State of the School Fall 2025
Dear Father Ryan Community,
Every day at Father Ryan, extraordinary things are happening. In classrooms and labs, on our fields and stages, and in moments of prayer and service, our students are growing into the young men and women God calls them to be. As we conclude the fall semester and look toward the new year, I want to share with you the tremendous work taking place in our community.
All our work is rooted in our mission to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential. This mission is the foundation of every decision we make and every challenge we embrace. I am honored and humbled to share the accomplishments of the past school year and hope you feel a sense of pride for the amazing work happening in our community.
Leading Nashville Education
This fall, Father Ryan was honored to be named Nashville’s Best High School and Nashville’s Best Private School in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville awards.
These recognitions are a powerful affirmation of the exceptional experience our students receive and the outstanding work of our faculty and staff. We are proud of this distinction, but even more proud that our greater community sees and celebrates the values, excellence, and spirit that define Father Ryan High School.
Inspiring Academic Excellence
Our students continue to achieve at the highest levels while embodying a love of learning that extends far beyond a grade or score.
This year, 10 Father Ryan students earned National Merit recognition, including 6 National Merit Semifinalists—the most among all Catholic schools in Tennessee and among the top private schools in both Nashville and the state. Meet our National Merit Scholars.
Our commitment to rigorous academics is further reflected in the success of our AP students. On the Spring 2025 exams, Father Ryan AP students achieved a 91% overall qualifying rate, with 8 AP courses earning a perfect 100% qualifying score.
Providing opportunities for students of all abilities to grow is a hallmark of Catholic education. Last year, we introduced Dual Enrollment courses, as part of our Strategic Plan, to expand pathways for college credit. In the program’s first year, 46 students earned 247 college credits, and we have now expanded the program to nine courses, ensuring even more students can begin their college journey while at Father Ryan.
Witnessing Faith in Action
Our faith is lived out daily and in meaningful, memorable ways.
This semester, we were deeply blessed to learn that on his final day of granting Apostolic Blessings, Pope Francis issued a Papal Blessing dedicated to Father Ryan’s faculty, students, and alumni. This Papal Blessing was presented by Father Hamrick ’17 at an All-School Mass as part of our ongoing Centennial celebration.
Earlier this semester, a group of students traveled to Rome for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Their pilgrimage included visits to some of the holiest sites in our Church, culminating in the Canonization Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
In a joyful moment that quickly spread across social media, our students presented Pope Leo XIV with a Father Ryan hat, a moment viewed more than 250,000 times and one that beautifully showcased the spirit of our community to the world.
Additionally, our faith is made visible through acts of compassion. This year, Campus Ministry launched the St. Joseph of Arimathea Society Pallbearer Ministry, giving students the sacred opportunity to serve as pallbearers for individuals in our city who might otherwise be buried alone. Already, our students have assisted at 7 burials, offering prayers, dignity, and Christian witness in a profound expression of mercy.
Finally, we honored our commitment of service to country as the Alumni Association hosted the 20th Annual Veterans Breakfast. We welcomed alumni and community members to campus to honor their service and celebrate our longstanding tradition. Watch the recap video here.
Providing a Safe Environment
To help our students thrive spiritually, academically, and socially, we must provide an environment where they feel secure, supported, known, and loved.
Thanks to a generous donor and extensive planning, Father Ryan implemented significant campus security enhancements this year. These include extensive property line improvements, secure iron gating with key card access, upgraded security lighting, bullet-resistant window protection, expanded camera systems with advanced AI threat detection, and upgraded communication systems.
Discover more about our dedication to our community's safety in our Irish Insights blog post about campus safety by Dean of Students Stuart Magness '95.
We continue to prioritize student well-being inside the classroom as well. This fall, we further implemented our Phone-Free Campus procedures by not allowing cell phone usage at any time during the school day. The impact has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Students are more engaged, more present, and building stronger relationships with one another. Teachers and parents have shared similar encouragement, affirming that this step has strengthened our community in meaningful ways.
Creating Opportunities for Accessibility
Father Ryan’s mission calls us to open our doors to all who seek a high-quality Catholic education. This commitment remains central to our vision for the future.
Geographically, we have expanded our bus program to serve families in Hermitage, Donelson, Antioch, and Murfreesboro, with plans for further growth as our community expands.
Academically, Father Ryan remains the only private high school in Greater Nashville offering four levels of learning, ensuring that students of all abilities are challenged and supported. Hear from two current families about how Personalized Learning has shaped their journey at Father Ryan in our recent Irish Insights blog post.
Financially, last year was a record-breaking year for fundraising at Father Ryan, with over $4.7 million given to the school by our generous donors. We have increased our endowment to $27 million, allowing us to expand our tuition assistance program. Two years ago, we met 48% of families’ demonstrated need; this year, we fulfilled 74%, with a long-term goal of reaching 90%.
Our expanded multi-student discount and participation in Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship program have also provided significant new support—over 280 students received a total of $2 million+ in scholarships through this program alone.
Together, these efforts ensure that a Father Ryan education is accessible to families from every background and every corner of Middle Tennessee.
Advancing Our Strategic Vision
We continue to make meaningful progress in Year Two of our Strategic Plan, and we are already seeing the positive impact of this work reflected in the daily experience of our students. Because we engaged every employee in this process last year, we are moving forward with strong alignment, clear priorities, and remarkable buy-in from our faculty and staff.
A dynamic team of 16 administrators and staff members is currently leading more than 40 initiatives across all areas of campus life. Their work is thoughtful, mission-driven, and rooted in what best supports the Father Ryan community.
As a reminder, we closed Year One of the Strategic Plan with significant momentum and meaningful achievements, all of which can be reviewed on our website. With that strong foundation in place, we look forward to continued progress that strengthens our community, elevates the student experience, and ensures Father Ryan is well-prepared for the next century of Catholic education.
Looking Ahead Together
We are now preparing for the second semester and continuing our celebration of 100 Years of Father Ryan as we approach the commencement of our 100th graduating class. I am filled with gratitude for our students, whose curiosity and compassion inspire us daily, for our faculty and staff, whose dedication and faith shape every moment on this campus, and for our families, alumni, and supporters, whose commitment strengthens Father Ryan’s mission and future.
One hundred years after our founding, the spirit of Father Ryan High School has never been stronger. Thank you for your partnership, your prayers, and your belief in what our students can accomplish. May this Christmas season bring faith, hope, and love to you and your families.
Sincerely,
Paul Davis ’81
President