Summary: Archbishop Riordan High School is committed to 21st Century Learning with a host of challenging innovations and a call to embracing high academic standards, exploring alternative instruction and assessment, and rising above expectations of typical high schools across the nation. Our dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate faculty and our cutting-edge programming meet our students where they are while remaining closer than ever to our Marianist heritage: education for adaptation and change while remaining grounded in faith, service, and family spirit. At Riordan’s core is a rigorous and challenging curriculum which blends a classic liberal education with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate contemporary times. Students are trained to think critically, express themselves clearly, and identify overlapping themes among disciplines. Each course identifies the essential questions of each field, emphasizing an inquiry-based approach to subjects, and is designed to hone the elemental academic skills in each student. Students take a hands-on, active approach to their education so that they can apply what they learn to real-life situations. A Riordan student’s academic course load will not merely fulfill University of California and California State University requirements, it will exceed them, allowing more time for additional electives. Students also have the option to take university-level courses at City College of San Francisco, located directly across the street from Riordan’s Campus.

Department Director Tim Reardon

Student/Teacher Ratio: 11:1

Average Class Size: 23

Summer Programs: Offered

Full Time Teachers: 65

Number of AP Courses Offered: 20

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 61.0%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

English

• Classics
• Creative Writing
• Honors
• Literature
• Playwriting
• Poetry

Foreign Languages

• Chinese-Mandarin
• Spanish
• American Sign Language

Religion / Philosophy

• Ethics
• Faith
• Moral Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Social Justice
• The Bible
• Theology
• World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

• Economics
• Psychology
• Sociology

Math

Computer Studies

• Computer Applications
• Multimedia
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Web Design

Music

• Band
• Choral Music
• Composition

Performing / Visual Arts

• Acting
• Debate
• Design
• Directing
• Drama
• Drawing
• Graphic Design
• Journalism
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Public Speaking
• Studio Art
• Television Production
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• 3-D Art

Special Programs

• Community Service
• Outdoor Education
• Rifle Team

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 2

Average Students Per Dorm: 15

Number of Girls Dorms: 1

Number of Boys Dorms: 1

Dorm Amenities

• Game Room
• Laundry Facilities
• Lounge
• Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Facilities

• All-Weather Track
• Baseball Field
• Basketball Court
• Fitness Center
• Football Field
• Indoor Basketball Court
• Technology Center

Other Facilities

Clubs & Organizations

Summary: In the Marianist spirit of hospitality, we are committed to fostering the bonds of our school community. The arts are a platform for both creative and analytical development, and the skills learned in these realms help our students build the skills to lead in our media-rich society. Students have the opportunity to further explore the arts through the regular academic curriculum and a variety of co-curricular opportunities including full-length performances, clubs, and art- focused interest groups. It has been the long-standing tradition and philosophy of the Riordan Athletic Department that participation in athletics is an integral part of the education process. Our Athletics program stresses sportsmanship, self-discipline, teamwork, commitment, and self confidence, as well as dealing with success and overcoming adversity. These lessons enrich a student’s academic life while providing a foundation of character and integrity. Our athletics staff, including 24 on campus coaches and a strength and conditioning team, is committed to success on the playing fields and in the classroom.

Arts Department Director: Irman Arcibal

Athletics Department Director: Brian Kelly

Arts

• Acting
• Debate
• Design
• Directing
• Drama
• Drawing
• Graphic Design
• Journalism
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Public Speaking
• Studio Art
• Television Production
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• 3-D Art

Interscholastic Sports

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country Running
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Wrestling

Recreational Sports

• Badminton
• Lacrosse
• Martial Arts
• Rugby
• Swimming

Summary: Preparing students for the next phase of their educational career is a top priority. In addition to a challenging academic curriculum, students begin their college exploration early by meeting with divisional counselors who explain the search and selection process. The counselors also explain the requirements of a college application, including essay writing, standardized testing, and financial aid. Parent education about the college process is also a key component of our program.

College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

Quotes From Alumni

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %

Average Merit Scholarship: 8,000

Current Endowment Amount: $7,500,000