Principal’s Note

Principal Paul Barker

Welcome to The John Carroll School. We are a Catholic, independent, college-preparatory, co-educational school for grades 9–12, located on a beautiful 72-acre campus in Bel Air, Harford County.

Named for America’s first Catholic bishop, our core values are inspired by his example as priest, patriot, and scholar: love of learning, respect for self, and sensitivity to others. Many of our school documents and publications include the words Go Into the New, taken from a 1783 letter of John Carroll.  These words are appropriate on many levels: they connect us with the spirit of America’s first Catholic archbishop; they remind us of our educational mission to provide students with new learning experiences each day; and they signify our commitment to being on the leading edge.  For the 2007-2008 school year our academic programs will be enhanced by the second year of one-to-one computing.  Notable additions to the curriculum include courses in Computer Science, Statistics, Mandarin Chinese, Music Theory, and Digital Audio. 

At John Carroll, our experienced and committed teachers take pride in developing each student’s potential within a disciplined, supportive, and safe environment.

The challenges of our rigorous academic program and the extraordinary number of opportunities in athletics, the arts, and other extra-curricular programs, prepare students to be successful in college and, ultimately, in the communities where they live and work.

We educate the heart as well, nourishing faith, building commitment to service, and fostering a strong sense of community. A John Carroll graduate has confidence and competence, and is ready, in the words of our Mission Statement, “to serve responsibly in shaping a more just and compassionate global society.”

The decision to choose a high school is a critical one. Students arrive in their early teens; they leave as young adults. Those four short years make all the difference to their desire and ability to fulfill their dreams.

I encourage interested families to visit us at John Carroll. Meet our teachers. Talk to our students. See our school at work and at play. We are proud of our rich tradition of excellence — it sets us apart.

Paul G. Barker
Principal