The school DOESN'T value academics nearly as much as it values socializing and athletics. It pales in comparison to east coast prep schools, and lacks rigor in the curriculum. Most people who enjoy the school discuss the "fun times" or "experiences"; leisure is vital for any secondary school student, but leisure can't help you pass the SAT. Just take a look at the average ACT / SAT scores which aren't too much higher than state averages - unimpressive considering the affluence of the student body and the presumptive ability to afford pricey test prep.
The teachers are sometimes unqualified to teach in their respective fields (particularly in STEM), but as a parochial school, Xavier doesn't have to follow standard hiring credentials. Software programming isn't offered. Extra-curricular organizations are subpar and do little to promote civic leadership. The courses do little to engage students with the outside world or current affairs. Even Economics / Goverment is disregarded, and course credit is granted simply by completing a take-home multiple choice exam. Critical thinking is discouraged in favor of busy-work and memorization. Students who are academically minded don't receive enough support or encouragement from faculty and staff. The Great Books program is well-meaning, but lacks the structure or wherewithal to truly stimulate active learning. In this increasingly globally competitive world, a lackluster education will no longer be rewarded. Xavier's young women need to be more forcefully pushed to rise to the same level of competition as their counterparts in China. There is just too much focus on non-academic pursuits and popularity contests.
Unfortunately, issues like racism and discrimination (including non-racial forms to non-minority students) are also problems among certain teachers (especially those belonging to religious orders, aka nuns). You might find yourself mistreated if the school administrators incorrectly presume your background, until they realize who your parents are. If a teacher "just doesn't like you" it can make student life extremely difficult.
Xavier also has its share of parochial school politics - children of donors + frequent volunteers are given more attention and treated more "equitably" than others, so to speak. There is also a great deal of pandering required to ensure that you're well-treated. There is definitely widespread drug use, drinking, partying, misbehavior and rule-breaking etc. Despite the religious curriculum, the girls here are no better in behavior or ethics than those in your standard high school. They're just better at not getting caught / evading punishment. The all-girl environment can also become very "catty" and cantankerous but I suppose you could find that at any high school. In full disclosure, there is a very predominant quasi "Laguna Beach" or "The Hills", hedonistic, vain, melodramatic, disinterested, and egocentric vibe, which is unfortunately promoted and perpetuated by the school itself. Complete with student fashion shows and cotillions. I guess some girls enjoyed this. Just be aware that there is not much diversity in interests or personalities, which can be challenging over the course of 4 years.
All in all, Xavier is probably better than some public schools in the Phoenix area (perhaps no better than wealthy schools like Chapparal). But it cannot compare in the slightest to top ranking high schools around the state and country. Xavier is ABSOLUTELY NOT a "college prep" in the same strain as the Phillips Academy. Xavier is a school where affluent and mildly affluent Phoenicians send their children to maintain a public image of affluence. I found that *most* students would gladly spend more time preparing school dance arrangements (or snagging the latest Vera Bradley tote or Steve Madden sandals or Juicy velour tracksuit or...) than preparing for final exams. Yes, there's nothing wrong with a little teenage frivolity, but getting good grades ought to be the main priority!! Tears, popularity, and brown-nosing could garner passing grades. Parents and students are largely unconcerned with superior academic achievement - Xavier has a local reputation of lagging far behind Brophy in this respect. This culture can be distracting and disheartening for sincerely hardworking students.
Consider other day schools in the Phoenix area. If you think attending Xavier inherently provides an competitive advantage in college admissions, you are very mistaken. The overwhelming majority of graduates (unsurprisingly) attend ASU or Arizona. The college advising is surprisingly quite minimal - you will have to do all of your own research. The few students who make it into top schools are often "connected" by way of familial legacy attendance, wealth, or athletic recruitment. I've seen several public schools in Scottsdale, Chandler, etc. send far more students annually to top schools. Just do your due diligence before choosing XCP. read more
