Blog: What Students and Parents Say About Personalized Learning at Father Ryan

At Father Ryan High School, education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It is a personalized journey with four levels of learning designed to meet each student where they are and help them reach their fullest potential.

Father Ryan’s customized learning approach is grounded in the belief that learning is most effective when it is flexible, responsive, and rooted in each student’s unique strengths and goals. Guided by educational research and our Catholic mission, we provide a faith-based environment where every student can grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

We do not place students on a fixed “academic track.” Our four levels—College Preparatory, Honors, High Honors, and 28 Advanced Placement classes—challenge and support a wide range of academic abilities.

From a student’s first year, our academic advising team designs an individualized schedule based on entrance exams, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and family input to create an academic foundation that balances rigor, exploration, and support. With over 200 courses, including 82 at the Honors or above level, students have the freedom to shape their academic path as they progress. With teacher support and recommendations, they move between levels to discover passions, strengthen skills, and prepare for life beyond Father Ryan.

In this month’s Irish Insight post, we talk with two families whose Seniors are experiencing the impact of Father Ryan’s customized learning pathways, proving that when students are truly known and loved, they can achieve more than they ever imagined.

The Durdens: Laura, Steve, and Eilie ’26

Laura and Steve Durden did not know about Father Ryan’s four levels of learning when they began looking at high schools for Eilie. They only knew that they wanted a school with a rigorous curriculum, many arts opportunities, and Christian values. What they discovered is a school that challenges Eilie—she’s a Hayes Scholar and one of 10 National Merit Scholars—nurtures her creative side, and shapes her morals and values.

Eilie’s accomplishments and activities:

Hayes Scholar, National Merit Scholar, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Cum Laude Society, French Honor Society, and Academic Dean's List, among others; Football Cheer, Competition Cheer, Basketball Cheer (captain), Mentor Group Captain for Emerald House; Relay For Life Committee; French Club

Laura and Steve: We were so excited to see the results of Eilie's placement exam for Father Ryan, especially all the opportunities available through the suggested High Honors classes and the dance program. These courses truly motivated Eilie to excel and discover her capabilities. Being a part of Hayes Scholars provided her with the crucial support and encouragement she needed to thrive academically.

Eilie’s teachers have consistently fostered critical thinking skills. Her classes have provided valuable experience in both collaborative and independent work, which has helped her develop responsibility, clear communication, and self-reliance—all essential skills for college and beyond. 

Eilie has truly thrived and flourished in the environment at Father Ryan. It is very encouraging for Eilie to see her hard work reflected in awards and recognitions [see accomplishments, above]. We also appreciate that Father Ryan encourages students to participate in sports. Eilie joined the Cheer team in her sophomore year, and it has been wonderful to see her skills develop and to watch her enjoy being a part of the different cheer teams. 

We are so grateful that Eilie is at a school where values and morals are taught not just in her theology classes but throughout the entire day. We especially appreciate that her day at Father Ryan starts with prayer and that Jesus is the center of service, faith, and learning.

What the Durdens love about Father Ryan:

• The school's commitment to safety and security gives us great peace of mind knowing Eilie is in a secure environment.
• So many of Eilie’s teachers have been teaching here for many years, which tells us it is an enjoyable place to work. It has certainly translated into an excellent learning environment for Eilie.
• The student exchange program with her French class has been a fun experience for our whole family.  We enjoyed hosting two students so far and had the opportunity for our family to visit one of the families in France.
• The arts programs are truly exceptional. Events like Christmas at Father Ryan, the various plays and musicals, and the Spring Dance Concert showcase the immense talent of the students. Eilie has been involved in dance every year, and Mrs. Dismuke is an outstanding teacher.
• The numerous events Father Ryan hosts throughout the year have provided great opportunities to connect with other school families.

Eilie: I am thankful to be able to tailor my workload to my own needs. I can take rigorous classes that challenge me and teach at my pace. I take High Honors and AP classes so that I can push myself to my highest potential and learn content at a pace that moves fast enough for me to stay engaged and still have room to improve. Last year, I particularly enjoyed AP Physics with Coach Mascari.

