Regis High School

55 East 84th Street

New York, NY 10028

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 18, 2024

As a first-generation immigrant living in this country for over 20 years, I have faced many challenges and learned to navigate the system with patience and resilience. However, my experience with the admissions process at Regis High School has left me profoundly disheartened—not because my son wasn’t accepted, but because the school has failed to be honest and transparent about how its admissions process truly works.Regis High School claims to be a Catholic institution with a mission to serve first-generation immigrant children and families of limited financial means. They promote a “holistic approach” to admissions, emphasizing that test scores are only part of the evaluation, while a student’s character, background, and circumstances are equally considered. This messaging gives hope to families like mine, who believe their child has a fair chance through hard work, strong academics, and faith. Sadly, this promise is far from the truth.Throughout the process, I saw immigrant families waiting in long lines at open houses and exams, full of hope and belief in the school’s mission. Many come from modest means and make sacrifices for their children’s futures. I have pictures and videos of families enduring these waits, believing Regis is a school for children like theirs—children of immigrants, children with financial struggles, and big dreams.But the truth is disheartening. 80% of available spots are given to students from privileged backgrounds, particularly from private Catholic or independent schools. Public school students compete for a small fraction of the seats. Worse, private Catholic school students recommended by their principals receive significant advantages, bypassing many of the steps public school families must endure. This creates an unfair, two-tiered system.Despite its claims of diversity and fairness, Regis’s admissions process favors those with privilege, connections, or financial means. At open houses, I saw families conversing casually with staff as if they were old acquaintances. How can Regis claim to take a “holistic” approach when the process so clearly skews in favor of privilege?As a Catholic institution, Regis should operate with honesty and integrity. Families like mine invest time, hope, and dreams in this process, only to be misled by false narratives. If Regis no longer serves underprivileged immigrant families, it must be transparent. Families deserve better, and so does the legacy Regis claims to uphold.
Submitted by other on September 22, 2017

An incredible experience and one I would not trade it for anything. Not only did we receive a phenomenal education but being located in the heart of New York City we were able to avail ourselves of many of the museums and other learning institutions in New York. My brothers from Regis are still amongst my closest friends. I hope my son gets the chance to attend Regis as well. There is a bond that holds all Regians together. At times it was an academic pressure cooker and at other times we were given the freedom to take it vantage of New York and always treated as mature adults. When I attended college I saw how valuable this was. Reaches teaches you from a young age that learning is your responsibility. They will help you, but they expect you to get to class on time and to know exactly when and where your classes are. Mandy of my fellow classmates in college were used to being lead from classroom to classroom. They did not know what to do with your free time. Regis works free time blocks into your schedule so you have the chance to study or to go to your teachers and ask for extra help. I feel both lucky and blessed to be able to call myself a Regian.
Submitted by other on September 04, 2017

Best four years of my life. School prepared me for life and my profession. It created a lifelong friendship with so many men that were able to cope with the demands of an extremely difficult school.
Submitted by other on April 18, 2017

Regis is a unique experience, because it not only inspires the students to excel, but they stress how to be "a good person." In each class, my son is constantly challenged at the highest level, so from the moment they begin their day to the end, they are being taught how to think "outside the box." From Math, Social Studies, to Theology, etc. Each year the kids have to do some volunteer work and go on a retreat, which continues to help them grow as individuals. This is not "Catholic dogma at its worst," it is Christianity/Catholicism at its best at all levels from intellectual stimulation to being kind to others. My son and his friends are growing into top notch gentlemen - everyone who is able to attend, is richly blessed.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2015

My son went to this school and graduated in 2014. The school gives their own admission test, and also has an interview process. The school has the ability to determine who might be a good fit for their school. They want intelligent, hard working boys who can handle the curriculum, which is difficult. The school was tremendous for my son. He was challenged, by the other students. They strive to do well, and help each other. He developed a great group of friends who are doing well at some of the top colleges in the country. The boys commute from all different communities in NJ, CT, long island , queens,the bronx and many others. They work hard in school and also serve the community in many ways also. My son was involved in a mentoring program called the Reach program. He mentored a student for three years and that boy is now a Regis student. Even with the commute, they manage to get their work done, have fun, and be men for others, which is their motto. The only downside is that they make so many friends from all over, you might be driving them to see their friends. But you will meet some wonderful kids and parents in the process!
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2015

