Mission Statement
Jesuit High School is a Roman Catholic college preparatory that actively seeks, educates, and nurtures young men from a wide variety of ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds in the greater Sacramento area. In the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit education is committed to the development of the whole person through a challenging educational experience of academic excellence, co-curricular involvement, spiritual and religious formation. Supporting the role of parents as primary educators, our entire school program is dedicated to developing conscientious leaders and agents of change who are intellectually distinguished, morally courageous, and compassionate in service to others for the greater glory of God.
Philosophy Statement
"The educational philosophy of Jesuit High School is Catholic and, therefore it is based on a faith response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it is Jesuit and, therefore it is formed by Ignatius of Loyola’s vision of Christ and the world. The school’s purpose is to lovingly serve the young men of the wider Sacramento area, from every ethnic and socio-economic background and a broad spectrum of academic achievement. Our role, in support of parents as primary educators, is to help our students realize the fullness of their spiritual, intellectual, artistic, physical, and social potential. The spiritual dimension of the students development is fostered through their incorporation into a community where Catholic beliefs, morals and values, inspired by faith in the Gospel and a belief in the full brotherhood/sisterhood of the human family, are taught, professed and experienced, and where personal action is proposed as a response.
The intellectual dimension is developed through a curriculum which is oriented towards college-bound students and an environment which fosters academic excellence, nurturing reflective analysis and creative expression. The students are encouraged to develop their artistic and affective nature through exposure to and participation in the Fine Arts. Thus they come to an appreciation of the creative Spirit which is within and around them. The students should learn to respect and care for their bodies as gifts from God. Thus, the physical education requirements, the intramural and the interscholastic athletic programs are an integral part of the total curriculum. In response to the Gospel message, all members of the Jesuit High School family, that is parents, faculty, administrators, staff and students, share in the mission of nurturing in each other the social skills and cultural awareness necessary for Christian community. This is accomplished through the school s various activities and events, especially those which stress community outreach and personal interaction. In this way, all are encouraged to address the social needs and injustices in the world around us. Therefore, all the young men who enroll in Jesuit High School are encouraged to use their spiritual gifts, intellectual talents, artistic qualities, and physical abilities to be of help to those they encounter. Ultimately, the students are to be "agents for change," "men for others."
History of Jesuit High School
A Jesuit High School for the Sacramento area had been initially envisioned by the late Bishop Robert Armstrong. It was his successor, Bishop Joseph McGucken who invited the Jesuits of the California Province to begin the project. In January of 1961, the Society of Jesus purchased twenty-one acres of the Horst Ranch property which was to be used for the new school campus.
In May of 1962, a fund raising effort was spearheaded by Mr. Elwood Maleville, Mr. Jack Maleville, and other Catholic lay people. The well known architect Harry Devine began work on the plans for the first phase of the 2.5 million dollar plant. The contracting firm of Harbison and Mahoney undertook the construction of the buildings, having a fall 1963 target date for completion.
On September 17, 1963, Jesuit High School opened its doors to 93 freshmen students. The faculty consisted of six Jesuit priests and one lay person. Fr. Jack Geiszel, S.J. was appointed Principal, and Fr. Joseph Keane, S.J., was named first Superior and President. The school was dedicated by Bishop Alden Bell to the Jesuit North American Martyrs.
In September of 1964 twenty-one acres, known as the Haggin Bottomland, were acquired for athletic facilities. The faculty residence was enlarged in 1966, and two years later the gymnasium-little theater complex was completed.
In 1973-74, Jesuit High School was threatened with closure due to financial and manpower difficulties. An "Ad Hoc Committee to Save Jesuit High School" was formed to work out the serious problems facing the school. A Board of Trustees, under the leadership of the late Mr. James Carr, the head of the Ad Hoc Committee, was established and assumed the financial and policy-making responsibilities for the school. The Jesuit Order retained its role as administrators of the school.
The Board of Trustees, which is composed of five Jesuits and eighteen men and women, is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of Jesuit education in the Sacramento area.
Jesuit enrollment has increased over the years to a current level of 1,000 students. Recently there have been many improvements on the campus. In 1978-79, the school sponsored a scholarship development drive and provided the basis of funding for the new library addition which opened during the 1980-81 school year; it also provided increased scholarship aid to families needing financial assistance to send their sons to Jesuit. In May, 1982, the library was dedicated by Bishop Alden Bell to Rev. Joseph J. King, S.J. In 1986, construction of a competitive swimming facility was completed. In 1992, a new Mathematics/Life Sciences classroom wing was completed. Construction of the new Student Life Center which includes a cafeteria, theater, and music rehearsal and performance space was completed in fall, 2000. Over the summer of 2003, Alumni hall, a 5 classroom building outfitted with the latest technology, replaced room 705. Also, new offices were built for Campus Ministry and Christian Service in the 300 wing and new counseling offices went into the 100 wing.
Jesuit High School continues to be blessed with the strong support of the students, alumni and their families, together with the good will and interest of the many friends of the greater Sacramento community.