Four Pillars
Our Four Pillars
- Academic Life
- Spiritual Life
- An Active Life
- A Life of Service
The Meaning Behind Our Four Pillars
Bishop Dwenger offers a rich curriculum with nearly 100 courses. We understand that it takes more than academics to guide our students for life in school or prepare them for life after graduation. Mind, body, soul, and community components make up a complete, well-balanced person. We address each facet in full at BDHS.
Academic Life at Bishop Dwenger is designed to inspire a lifetime of learning. Our curriculum is challenging. Our faculty averages 14 years of teaching experience and 42% have earned Master's Degrees. The student/teacher ratio is 16:1. We reward academic excellence. Qualifying students receive a letter and jacket – many the semester before junior year. One of three diplomas can be earned: Core 40, Core 40 Academic Honors, or Technical Honors. 91% of our graduates attend post-secondary schools.
Spiritual Life at Bishop Dwenger integrates classroom studies and personal growth to foster “Citizens of Two Worlds.” Our Pastoral Ministry and Guidance Departments offer support, encouragement and direction to our students, teachers and parents. The Pastoral Ministry team includes a lay minister and a diocesan priest assigned by our Bishop to oversee/prepare school Masses, Sacraments, retreats, and offer confidential pastoral counseling. The Guidance Department's licensed counselors help students with academic, vocational, postsecondary education and personal matters.
An Active Life is highly encouraged at Bishop Dwenger. These outside-of-school endeavors are so important that we refer to them as co-curricular activities. BD is consistently successful in Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Conference sports. Our Saints also place competitively in state-wide music ensembles, academic teams, play on local sport clubs, and participate in city vocal and instrumental ensembles. These activities teach our students teamwork, dedication, commitment, and how to best represent their school, self, and faith.
A Life of Service is Catholic social teaching in action. The Church recognizes that the human person is both sacred and social, that we mature and achieve fulfillment in community. In the words of the late Bishop John D'Arcy, "No one can find himself until he learns to make a gift of himself to others." At Bishop Dwenger we provide service opportunities in a wide variety of settings. Our students are required to perform ten service hours each semester as part of their Theology class.