As a parent of a Regis graduate who went on to a Ivy League school. My wife and I feel blessed that our son received the best education in NYC. Its not just the education, its the teachers and the administation. Rich or Poor all students are accepted for there potential. We planned early on that our son who had attended public grammer and middle school prior that he do very well in school. We also made sure that his after school activites were activites that would prepare him for life. Regis is a Roman Catholic school however the school focus is to prepair these young adults to become Men for Others. It is this concept that our son has taken with him and no matter what life throws his way he will be ready to face the challenges due to the education he received at Regis. young men ready to lend a hand to those in need. The world needs more schools like Regis . God Bless them as they start there next 100 years.
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2014

I am a parent of a Regis student who is a junior currently. I have been very impressed with Regis in the past 2.5 years. Not just the students and faculty, but even the parents of Regis students are warm and friendly. My son enjoys his school life and is popular and well liked by other Regians. He does have a long commute from New Jersey, but he never complaints about the 2 trains + 1 bus he takes to get across to upper-east-side. When I drive him to his games (does play for Regis teams) as well to school occasionally, I do see the other Regis students very cordial and top-notch. I do not see that from other public school + private schools when I visit for games etc.. (networking/camaraderie is huge for a successful kid IMO) The academics , the extra-curricular etc.. makes the students well-rounded. Regis was ranked as the 5th best high-school in the country for SAT scores (which no one even brags about). So all in all, I wish there was a girls-equivalent of Regis (which there is none).. we are lucky to be close to NYC and Regis.
Submitted by other on September 13, 2013

I am a Regis graduate, as is my son. In addition to an outstanding academic curriculum, there is a moral and ethical environment that encourages students to think of the needs of others, in keeping with the school motto, Deo et Patriae--for God and country.
Submitted by student on July 01, 2013

As an alumnus, I can tell you that Regis provides unmatched education and camaraderie among the students. From Seniors to Freshman, all students help each other out and are always there to give advice or help out with something. The boys at Regis are truly wonderful from the classroom to the athletic fields. Athletics, contrary to popular belief, are very competitive. Not all students are weird, in fact when I was at Regis, many kids had flourishing social lives. I made many good friends at Regis, and they are still some of my best friends to this day. However, this school is not for everyone. It requires many late nights and much devotion, but I went to college totally prepared and found the work to be easier than that at Regis. After Regis, I found myself much better prepared and having learned much more than my friends that attended other local Catholic or public schools. Regis also provides so many activities, retreats, and service work that builds character in it's students. In conclusion, going to Regis was the best decision of my life.
Submitted by student on June 27, 2013

As a person who just ended his freshman year, I am truly thrilled by my choice of school. The commute from Long Island everyday is very tiring, but the idea of commuting to the city everyday is truly exciting. I know from experience that my grades have dropped compared to my middle school. The teachers all care about the student and they are always around to help when we need it. The Jesuit values are instilled early on in our freshman year and I feel I have matured greatly by going to Regis. One other thing that has to be shared with the outside world is that the typical stereotype of a Regis kid that only studies, kind of nerdy, and has no social life is not true at all. Most kids actually have huge social lives and hangout on weekends. Although I go to sleep late every night due to the course load, I still like the fact that I am being challenged academically. There are a variety of extracurricular activities that is suitable for anyone. Students are even allowed to start new clubs if they receive approval from administration. Regis is definitely not for everyone. Be prepared to sacrifice for school and if you are on the speech and debate team. Regis is a positive life-changer!
Submitted by student on March 31, 2013