My customized learning path has significantly improved my study habits and time management skills. The challenging curriculum, including courses like AP Physics and AP Calculus, has also helped me discover a passion for mathematics and math-based sciences. I plan to continue exploring this interest as an engineering major in college.

I chose Father Ryan because of the many opportunities it provides with class options, levels, extracurriculars, volunteer opportunities, and social and athletic events. Dance class impressed me when I was looking at schools because Father Ryan offers a course that most schools don’t have. I also enjoy the Father Ryan Irish Pride, felt especially at football games, and it made me excited to be part of a community that is so connected and proud of its school.

Eilie’s Favorite Classes:

• Dance, which I have taken every year and progressed from level 1 to 3. The structured levels have allowed me to learn at my own speed. As I advanced to higher levels, I particularly enjoyed the faster pace and more challenging routines. Mrs. Lauri [Dismuke], our teacher, fosters a strong sense of community within the class. I love the opportunity to learn routines and take a brief break from academics, and I enjoy the chance to showcase our work at the Christmas and Spring concerts.
• Biotechnology and Lab Research, which I am taking this year with Dr. Crooke. I appreciate the hands-on learning style with labs almost every day. This not only teaches me new concepts but also provides valuable experience in lab work, encouraging me to think independently about necessary setups, tools, and procedures.

The McHale Family: Sherry, Bill, and Carter ’26

Sherry and Bill McHale have instilled a strong sense of independence and agency in their twin sons. Each has carved his own path: Carter at Father Ryan and Mac at Franklin High School. His mother explains that while Carter was accepted at other private schools, he was attracted to the service opportunities and academic structure at Father Ryan and knew he would enjoy all of the “possibilities” of its student life.

Carter’s accomplishments and activities:

Academic Dean’s List (since second semester freshman year); National Honor Society, the Father Charles Strobel '61 Service Society, and World Language Honor Society; various leadership roles in Trinity House; Head Student Ambassador; founder, Medical Careers Club; Co-Chair, Relay For Life; American Cancer Society’s National Youth Engagement team member; three Principal’s awards; recipient of the Kevin Paul Davis ‘09 Memorial Scholarship for well-rounded students; Varsity Soccer

Sherry and Bill: Carter’s education and his overall experience at Father Ryan exceeded our expectations. This year, we were extremely honored when Carter was awarded the Kevin Paul Davis ‘09 Memorial Scholarship. Tuition assistance and this scholarship made Carter’s attendance at Father Ryan possible when job loss affected our family’s bottom line.

It was Carter’s idea to attend Father Ryan, despite knowing only a couple of other students matriculating from Grassland Middle School. He was looking for rigorous academics combined with opportunities outside of the classroom. After his first tour of the campus, I asked him what his favorite part of the day was, and he said, “the possibilities.” 

Carter has thrived in the possibilities. Even when he had a soccer injury and was out for a season, he pivoted to sports photography that year, with many of his photos used in social media and the yearbook. It wasn’t how he wanted the athletic part of his year to go, but it turned out to be a win: the Father Ryan administration, soccer coaches, and coaches from other sports asked him to shoot photos for them, too. It’s a great example of being “seen” holistically and encouraged on all levels.

Carter has had incredible guidance from Father Ryan leadership, administration, coaches, and teachers. One of the most impressive meetings we had with Carter was at the beginning of his Freshman year with Dean Anton [Jennifer Anton, Academic Dean]. Her qualifications and Father Ryan’s academic options blew us away, and we appreciated that she suggested Carter make sure he balanced his academic goals with “teenagering” and having fun.

He has had fun and completely enjoyed serving others as a part of his education. Carter has always been drawn to service. To support his classroom’s canned food drive in Kindergarten, he chose to ask for canned goods instead of candy while trick-or-treating. He has thrived in the service-oriented leadership opportunities at Father Ryan. He has formed life-long friendships and learned how to manifest kindness and giving back in the community through his Relay For Life volunteerism and in classes like Senior Service, where he is working with need-based elementary students.

