BISHOP BYRNE MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 7-12)

1475 East Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38116
Principal: Dr. Donald Edwards
(901) 346-3060
FAX (901) 346-9488
Email: Bishop Byrne@gaggle.net
Web: www.bishopbyrne.org

Scholarship, service, excellence, character development, and spiritual formation are ideal descriptors and hallmarks of the educational experience that awaits students at Bishop Byrne Middle and High School. Founded in 1965, the school has a strong tradition of inspiring future leaders to hunger and thirst for success. With its heritage school, St. Thomas High School, Bishop Byrne has served the Memphis community for 95 years.

Bishop Byrne is an educational ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and is governed by the Bishop of Memphis through the superintendent of schools and a local school board.

The school, served by the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation since its founding, provides an education that reflects the high standards and ideals that characterize education in the Dominican tradition.

Consistent with its mission, the school offers a college preparatory program to all students. With basic, standard, honors, and advanced placement classes, we are able to meet the needs of our students. As well, we offer a rich array of classes in the creative and performing arts in addition to physical education and physical training classes designed to help students maximize their talents and establish productive leisure routines.

Bishop Byrne has established itself as an educational hub in southwest Memphis serving students from Whitehaven, northern Mississippi, eastern Arkansas, and the greater Memphis metropolitan area as well as the suburbs: Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville and others.

"Sometimes it seems like a long drive, but it's worth it," says sophomore Kobie Randolph. "I've attended public and private schools, and Bishop Byrne is, by far, the best!" Kobie commutes from Germantown.

Evidenced by the fact that enrollment in the school has grown by 20% over the past two years, many parents are responding to the need to provide a quality education for their children in a safe, disciplined environment.

"In this market that promotes optional schools and special programs, we provide the ultimate in optional education: an opportunity for students to learn and grow in an environment that is permeated by the spirit, mission, and message of Jesus Christ. That is a difference that counts!" says Dr. Donald Edwards, principal. As well, the low teacher-to-student ratio of 14 to 1 ensures that each student builds positive, productive relationships with teachers. Empirical research confirms that when students are able to build trusting relationships with adults in the school, learning potential increases.

As a Catholic school, Bishop Byrne recognizes that its role is to assist parents who are the first, foremost, and primary educators in meeting the learning-growth needs of their children. Parent Hozetta Hughes pointed out, "My son graduated from Byrne in 1999 and my daughter is in the tenth grade. We selected Bishop Byrne because our children needed a small, structured environment. The teachers are caring and they gladly share their time and talent with the students. They are available to confer with parents as needed, and work hard to ensure that the students are successful. It's not about a paycheck to them. It's a heart thing! They put their hearts into what they do to serve our children."

Bishop Byrne is a laboratory for teaching and learning. In 1992, the school became the first private secondary school to be designated as a Professional Development School (PDS) for the University of Memphis. As such, members of the faculty serve as clinical professors and, through the College of Education of the university, are involved in the training of pre-service teachers. The campus is also the site of the south-west instructional center for the university. Evening and summer university classes are offered in the school.

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father . . . I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me . . . whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers (sisters), you did for me (Mt. 25:34-35,40)." Service to others is not an option at Bishop Byrne. When we serve others, we share the love of Christ. As such, each student is required to accumulate 25 community service hours.

Although the school is authentically Catholic, students who embrace many different religious traditions make up the student body. "We want our students to be ambassadors for Christ whether they are Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, practitioners of other religious traditions or unchurched," says Sr. Joan Marie Ligon, vice-principal of the school.

Recognized as a sports powerhouse, Bishop Byrne offers a variety of competitive sports teams: volleyball, golf, cross country, tennis, basketball, soccer, softball, and track. The Red Knights varsity football team is presently celebrating its second straight state championship!

We are champions spiritually, academically, and athletically. The best way to learn about the unique opportunities that await you at Bishop Byrne Middle and High School is to visit our spacious, modern, well-appointed facility. Imbibe the spirit of this great place, and walk in the steps of those who have become healthcare professionals, religious leaders, educators, business and political leaders who are sons and daughters of Bishop Byrne.

For additonal information, contact Dr. Donald Edwards, principal, at (901) 346-3060.