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Academics

Every student contributes in an experiential environment of doing – not watching.


Students are actively engaged in and challenged by our comprehensive academic programs, regardless of their performance and ability levels. As students of all learning styles work side-by-side, they gain perspective and appreciation for different strengths and abilities in others while, at the same time, developing their own. Flexible, customized learning pathways encourage students’ interests and challenge them to keep pace in a world of perpetual change.
 

Science student holds up beaker.
McNicholas students in from on Eiffel Tower during study abroad trip.
McNicholas student works with teacher in hands-on Culinary Chemistry lab
Math students doing catapult lab

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I have grown academically thanks to the challenge and rigor of my courses and the wide array of opportunities, including AP and CCP classes.Remington, Class of '24

Teachers really care about you and your journey as a whole and take the time to make sure you are on the right track.Carly, Class of '23

Student pours dirt into garden

McNicholas students celebrated Catholic School Week with a school-wide Day of Christ’s Love in Action. Each academic department facilitated a different service project so that students had an opportunity to touch many lives as they worked their way through their class schedules.

Alum welcomes new inductees to Science National Honor Society

Congratulations to the 11 seniors who were inducted into the McNicholas High School Chapter of the Science National Honor Society. These students have exceled in their classes and shown a passion for science related fields: Ian Wolfram, Audrey Hurlburt, Amanda Braig, Gemma Roetenberger, Carly Kent, Remington Holder, Kelsey Haas, Joey Thomas, Owen Lawler, Gracie Fechtel, and Connor Svarda.  

Welcome New Faculty & Staff

In addition to our new principal, Mr. Bob Noll, we are excited to welcome new faculty and staff members to the McNicholas family, many of whom are filling new positions in our growing community. 

McNicholas student solves calculus problem on window

Congratulations to our 34 Rockets who were named AP Scholars! These brilliant students received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP tests this spring. Additionally, six were named AP Scholars with Honor and eight were named AP Scholars with Distinction! 

Portrait of Principal Bob Noll

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Bob Noll as the Principal of McNicholas High School. Mr. Noll officially begins his tenure at McNicholas on July 1, but he has already been hard at work learning about the McNicholas community and paving a smooth transition from Mr. Dave Mueller’s tenure to his. He describes the energy at McNicholas as “live-giving.”

McNicholas High School graduation

Congratulations to our newest graduates who received their diplomas at the MegaCorp Pavilion on Sunday, May 21.The Class of 2023 nominated Alex Reed to deliver the welcome and Student Body President Autumn Strebel to share her thoughts about the spirit and experience of their class.

Top 10 Academic Signing

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 Top 10! These 10 students have achieved the highest weighted cumulative grade point average up to and including the third quarter of their senior year: Augie Block, Ellie Bowman, Danielle Dietz, Nate Kouche, Grey Murray, Jacob Patterson, Landen Rupp, Alex Russo, Kaitlyn Schulte, and Autumn Strebel.

Front of the Capstone Symposium invitation

Members of the Class of 2023 presented their social justice service-learning projects to a standing-room only audience during the 2023 Capstone Symposium. Using the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching as inspiration, students researched and explored ways to use their God-given brilliance to actively love God and their neighbor.

Front of the Capstone Symposium invitation

All members of the McNicholas community are invited to the Capstone Symposium on April 27 at 7 p.m. to hear members of the Class of 2023 present their Social Justice Capstone Projects. Over the past year, members of the Class of 2023 worked collaboratively to discern and implement a passion projects aimed at making a difference in the lives of others.

Students inspired by successful alumni and community members during Career Day

Over 30 McNicholas alumni and community members visited campus on April 3 to share their expertise and encouragement with students during Career Day. Keynote speaker Shawn Curran, McNicholas Class of 1981, set the tone for the day as he engaged students with his journey from McNicholas student to executive at a multibillion-dollar company.

Junior places third in state poetry competition

Junior Amanda Braig placed third in the Ohio state finals of the Poetry Out Loud competition. “Amanda was a clear standout at the State competition; her poise, confidence, and clear articulation were outstanding!” Poetry Out Loud coach and English teacher Mrs. Laura Rupp said.

Celtic cross at the front entrance to McNicholas High School

The McNicholas family is excited to welcome Mr. Robert Noll as the Principal of McNicholas High School, beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Noll has a total of 25 years of experience in Catholic education in the Diocese of Covington.

Mu Alpha Theta honors students with a passion for math

Congratulations to the 19 students who were inducted into the McNicholas chapter of Mu Alpha Theta.

To be considered for this math national honor society, candidates must exhibit admirable character and excellence in math holding at least a 90% average in their honors-level math courses. They must also demonstrate a passion for math, for growing their skills, and for using their talents to positively impact the world around them. Members at McNicholas serve as math tutors as well as compete in math competitions to maintain membership.

