Tech Programs
A quick guide to our signature technology programs, courses and clubs:
Computer Science Program
Computer Science Discoveries (for freshmen and up)
An introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.
iHaX Club (for freshmen and up)
IT Help at Xavier is a club in which you can work directly with Xavier’s Director of Systems Technology and learn real-world IT skills.
AP Computer Science Principles (for sophomores and up)
Want to have a jump on your future college classmates? This course, which focuses on vital computer skills, is designed to be the equivalent of a first semester introductory college computing course. Students will learn how to use different tools so they can analyze and study data, and they will also become skilled at working with large data sets. Before they know it, they will be able to draw important conclusions from various trends.
AP Computer Science A (for juniors and seniors)
Introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.
Engineering & Robotics Program
Principles of Engineering (for sophomores)
A full-year course where students explore a broad range of engineering disciplines and careers, and design and solve real-world engineering problems. This course introduces students to engineering concepts that are applicable to a variety of engineering disciplines and empowers them to develop technical skills through the use of engineering tools such as 3-D modeling software, hands-on prototyping equipment, programming software, and robotics hardware to bring their solutions to life. Students apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems across a breadth of engineering fields such as mechanical, robotics, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and product design and development.
Honors Mechanical Engineering (for sophomores and up)
Through many hands-on projects, students will apply the Engineering Design Process to solve problems related to machines, vehicles, motors, and other objects that move. Students are required to have some background in physics, a strong mathematical foundation, and an enthusiasm for engineering.
Honors Aerospace Engineering (for sophomores and up)
Students solve problems using the Engineering Design Process as well as build a variety of aircrafts. Topics include rockets, airplanes, drones, flight physics and history. Students will also learn about the robust Aerospace Manufacturing industry throughout Connecticut and have opportunities to see these businesses up close. Students are required to have some background in physics, a strong mathematical foundation, and an enthusiasm for engineering.
Robotics Team (for freshmen and up)
This club allows students to program and build robots that compete in FIRST Robotics Competitions. Xavier annually wins awards at New England District Events, such as the Entrepreneurship Award in 2019 and 2020, the District Engineering Inspiration Award in 2018 and 2019, and the Chairman’s Award in 2018.
Engineering Team (for freshmen and up)
This club allows students to learn 3D printing and drone piloting. Also, students compete in the Real World Design competition. Xavier has a history of doing well in that competition, winning the international championship and the national championship in Washington, D.C., in 2018. Xavier also won national RWDC titles in 2011, 2012 and 2016.
Esports Programs
The 2019-20 school year was the second for Esports in Connecticut. Xavier capped of an unbeaten season to win the Rocket League title in 2020, defeating Newton High School 4-0 in a best-of-seven series at Central Connecticut State University. It was the Falcons’ second Rocket League title in a row. Xavier also won the Smite title in the 2019-20 school year. Xavier also competes in the League of Legends, all PlayVS leagues.
Multimedia Classes
Accelerated Multimedia I: TV Broadcasting
Multimedia I is a semester course introducing the craft of story-telling through news and sports broadcasting. Students examine the influence and ethical use of media as tools of communication and entertainment in the modern age. Students employ multimedia technology and software in a collaborative, creative, and studio-like news environment. They collaborate with XTV and XTV Live to produce a variety of news and sports programming broadcasts for available Xavier mediums such as the Kestrel, XTV, XTV Live, TV monitors, and social media accounts.
Accelerated Multimedia II: Photography & Cinematography
Multimedia II is a semester course introducing the art and craft of story-telling through photography and cinematography. Students examine the influence and ethical use of media as tools of communication and entertainment in the modern age. Students employ multimedia technology techniques and software related to photography and cinematography and apply them to projects such as original movies, film shorts, commercials. Qualifying projects will be published through Xavier’s available platforms such as XTV, XTV Live, and the school’s TV monitors and various social media accounts.
Note: Multimedia classes and e-sports are working with new computers focused on high-end graphics. The school's internet access has more than doubled in capacity and speed, and an upgraded WiFi network is being installed.