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Irish Insights: The Father Ryan Blog

Father Ryan's blog, Irish Insights, shares helpful information from the perspective of our faculty, staff, and community on navigating the high school experience.

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The Gift of Global Learning

In this edition, current student Aiden Sissons, recent alumni Colleen Alvis, and Associate Academic Dean Andrew Reducha share how study abroad provides transformative journeys that shape students into thoughtful, faith-filled global citizens ready to make a meaningful impact in God’s world.

Blog By Recent Alumni, Current Students, and Andrew Reducha, Associate Academic Dean

December 2025

What Students and Parents Say About Personalized Learning at Father Ryan

Hear from two current families about how Personalized Learning has shaped their journey at Father Ryan.

Blog By Current Father Ryan Families

November 2025

The Power of Peer Mentoring Through Father Ryan’s House System

In this edition, Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr., Father Ryan Principal, and Amy Duke, Director of Houses, give insight into how the House System provides critical peer mentoring for students and how it develops them into young adults and leaders.

Blog By Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr., Father Ryan Principal, and Amy Duke, Director of Houses

October 2025

The Importance of Belonging for School and Life Success

Paul Davis ’81, President of Father Ryan, shares his insights on the crucial concept of student belonging and its significance in every school. He explains Father Ryan's perspective on belonging and discusses the efforts made to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging on our campus.

Blog By Paul Davis '81
Father Ryan President

September 2025

Preparing Students for College and Life

Paul Davis ’81, Father Ryan President, reflects on the preparation needed for today’s high school graduates to succeed in college, career, and life. He shares how Father Ryan’s faith-based perspective, combined with rigorous and supportive academics, uniquely prepares students for all that comes next.

Blog By Paul Davis '81
Father Ryan President

June 2025

Understanding Anxiety in Teens

Mental health in teenagers continues to be a top concern for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals five years post-pandemic. During May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Irish Insights asks Rhonda Jones, Father Ryan’s Director of Personal Counseling and a mental health professional with three decades of expertise, for her guidance on mental health support for teens and how to help them manage stress and anxiety.

Blog By Rhonda Jones

Director of Personal Counseling

May 2025

How Father Ryan’s Four Levels of Learning Help Every Student Achieve

Father Ryan High School’s approach to academics is highly personal. For decades, Father Ryan has used its four levels of learning to customize and adjust each student’s academic path from 9th through 12th grade. This approach is the foundation of the school’s 100-year-old mission and vision as a high school open to any student who desires a Catholic-centered education.

Blog By The Father Ryan Academic Team

April 2025

A Parent's Perspective on Father Ryan

Four Father Ryan families shared why they chose Father Ryan for their students and how it has made a difference in their families’ lives.

Blog By Current Father Ryan Parents

March 2025

From Leadership Roles to Future Career Goals: How Father Ryan Shaped My Path

Jessie Henry ’25 shares how she learned to lead at Father Ryan and the impact her leadership roles through our House System, community service, and more are having on her high school experience and her future.

Blog By Jessie Henry '25
Father Ryan Senior

February 2025

Campus Safety and Security

Co-Dean of Students Stuart Magness ’95, who has led our security program since 2007 after serving with the Metro Police Department, shares his expertise and experience on the complexities of school safety today and Father Ryan’s comprehensive, cutting-edge approach to campus security.

Blog By Stuart Magness '95
Co-Dean of Students

January 2025

The Timeless Value of a Catholic Education

Centered in the Advent season, Father Ryan Principal Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr. shares his reflections on the role Father Ryan’s Catholic traditions and mission play in the education and character formation of each student of all faith backgrounds.

Blog By Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr.
Father Ryan Principal

December 2024

Investing in Your Child's Education

In this edition, President Paul Davis '81 details what tuition does (and does not) cover, explains how tuition assistance works, and shares the details of Father Ryan’s new single tuition model.

Blog By Paul Davis '81
Father Ryan President

November 2024

Understanding the College Admissions Process

In this edition, Christina Williams, Father Ryan’s Director of College Counseling for the past decade and a former Vanderbilt admissions officer, explains what you need to know to find (and afford) the right college for your child—and how Father Ryan customizes this complex process.

Blog By Christina Williams
Director of College Counseling

October 2024

How to Have a Successful Preview Day (or any School Visit)

In this edition, Erin (Baltz) Riggs '00, Father Ryan’s Director of Enrollment, shares her expert advice on how to make the most out of your school visits.

Blog By Erin (Baltz) Riggs '00
Director of Enrollment

October 2024

Ensuring Every Student Has a Successful High School Transition

In this edition, Paul Davis ’81, Father Ryan’s President, offers his perspective on a successful transition to high school. Mr. Davis began his 39th year at Father Ryan this fall. He taught English and served as Dean of Students and then Principal for 15 years before becoming President in 2022.

Blog By Paul Davis '81
Father Ryan President

September 2024