A Jesuit education offers a distinctive approach to learning in today’s academic world. But many people are unfamiliar with the centuries-long traditions and unique principles that make a Jesuit education especially impactful for contemporary students.

This approach to education offers intellectual exploration and rigor, and schools like BC High continue that long tradition by providing students with a challenging curriculum. But unlike other academically competitive programs, Jesuit schools go beyond academics to shape students into young adults who think critically, act compassionately, and lead with purpose.

What Is Jesuit Education?

Over the past 500 years, the Jesuit educational tradition has remained committed to teaching the whole person, helping to shape socially engaged leaders who serve others. Jesuit education encourages students to become “active contemplatives,” equally pursuing deep reflection and meaningful action in the world. At BC High, we follow the Jesuit goal of developing students who are intellectually competent, open to growth, and committed to justice. 

Challenges and Misconceptions

While Jesuit schools have existed for centuries, there are still common misconceptions about what we do. Perhaps the most common misconception is the myth that Jesuit education is only focused on religion. In reality, a Jesuit education embraces all fields of learning, from science and math to history and the arts. At BC High, we offer spiritual formation in addition to academic and extracurricular pursuits.

While Jesuit schools descend from an order within the Christian tradition, BC High welcomes students of all faiths into our values-driven community. BC High’s core values—integrity, compassion, service, and a commitment to justice—are universal values that transcend any one religious tradition.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Jesuit Education

1. Focused on the Whole Person (“Cura Personalis”)

The Jesuit concept of cura personalis or “care for the whole person” guides Jesuit learning. This style of holistic education is not a purely intellectual activity, and Jesuit schools like BC High help students grow into well-rounded young men.

At BC High, students grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our small class sizes allow teachers to focus on each students’ academic strengths and challenges, while also getting to know their students as people. Similarly, our unique House System gives students the opportunity to receive mentorship from a dedicated faculty member.

2. Reflection As Part of Learning

In the Jesuit tradition, reflection is used to deepen understanding. At BC High, we don’t want students to simply repeat learned information–our students engage with their learning to form deep connections that enhance comprehension. Moreover, BC High students reflect on their own personal development outside of academics.

Through retreats, volunteering, and outreach programs, BC High students regularly reflect on who they’re becoming and how they’re connecting to the world and others around them. 

3. Service As a Way of Life

BC High students understand service and justice to be central aspects of their education. As such, service is at the heart of learning at Jesuit educational institutions. At BC High, we connect classroom learning with real-world impact through service and outreach programs in our Boston community, across the U.S. and around the world.

Students at BC High are continually challenged to consider and serve others with compassion and grace. Local service projects like the Cardenal Project and St. Mark’s ESL classes help students use their civics education and English language skills to help fellow community members pursuing citizenship or learning English. 

4. Academic Excellence With Purpose

BC High students understand that their unique gifts and rigorous education aren’t for their individual benefit alone, but also for the greater good of their community. Jesuit values guide students to pursue excellence so they can contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Through purposeful periods of reflection, numerous service opportunities, and character development, BC High students use their talents for the good of others. Our Centers for Human Excellence provide students with varied opportunities to make meaningful contributions at BC High and beyond.

5. Global Citizens and Leaders

Jesuit institutions make a global impact, and naturally emphasize global awareness, empathy, and leadership. BC High students expand their horizons and worldviews through service projects or cultural immersion programs in countries like Belize, Guatemala, France, Greece, Ireland, and Vietnam, among others. This exposure to other cultures, languages, and ways of life helps BC High students become leaders who value diverse perspectives.

Benefits of Jesuit Education

A Jesuit education provides a solid foundation for a life of meaning, purpose, and service. While some public schools offer academically challenging programs, a BC High education holistically prepares graduates for lifelong success through:

  • Character formation: At BC High, students develop a strong moral character alongside their academic achievements. Character cultivation helps students develop a sense of purpose at a young age and encourages a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.

  • Moral education: BC High graduates are not only intellectually competent, but also empowered to lead others with compassion and integrity. By giving students a meaningful moral education, they are prepared to excel as leaders in whatever field they choose.

  • Lifelong community of brotherhood: BC High boasts a strong alumni network, and the BC High brotherhood continues long after graduation. With over 15,000 living alumni, BC High graduates join a robust network of former students who share their Jesuit values.

Discover Jesuit Education at BC High

For decades, BC High’s Jesuit foundation has prepared young men to become well-rounded, compassionate leaders in any industry they choose. Are you ready to learn more about how a BC High education can prepare your son for a life of purpose?

We offer a number of opportunities for families to learn more or experience BC High directly:

  • Attend an open house in the fall for more information on what makes BC High unique.

  • Get in touch: Connect with our enrollment team to learn more.

  • Experience BC High: Explore our Jesuit values in action on our campus through our shadowing program, “Eagle for a day.”