, academic excellence, and hearts of service to challenge students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential. For almost a century, Father Ryan has upheld these traditions, while evolving to meet the needs of our community. 

Faith

Faith – Faith life at Father Ryan is rooted in the tradition of Catholic values. By allowing our students to develop and express their faith through worship, prayer, and service, Father Ryan enables each student to be an experience of the living Gospel. 

Knowledge

Knowledge – We believe in the importance of offering a rigorous curriculum for students of all learning levels in a supportive environment for the development of hearts and minds. Our innovative approach to education and personalized schedules allow students to reach their full academic potential in a college preparatory environment.

Service

Service – At Father Ryan, one of the most distinctive and influential ways to connect with God is to serve others. Our students have the opportunity to improve the lives of their Nashville neighbors and effect positive change in their community through our service learning curriculum.

Father Ryan At A Glance

With a high-quality, rigorous, academic program centered in the Catholic faith paired with unmatched extracurricular opportunities, the Father Ryan experience helps students reach their full potential.

200+

Course Offerings Across Four Learning Levels

81

Courses at Honors or Above, Including 28 AP

15

Average Class Size

11:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

830+

Students from 142 Schools and 55 ZIP Codes

6

Houses. All Irish.

31

Athletic Teams with 67 Team State Championships

37

Performing and Visual Arts Courses

40+

Clubs and Organizations

25

Local Service Partner Organizations

$1.87M

Raised for Relay For Life

Create Your Father Ryan Experience

By exploring diverse extracurricular opportunities, students learn to serve others and make a difference in the world by investing in their talents and passions.

Athletics

Learn how our student-athletes gain valuable experiences and learn lifelong skills, including discipline, selflessness, and teamwork, during their time at Father Ryan.

Arts

Explore our comprehensive Visual & Performing Arts curriculum that encourages individual growth through creative, personal, and spiritual development in all disciplines.

Faith & Service

Discover how students are inspired and challenged to be an experience of the living Gospel by putting their faith in action and participating in service learning.

House System

Learn how the Father Ryan House System develops student leaders and creates strong communities through peer-to-peer mentoring.

Reach Your Potential

Throughout their high school journey and beyond, Father Ryan students are known, loved, challenged, and supported in all of their endeavors as they reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.

Invest in Your Future

Choosing to invest in a Father Ryan education opens opportunities for every student to succeed after graduation.

100%

Admittance to Colleges and Universities

$34.8M

Scholarships Offered to Class of 2023

255

Unique College and University Acceptances

13,000+

Alumni Network

Father Ryan student Lane Pyle

Lane Pyle '25

"I came to Father Ryan from a public school, and the transition was smooth thanks to so many faculty and students who are always willing to help. Father Ryan has helped me grow in my faith by teaching me scripture and has improved my relationship skills by forming incredible friendships. "

Father Ryan student Lamont Howard

Lamont Howard '24

"I chose to attend Father Ryan because of the rigorous curriculum and various programs offered here. When I visited, I met so many kind and joyful people who have since helped me find my voice in the world. Being a Father Ryan student has allowed me to be a Student Ambassador where I can show the diversity in all clubs and opportunities."

Father Ryan Student Victoria Baltz

Victoria Baltz '24

"Being a student at Father Ryan has allowed me to make new friends, try new things, and be more outspoken about my ideas and opinions. Working with my fellow classmates and taking on leadership positions have given me confidence in myself and my ideas."

School News