Ricci Scholars

A Call to the Magis

The Ricci Scholars Honors Program is an enrichment program designed to enhance the curriculum of Loyola’s most gifted and motivated students. Created in 2025, the Ricci Scholars Honors Program prepares Loyola graduates for admission to the finest universities in the world by focusing on their interest in global affairs, social studies, Earth stewardship and world languages. The program works to form students to build their capacity to foster connections across cultures and think critically about issues on a global scale. Worthy of its Jesuit ideals, the Ricci Scholars Program calls on students to engage with different cultures and perspectives in order to serve others as global citizens.

Program Overview

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Criteria for Admission

Students may apply for admission to the Ricci Scholars at the end of their first semester of freshman year. Candidates must have an unweighted grade average of 90% or better, they must be enrolled in at least four honors or AP level courses for the sophomore year, and they must complete an extensive application process.
Interdisciplinary Field Trips

Throughout the school year, the Ricci Scholars attend field trips offered only to participants in the program. Students enjoy visits to local museums, international businesses, community gatherings celebrating ethnic traditions and cultural experiences. The program also invites guest speakers to address the Clavius, Dumbach, and Ricci Scholars at Loyola on topics ranging from acts of heroism to crises of social and environmental justice.
The Call to Serve

Throughout their three years in the program, Ricci Scholars involve themselves in the community by performing at least 65 hours of service. This service is done through the Arrupe Service Program, Ignatian Service Learning and Engagement, and other service opportunities.
The Ricci Curriculum

Ricci Scholars attend their classes along with students that are not participating in the program. They must maintain a 90% unweighted grade average and be enrolled in a minimum of four courses at the Honors or AP level during the regular school year. As the focus of the program is on social studies, language, and global conservation, Ricci Scholars are required to take four consecutive years of social studies, reach a minimum of AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP Chinese, AP Latin, Honors French 4, or Honors Greek 4 and an Honors or AP Environmental Science course before graduation. Additional summer reading is also required. The sample program below is an example only. Ricci Scholars may take other course sequences.