Student shares Science Fair project

The Science Department hosted its annual Science Fair on Thursday, Jan. 26. 35 students were invited to present their projects to a panel of judges comprised of faculty, friends of McNicholas, and Science National Honor Society members. Science teacher Ms. Mary Dennemann said, “Students have been preparing science fair projects for the 18 last weeks. We are proud of their hard work." 

Engineering students work on project

McNicholas engineering students stepped up to the plate, helping Little League baseball players who use walkers and wheelchairs to field ground balls. The grabbers they designed, tested, and manufactured were delivered to the Mason Challenger Baseball team in December.

McNicholas CyberPatriot Team State Competition

Congratulations to the members of the McNicholas CyberPatriot Team who earned 2nd Place in the gold tier at the state level of The National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. Coach Mrs. Jolene Esz attributes their success to their enthusiasm and their hard work in the UC Early IT Program.

Culinary chemistry offers a tasty new take on science

Rockets made delicious discoveries when they combined fundamentals of science and cooking in the inaugural semester of the Culinary Chemistry class. The goal of the class is to give students a different perspective on science and an appreciation for chemistry in our everyday lives. Trading beakers for mixing bowls and Bunsen burners for convection ovens, students participated in hands-on cooking labs where they used principles of chemistry to assist them in creating a variety of tasty treats.

McNicholas student tutors student at Sands Montessori.

More than 40 McNicholas students are skipping study hall for a good reason: They’re tutoring kids at Sands Montessori, Mt. Washington Elementary, and St. Joseph Catholic School. Through a program launched in the 2021-22 school year, our students provide reading enrichment at Sands, math and language arts support at Mt. Washington, and homework assistance at St. Joe’s.

McNicholas inducts 31 National Honor Society members

McNicholas High School celebrated students achieving their academic best by inducting 31 new members into the Altiora Chapter of National Honor Society on Thursday, Dec. 1. The National Honor Society recognizes the achievements of junior and senior students who excel academically and fill leadership roles in the school and community.

McNicholas students collect recycling

Students in the Environmental Science classes are caring for God’s creation and learning about sustainability by taking responsibility for the school recycling program. Science teacher Mr. Eric Hickman jump started the program as part of his Environmental Science curriculum. “My goal for this class is to make students aware of environmental issues and empower them to be a part of the solutions,” Mr. Hickman said.

Early IT contest winner holds up prize

Congratulations to freshman Louis Smith and sophomores Eli Holland and Jonathan Byrum who earned top awards in University of Cincinnati’s Early IT Fall Competition. Louis won first place in the Programming category for his Java script program that helps builders to calculate construction costs. Eli and Jonathan, who took second place as a team in the Web Development category, were challenged to create an original website that highlights the UC Early IT Program at McNicholas. 

Rockets enjoy Pumpkin STEM lab and creative fall fun

McNicholas students celebrated fall and Halloween with pumpkins galore inside and outside the classroom! Mr. Steve Dalton's class participated in the yearly pumpkin catapult STEM lab, the English Department hosted a literary pumpkin decorating contest, and CREWs carved out some time for fun with their own contest.  

McNicholas freshmen laughing together

The Theology Department held their annual Heritage Week, a mini course for the freshman class highlighting the history, legacy, culture and vision of McNicholas High School. Students learned about our founders the Sisters of Saint Joseph, our namesake Archbishop John T. McNicholas, and the values and mission we continue to strive toward today.

McNicholas HAC Youth Justice Award honorees

McNicholas student organization Hands Across Campus (HAC) was honored for their compassionate leadership by the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center (IJPC).  At their annual gathering, IJPC awarded the first Youth Justice Award to HAC for their work to promote justice, diversity, and inclusion at McNicholas and in the community.  

Group photo of students from Barcelona

McNicholas welcomed 5 students from Collegi Casp, a sister school in Barcelona, Spain, for a 3-week study abroad program. During their stay, Ariadna, Ana, Andrea, Biel, and Abel lived with McNicholas host families, explored Cincinnati, and experienced life as a Rocket. They participated in clubs, cheered from the Launch Pad, attended a full class schedule, and even helped in our Spanish classes.  

McNicholas President and Principal recording their conversation

President Dr. Denver Stanfield and Principal David Mueller touch base in this second episode of Conversation with the President & the Principal. Tune in to hear Dr. Stanfield discuss progress on the HVAC project and enrollment and to hear Mr. Mueller’s updates on our innovative programs such culinary chemistry and Leadership McNick.  Mr. Mueller also shares ways in which McNicholas is continuing to support students in all areas, including mental health.

McNicholas student shares during Leadership McNick seminar.

McNicholas is excited to unveil Leadership McNick, its newest initiative in the development of compassionate leaders. Leadership McNick is a four-year, intentional growth experience that combines high-quality leadership training with small-group relationship building, retreat programming, vocation and career exploration, and formal and informal mentoring.

