Traditions
Learn More About Becoming Irish For Life
Living Our Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service
We use the word "Tradition" often at Father Ryan, and our motto, A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service, is incorporated into all things we do.
Since 1925, Father Ryan has stayed true to its mission, to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.
Our traditions have served as important markers in our school's history as we continue to respond to the needs of the era.
By staying true to our Catholic tradition, we are able to continue evolving to meet the needs of our community in the years to come. Today's student life traditions are built to create a strong culture of belonging on campus and pay tribute to those who have come before us.
Answering the Call
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1925 - Bishop Smith saw the need for an all-boys Catholic school and created the Nashville Catholic High School for Boys.
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1944 - Students and alumni volunteered to serve during World War II.
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1954 - Father Ryan was the first Tennessee school to integrate.
- 1970 - Father Ryan opened its doors to girls to become co-educational.
- 1991 - After moving to Norwood Drive, Father Ryan expanded the Arts, Athletics, and Academics through new facilities and programs.
- 2020 - Father Ryan introduced the House System to help the large school feel smaller and create a stronger community on campus.