| Bishop Watterson High School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
| 99 East Cooke Road Columbus, Ohio, (Franklin County), 43214 United States |
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| Information | |
| School type | Secondary Education School |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Roman Catholic |
| Established | 1954 |
| Oversight | Diocese of Columbus |
| Principal | Marian Hutson |
| Asst. Principal | Virginia O'Connor; William Weisner |
| Teaching staff | 87 |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 1100 (2008) |
| Color(s) | Cardinal red and Vegas Gold |
| Athletics conference | Central Catholic League |
| Mascot | Eagle |
| Team name | Eagles |
| Website | http://www.bishopwatterson.com/ |
Bishop Watterson High School is a parochial, college preparatory high school located in Columbus, Ohio.
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Bishop Watterson High School, founded in 1954 under the auspices of the Diocese of Columbus, is a co-educational college preparatory institution serving the Central Ohio area. Bishop Watterson’s tradition of excellence was acknowledged when the United States Department of Education recognized the institution as an exemplary school. Bishop Watterson High School was the first co-educational diocesan high school in Franklin County. It opened its doors in the fall of 1954 in honor of Bishop John Ambrose Watterson, the second Bishop of Columbus who served until April 17, 1899.
Bishop Watterson has established a tradition of excellence. The tradition begins with a comprehensive curriculum taught by qualified educators in a supportive environment. From rigorous college preparatory courses to summer study abroad experiences, students at Bishop Watterson receive the individualized attention that allows them to thrive academically. In addition to elective courses, students at Bishop Watterson must complete a minimum of four English courses, four science courses, four mathematics courses, four theology courses, three social studies courses, two foreign language courses, two wellness courses, and two visual arts courses. Bishop Watterson's reputation is strengthened by the college choices of many of its graduates. Each year, some Bishop Watterson alumni attend the University Notre Dame, and other elite universities. While many students choose to attend out of state universities, The Ohio State University is the most popular choice among graduates. Bishop Watterson maintains an almost 100% graduation rate.
The school's Latin Club functions as a local chapter of both the Ohio Junior Classical League (OJCL)[1] and National Junior Classical League (NJCL).[2]
Athletics are very important at Watterson. In the past, Bishop Watterson has had many teams compete for state championship titles. Sports that are offered include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, diving, field hockey, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. In addition to two gymnasiums and a weight room, Watterson's campus includes four tennis courts, a football practice field, soccer field, and a track. Watterson does not have their own football stadium because of lack of space. Instead Watterson rents use of the football stadium at old North High School from Columbus City Schools for their home games.
Bishop Watterson High School is well known in Central Ohio for its study abroad experiences and foreign exchange programs. The school's foreign language department employs the American Council for International Studies to take students abroad over spring break holidays or the summer. Among many nations, students most frequently elect to travel to Spain, France, England, Wales, Ireland, Italy, Sicily, Switzerland, and Greece to learn about and experience European culture. Foreign exchanges, also sponsored by the foreign language department, are offered annually with Bishop Watterson's sister school in northern France. The French institution, Saint Joe, is located in Le Havre, France on the English Channel. Future programs will include exchanges with high schools in Italy and Spain or Mexico.
Bishop Watterson High School continues to enhance its facilities for students and faculty. A $12 million addition has been in progress at the school since 2005. When completed in early 2010, the two phase addition will include a new science and chemistry lab department, several multi-purpose rooms, a second gymnasium, a new guidance wing and career center, health center, sound proof instrumental and vocal rooms, and new computer labs and conference rooms. Additionally, most existing classrooms have been updated to include smart boards, projector systems, flat panel televisions, and additional outlets for laptop chargers. Two anonymous alumni have donated more than $1 million each to the capital campaign.
Watterson students must abide by strict dress codes. Girls must wear knee socks and maroon jumpers, while boys' hair must be off the collar, ears, and eyebrows. Boys must wear a white oxford dress shirt and a tie with black pants embroidered with the schools initials. Boys and girls may wear polo shirts only in September and May and must wear button dress shirts in all other months. Students must pay to dress casually, and only on occasion.