College-Ready, Every Day

At York Catholic, preparing students for college, careers, and success in life is much more than an intentional goal of our middle and high school curricula; it’s a daily practice rooted in our academic culture and community values. Our commitment to helping students excel beyond graduation is reflected in the caliber of our faculty, including three educators who uniquely blend secondary education with real-world college-level teaching experience.

Whether they plan to attend college or pursue another path after high school, our students benefit from learning under the guidance of instructors who have firsthand experience with the expectations of higher education. Get to know the individuals who currently teach or have taught college courses alongside their roles at YC, and check out our Summer 2025 issue of Greensleeves magazine for their extended profiles.

Mrs. Rachel Shanko, now in her ninth year at YC, teaches 7th-grade English Language Arts while also serving as an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania, where she instructs a Foundations Communications course for first-year students. This dual perspective allows Mrs. Shanko to guide YC’s younger students in building early communication and time management skills while also helping college students navigate the challenges of campus life.

Dr. Eric Hostler balances his teaching duties between YC and York College. He leads our Intro to Computer Science, Cyber Security, and AP Computer Science Principles courses. At York College, he teaches Networking, E-Commerce, and Management Information Systems. His deep industry expertise and engaging teaching style make complex technological concepts accessible and exciting, with many YC seniors noting his class as a highlight of their academic day.

Mr. Curtis Nelson brings over 34 years of experience teaching music and theatre at the college level to our YC fine arts program. Now the musical director and theatre instructor at YC, he helps students build performance confidence and stage presence – skills that extend far beyond the auditorium to interviews, presentations, and any professional setting they’ll encounter.

“Our students are not only challenged by the academic rigor of a YC education, they are fortunate to have the opportunity to be taught by excellent teachers who are also preparing them through collegiate-style instruction.” -Kathy Hand, Principal

At York Catholic, we challenge our students to begin considering their pathway to graduation from the moment they start middle school in 7th grade, providing a springboard to future academic and career success from the outset. Our robust college and career preparation program then supports students at every step throughout their high school journey, as our dedicated college and career counselors work with students starting as early as freshman year. Together, they explore potential career paths, map out course plans, and work through college applications. They also guide students and their families through the sometimes-complicated process of financial aid and scholarships. This personalized attention ensures that each student has the confidence and resources to pursue their goals.

Academically, students are encouraged to stretch themselves with Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses, providing the foundation for college-level study. For those eager to earn college credits early, our dual enrollment and College in the Classroom partnerships with local colleges allow students to gain valuable college experience while still in high school. Sixty-two percent of YC students take AP, Honors, or dual enrollment courses in a given year.

Did you know? 94% of YC students taking AP tests score a 3 or higher, far exceeding the national average!

Students and families exploring whether early college exposure is the right choice can also refer to our previously published blog, “Are College Classes in High School Right for My Student?”, which provides helpful insights into the benefits and considerations of this opportunity.

We are proud to share that, on average, over 90% of York Catholic graduates go on to attend four-year colleges or universities. Many of our alumni have been accepted to prestigious colleges and universities across the country, a list of which we share on our website here, along with information about each of the high-quality colleges and universities throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland that guarantee admission to YC students who meet the established academic performance criteria.

Our students also excel when it comes to college scholarships. On average, our graduating seniors are offered over $10 million in scholarship funds to colleges and universities across the United States. The YC Class of 2025 earned more than $16.5 million in scholarship offers, with 89% of graduates receiving merit-based or need-based aid. These outcomes are a testament to both the students’ dedication and the ongoing support provided by our dedicated YC faculty and counseling team members.

At York Catholic, we believe that college readiness means more than academic achievement. It’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals with the skills, confidence, and compassion to thrive in college and beyond. Whether through the guidance of college-level educators, rigorous academic offerings, or a supportive community that values every student’s unique journey, we prepare our students to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Discover how York Catholic can help your student explore, grow, and achieve. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more about our college and career readiness programs, or schedule a visit today. See firsthand how YC prepares all students for bright futures in a welcoming, supportive school community.