Is BC High affiliated with Boston College?
BC High and Boston College are separate entities now but share a deep historical connection rooted in the Jesuit tradition.
Historical Background
Origins of Boston College and BC High
Originally founded together in 1863 as one institution to serve Boston’s growing Irish immigrant population, they operated jointly until 1913, when Boston College moved to Chestnut Hill and Boston College High School (BC High) remained in the South End.
Evolution into Separate Entities
In 1927, they legally separated, though they continued to share a common Jesuit mission. BC High moved to its current campus in Dorchester in 1948, offering modern facilities to support its Jesuit education. The new campus provided modern state-of-the-art high school facilities, including science labs, a library, athletic facilities, and a chapel to support the vision for a comprehensive and modern Jesuit education.
Benefits of Distinct Yet Connected Institutions
While the two institutions share a common history, both have unique differences, the most distinct being that BC High educates boys, grades 7-12 while Boston College educates young men and women at the university level. Although BC High and Boston College are serving different populations of students and are separate and unique institutions, the Jesuit connection and charisms remain strong.
Many BC High graduates choose to continue their Jesuit college education locally at Boston College, continuing their path of academic excellence, moral development, and spiritual growth.
Understanding the Unique Yet Complementary Roles
While Boston College and BC High are distinct entities, they share a profound and complementary relationship rooted in the Jesuit tradition. BC High serves as a leading preparatory school that shapes boys in middle school and high school, preparing them for the academic challenges of higher education.
Boston College offers a renowned university experience for young men and women that builds on this foundation with advanced learning and spiritual growth. The bond between BC High and Boston College reflects a legacy of educational excellence that extends from secondary school to university, reinforcing their shared Jesuit mission.
For these students, the ongoing impact of a Jesuit education includes:
• A lasting spirit of intellectual curiosity that extends beyond the classroom.
• A deep-rooted compassion for people and the planet.
• A dedication to serving others both locally and globally.
• The foundation for a fulfilling life—intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Learn More About How a Jesuit Education Can Lead to a Lifetime of Success
Interested in learning more about a Jesuit education at BC High? Inquire to our enrollment team and we’ll be in touch!
