Located in Oradell, Bergen Catholic (BC) is an all-male Roman Catholic college preparatory high school that places a strong emphasis on educating the whole student. Its diverse student body consists of young men from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut who come to the school because of its reputation for providing a holistic education.
Matt Rosa, Vice President of Admissions and Outreach, is a Bergen Catholic alumnus who has worked at the school for 11 years. “Every student who attends this institution experiences much more than just an academic experience because Bergen Catholic’s mission is to develop leaders—not only academically, but also in athletics, extracurricular activities, service, and spirituality.”
“Many past graduates of BC return to encourage students and share their stories as part of the school’s initiative to provide opportunities for students to grow, and the school’s alumni group visits frequently to give presentations to students,” says Matt.
Bergen Catholic continues mentoring and supporting all students—even after graduation. The school offers a unique program called Careers for Crusaders, which provides networking opportunities for younger, college-aged alums to meet with older past graduates, who review resumes, give guidance, and encourage the younger alums in the professional development process. “We also have alum affinity groups in education, finance, law, healthcare, and more, so there are plenty of networking opportunities,” notes Matt.
The school also coordinates college tours for students led by past BC students who are current students at the college or university being visited. “This provides a candid and insightful tour experience for students provided by someone who has shared the same high school experiences,” says Matt.
Academically, the school offers a full slate of AP courses, honors research opportunities, and a robust stem-based program, along with an extensive array of internship programs in engineering, cardiology, HR, finance, marketing, etc., through their partnership with Holy Name Hospital.
“We believe it is important to create holistic learners throughout all disciplines—English, history, math, and the humanities. We want to ensure that our students are well-rounded,” says Matt. Students are required to enroll in religious studies and participate in mass.
The emphasis on servant leadership is undeniable. Students are encouraged to use their own tools, talents, and resources to benefit others by fulfilling 15 hours of community service—volunteering everywhere, from soup kitchens to food banks and nursing homes. The school also has an ongoing relationship with Covenant House New Jersey, which supports youth facing homelessness. Many students participate in twice-yearly “sleepouts” to raise funds and awareness for the organization.
Service immersion trips offer additional experiential learning opportunities. Students may choose to work with Justice Works in Trenton, travel to Brownsville, Texas, to work with Catholic Charities, partner with other high schools in the Bronx for a day of service, or even travel to Lima, Peru, to build homes for families in need. “There are many different ways students can get involved,” says Matt. “Our Catholic identity is the fiber of who we are. It’s the rudder of the ship. This legacy and a holistic education are how we develop servant leaders.”
Although the student body changes yearly, the school’s mission remains the same—educating young men in mind, body, and spirit by deepening religious faith, developing academic excellence, and strengthening social consciousness and responsibility.
“As an alum myself, I am very blessed to work with some of the same people who impacted me as a student,” says Matt. “They play a vital role in forming the students we have today. That’s what makes us unique. We are dedicated to forming character, integrity, and faith within the young men we serve. Many of our alumni will say BC put them on the right path.”
Whatever Bergen Catholic’s graduates decide to do in the coming years, they will be well-prepared to be the best version of themselves throughout every aspect of life.
bergencatholic.org
"Our Catholic identity is the fiber of who we are. It’s the rudder of the ship."