Academic departments generally offer courses on four levels: Advanced Placement (College Board courses), High Honors, Honors and College Preparatory. Students are not placed in the same level in all subject areas. They are placed in different levels depending on their aptitude and performance in the various disciplines.
The College Preparatory courses at Father Ryan High School are rigorous programs of study which prepare the students for the demands of competitive colleges. Honors, High Honors and Advanced Placement courses are filled by qualification, application, and recommendation only. They are designed to meet the needs of students who have a high level of responsibility, who are capable of independent work, and who possess highly-developed thinking skills. Students enrolled in these courses who do not continue to demonstrate these qualities will change to a different level.