John F. Kennedy Catholic High School (Washington)
Kennedy Catholic High School previously known as John F. Kennedy Catholic High School is a private, day and boarding, college-prep, Catholic high school in Burien, Washington, located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle. Profile. Kennedy Catholic was established in 1966 and is one of three Diocesan-operated high schools in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle. Kennedy Catholic was originally known as John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, but changed its name with the beginning of the 2009/2010 academic year in order to reflect its Catholic roots. Academics. The Program. When  in school, students have the opportunity to earn up to 65 college credits, and are also able to be a part of the Honors Program which includes studies in religion, the arts, English, world languages, math, social studies and science. All these programs are coordinated through the Aquinas Honors Department at Kennedy Catholic. Saint Teresa of Calcutta Program. Saint Teresa of Calcutta students take mainstream classes as needed. International program. Provides an academic year for foreign students who wish to study in the United States. All international students attending Kennedy High School must reside in the dormitory or with a  guardian or host family. No student, regardless of age, may reside alone. Currently there are 85 students from 11 different countries attending Kennedy. Athletics. Kennedy Catholic is part of the Cascade Division of the North Puget Sound League within the WIAA's District 3 (West Central) and has won 14 State Titles and over 145 League Titles. The Kennedy Lancers has produced some NCAA Division I Prospects in the last few years including Michelle French, Nate Williams, Everrette Thompson, Paul Arnold and Cole Madison. Controversies. On February 13, 2020, two teachers were allegedly forced to resign after becoming engaged to  same-sex partners, allegedly contradicting covenant agreements between the individuals and the school. While the religiously-affiliated school is exempt from Washington state workplace discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, students and community members argued that firing LGBT teachers contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church. In response, students, parents, alumni, and members of the larger Catholic community have protested in support of the two teachers.