Father Ryan has given him these opportunities to grow personally through faith as well. Carter has been encouraged and taught by an excellent team of leaders and role models, and we are grateful for the way Father Ryan has brought out the best in him.

Carter: Father Ryan’s personalized learning was an important factor in choosing a high school. I wanted the challenge of High Honors and AP classes, especially in the sciences. This area of study was tailored to my strengths, while striking a balance to my overall goals and academic comfort. I started in High Honors science in my freshman year. During sophomore year, because Chemistry is more math-based, I was able to drop down to the Honors level, which was still challenging. In my senior year, I am taking multiple AP science classes, which is extremely helpful for college preparation. I scored a 36 on the ACT science section, largely due to the amazing Father Ryan science classes and teachers, and how my overall four-year class-load was designed.

Having so many impactful science courses available to me allows me to think about my future. I had considered being a doctor, but after taking Anatomy and Physiology and AP Biology, I realized that I want to focus more on a career in sports sciences. My English classes have made a big impact on what I want to do. We give many group presentations, which helped me realize that I like collaborating with other students and helped grow my confidence in public speaking.

One thing about personalized learning is that changing course levels is very doable. Our teachers talk with us about what courses we want for the next year and give their recommendations. [A faculty recommendation is required for a student to move within the four levels of learning.] Teachers know my varied interests and capabilities and have helped me find the best fit of difficulty. I moved up in English between sophomore and junior year after my teacher said that High Honors would be beneficial for me. I have been at that level for two years now. I also know friends who have moved successfully in mid-year.

I am super thankful for the personalized learning system at Father Ryan. My Junior High Honors British Literature teacher, Mr. Lancaster, worked with me individually on my summer essay, which was extremely helpful after moving up to High Honors, pointing out how I could improve my writing. His class was interesting, and I believe his help has impacted my college applications and required personal statements.

I am taking two Dual Enrollment courses [college credit courses taught by Father Ryan faculty] for Spanish and math (Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, and Trigonometry). Taking Spanish and math at the college level is helping me feel prepared for college.

Father Ryan and the yearly required theology classes have gradually helped me find my faith to the point where I have chosen to become Catholic. The classes have given me an opportunity to learn about Catholicism and service through faith. Ms. Smith, my Theology II teacher, is now my sponsor in my journey to becoming Catholic. At Father Ryan, I never felt less than other students because I wasn't Catholic; in her class, I saw the Lord working through her, and I knew it was the faith journey for me.

I see so much growth in myself from freshman year, and I am thankful that Father Ryan is a place where I feel comfortable trying new things. I was shy, came from a public middle school, and didn't really know anybody.

Father Ryan has given me opportunities to step into leadership and explore what that looks like for me, something I did not always have the confidence to do. My leadership focus is on creating community at Father Ryan because it has supported me:

• Being a Student Ambassador has been a great chance to talk to parents and prospective students. This is my second year as Head Student Ambassador. I get to run events with my friends, give tours, and showcase Father Ryan to the community at Preview Day, the Easter Egg Hunt, and Homecoming.
• I have been part of Relay For Life since my freshman year and joined the committee as a sophomore. This year, I am Co-Chair. I fell in love with the event, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. Father Ryan is the largest student-run Relay For Life in the nation. I was also asked to serve on the National Youth Engagement team.
• I have been part of the Soccer team for all four years, as a player and as a photographer when I was injured.
• I was Freshman Delegate for Trinity House and ran the Canned Food Drive for Trinity. This year, I am Trinity’s Student Engagement Coordinator and am responsible for communications.

Carter’s Favorite Classes:

• AP Psychology with Mr. Thielke. I really enjoy learning about how the human brain works and how it impacts personalities and character.
• Spanish, Dual Enrollment. Studying at Father Ryan is a gift, especially because of teachers like Ms. Irvine who present the material more interestingly and care deeply about their students.

Learn more about Father Ryan’s Personalized Learning Approach

Download the free Personalized Learning Booklet with student profiles, detailed program descriptions, and helpful links.

Click Here to Learn More about Personalized Learning.

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