Bishop McCort Catholic High School is excited to announce the launch of EXCEL, an innovative educational program available to all students enrolled in the McCort Blended Academy. Built around a personalized four-day per-week curriculum, EXCEL redefines the high school experience by blending academic excellence with leadership development, real-world experiences, and individualized student success.
The EXCEL Program is founded on five guiding principles:
- E – Experiential Learning: Hands-on opportunities that bring classroom concepts to life through internships, service projects, career exploration, and real-world application.
- X – Cross-Domain Exposure: Encouraging students to discover new interests by exploring multiple disciplines, industries, and career pathways.
- C – Curated Pathways: Customized academic plans designed around each student’s individual goals, talents, and aspirations.
- E – Elite Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced educators, industry professionals, and community leaders who invest in each student’s growth.
- L – Life Design: Equipping students with the confidence, skills, and mindset to intentionally design their future in college, career, faith, and life.
Unlike traditional educational models, the EXCEL Program provides flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Each student follows a customized curriculum developed in partnership with full-time McCort instructors, ensuring individualized attention and meaningful academic progress.
“Every student has unique gifts and aspirations,” said Tom Smith, Principal of Bishop McCort Catholic High School. “The EXCEL Program allows us to personalize the educational experience while preparing students to become confident leaders, critical thinkers, and compassionate servants. Through mentorship and experiential learning, students aren’t just preparing for graduation—they’re preparing for life.”
The McCort Blended Academy combines the flexibility of personalized instruction with the support of dedicated faculty who work closely with students to develop individualized learning plans. Small class sizes, full-time instructors, and customized academic pathways create an environment where students can thrive academically while pursuing their personal interests and career goals.
Leadership development is woven throughout every aspect of the EXCEL experience. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education, collaborate with mentors, engage in service opportunities, and develop the communication and leadership skills necessary for success in college, the workforce, and their communities.
“Our goal is not simply to educate students,” Smith added. “It is to help them discover who they are called to become. EXCEL empowers students to explore their passions, build meaningful relationships with mentors, and create a roadmap for lifelong success.”
The EXCEL Program represents another step forward in Bishop McCort Catholic High School’s commitment to educational innovation. Together with the school’s nationally recognized Catholic education, Innovative Learning Schedule, H.E.A.L. (Health, Education, and Leadership) initiatives, STREAM programming, and McCort Technology Center, the McCort Blended Academy provides families with an educational experience that is both flexible and transformational.
Families interested in learning more about the McCort Blended Academy and the EXCEL Program are encouraged to visit www.mccort.org or contact the Admissions Office at (814) 248-3869 to schedule a personalized consultation.