I'm a current senior, currently enjoying the much anticipated third trimester of senior year. I came from a upper-class private school in New Jersey and applied, primarily, to top-tier boarding schools. I was accepted to all of them, but chose to go to Regis because of a love for intellectualism. I had no idea how amazing the experience would be. All of my most valued friendships were forged in resource centers and many of my best memories took place in classrooms there. I would relive these four years for eternity and call it heaven, I love the student body that much. I am not going to an Ivy, but a top-tier engineering school. The math department was admittedly weak, but physics was strong enough to make up for it. The social life is incredible, though it takes place primarily at school, by necessity. Frankly, the student body of the school is so energetic and intelligent that everything else hardly matters. (Which, by the way, gives away the one-star student ratings with awful writing from either freshmen who will change their mind or rival schools' students) If you are admitted, GO, PERIOD!
Submitted by student on March 30, 2013

Honestly, the school was not that hard. In fact, it was pretty easy. The sports suck at the school and the coaching is even worse (except for volleyball). A lot of the people there are really weird and socially awkward, but that is not the school's fault. It is a typicle private high school. If you want to be challenged, go to one of the specialized public high schools.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2012

For "WOW" above - a pity you would judge an entire school by your perception of the actions of one student. Regis is a great school, not just academically. It has the MOST respectful, helpful, friendly, and kind student body I have ever seen. Since you didn't describe the incident, I don't know what offended you; that said, even with the emotion, spirit, and passion you say they lack (you are wrong) - there is bound to be an adolescent in the pack that might make a misstep. It is impossible for you NOT to have seen the plethora of eager and outgoing students assisting thousands of guests. You, for some reason, just decided not to notice them. Frankly, someone like you shouldn't become part of the Regis community, because the attitude you have-sour, so judgmental, so quickly-is not what's here. There is a huge spirit of kindness and community. Indeed, what makes Regis special is far more than the top academics. It is the respect and comraderie and demeanor that these students have with each other, with their teachers, and with the world around them. Come back another time, and open your eyes a little wider. You missed the truth - and are badmouthing the school unfairly.
Submitted by student on October 10, 2011

Whatever I write is redundant because of the well-deserved strength of Regis' reputation. I am writing partially in response to some of the other reviews. We were told upon graduation that this school's cachet exceeds that of the best Ivy League institutions. This is well deserved, why? The teachers at Regis teach you how to think better than anyone at a formative age. The teachers at Regis, especially in the humanities, are world-class. It's no accident that the academic workload is challenging. My friends at Harvard, Princeton, Yale say their workload is not as hard as Regis + involvement in debate team (arguably the best in America). I am a very happy graduate still in college - I feel incredibly lucky that I knew someone who went to Regis, told my parents about it, and then got in. At the first admissions open house I instantly felt that this was my second home - and it was. I met a brilliant group of friends - and so Regis was great for me socially. As is with most things in life, Regis is what you make of it. It is not inherently socially restricting - you have to remain grounded outside of school. It's up to you to have the educational and personal experience of a lifetime.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2011

Regis is not for everyone. Students that have exceptional motivation to learn, and the maturity to endure a long commute while managing their time effectively, can gain a life changing high school experience at Regis. The primary benefits of the school are life long relationships with other gofted students, and an almost garantee of success in college due to the outstanding job the school does preparing students for post high school life, including the ability to live independently when you leave the nest. It's not for everyone, but for those ready to meet the challenge, it's a lifetime experience.
Submitted by student on April 12, 2011

I am a very unhappy graduateof the so called prestigious Regis. I just want to clear some controversey up. Regis High School is the greatest most brilliant school alive. NOT. The whole staff of Regis is suppost to care, well none of the teachers care about what goes on. It kills me to see this go on. People need to know what really goes on in there. Kids are literally brainwashed!!!! ALL that Regis cares about is reputation and making your kids become desk drones and having no social life yet making no impact on the world.
Submitted by student on March 29, 2011

After three years at this school I've learned two things 1) the curriculum is extremely rigorous, demanding, and is much more than your average thirteen year old can handle 2) ITS TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!! The teachers are great, the extracurricular activities are so much fun, and the people you will meet are outstanding! I highly recommend Regis to anyone who feels they are up to the challenge of a lifetime. Trust me, its worth the reward.