McNicholas students pack hygiene kits to send to Manna from Heaven Outreach.

Partnering with Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, members of the RLC collected and packed hygiene kits to send to Manna from Heaven Outreach, a group working to support the people of Eastern Kentucky who were devastated by the recent flooding. With a focus on Community, Curiosity, and Creativity, the RLC provides students with the opportunity to learn through community engagement.

Portrait of McNicholas President, Dr. Denny Stanfield

McNicholas is pleased to welcome the school’s new President, Dr. Denver Stanfield, who began his tenure at McNicholas on July 1. Meet Dr. Stanfield and listen in on our first episode of Conversation with the President & the Principal.

Celtic cross at the front entrance to McNicholas High School

At McNicholas, we pride ourselves on helping students discover and develop their God-given talents, but students are not the only ones growing and challenging themselves. Teachers and staff members are also developing their gifts and finding new ways to use them to serve the McNicholas community.

As the 2022-23 school year begins, four faculty and staff members are taking on new roles and responsibilities: Mr. Bill Losekamp, Mrs. Emily Materna, Mr. Mike Orlando, and Mr. Dan Rosenbaum

McNicholas Class of 2022 Valedictorian shakes principal's hand

Congratulations to our newest graduates who received their diplomas at the PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation on Sunday, May 22. Student Body President Lauren Keith, Valedictorian Andrew Collette, and English Teacher Mr. Jeff Mulvey were nominated by the Class of 2022 to speak at the graduation ceremony.

McNicholas senior signs academic letter of intent.

At our annual Academic Signing celebration, we recognized the Class of 2022 Top 10. These 10 students have achieved the highest weighted cumulative grade point average up to and including the third quarter of their senior year: Jack Caccavari, Emma Clemons, Andrew Collette, Bobby Fechtel, Emily Fridley, Zach Geiser, Maria Klug, Ethan Koran, Arden Jakubovic, and Jason Munzel.

McNicholas students work cooperatively during leadership retreat.

The Class of 2025 grew in compassionate leadership this week as they bonded together during leadership formation. This day of formation laid the groundwork for the Leadership McNick program, a joint venture between McNicholas and the Xavier University Leadership Center (XLC), that will officially kick off next school year.

McNicholas student testing the strength of her bridge made of pasta.

At McNicholas, we build bridges...but sometimes we break them too! Ms. Gaskins’s Architectural Drafting students designed, constructed, and then tested the strength of their spaghetti bridges. Junior Caroline Mohahan’s brilliant design was the strongest, holding 14.1 pounds!

Candle lighting at the McNicholas NAHS induction ceremony

Twenty-six Rockets were inducted to the National Art Honor Society this April. NAHS inspires and recognizes students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art and supports members in their efforts to attain the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service.

McNicholas students lead Angels through CANabiliites Program

As part of the Guardian Angels School’s CANabilities Program, McNicholas hosted the eighth grade class from GA, leading them through a morning of witness, reflection, and activities fostering kindness and compassion.

McNicholas students celebrate National Foreign Lanauge Week

The World Languages Department celebrated National Foreign Language Week with fun, food, and “Fallas.” Activities included "Ojos de Dios" crafts from Mexico, “Fallas" from Valencia, and a Greek temple building project.

McNicholas High School's three National Merit Semifinalists

All three seniors who were announced as National Merit Semifinalists in September have advanced to Finalist standing. Congratulations to our National Merit Finalists Ethan Koran, Erin McManus, and Jason Munzel!

McNicholas senior wins Poetry Out Loud competition.

Congratulations to senior Zach Geiser who placed first in our school-wide Poetry Out Loud competition for his recitation of “Dream Song 14” by John Berryman. Zach will move on to the regional semi-finals for an opportunity to compete at the state level.

Scholastic Gold Key Winners from McNicholas

Conner Dute ’22 and Conner Gibson ’22 were both awarded Gold Keys for their architecture work. Connor Dute was recognized for his pizza oven rendering, Rock-In Park, and Conner Gibson received his Gold Key for The Cozy Comb, a plan for sustainable living for displaced persons. Both Conners will move on the National Scholastic competition.

McNicholas welcome three new faculty and staff members.

Please join us in welcoming three new faculty and staff members to the McNicholas family. Mr. Pete Collopy joins the Athletic Department as a strength and conditioning coach, Mrs. Julie Miller has returned to McNicholas as full-time math tutor and co-teacher, and Mrs. Andrea Wheeler joins us as a full-time co-teacher in the English Department.

McNicholas High School's three National Merit Semifinalists

McNicholas High School is proud to announce that seniors Ethan Koran, Erin McManus, and Jason Munzel are semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit® Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) program. Semifinalists represent the top 1% of seniors nationwide based on the results of the PSAT/NMSQT test the students took as juniors.