Insights

Understanding Jesuit Education at BC High

Written by Deb Martin | Apr 28, 2025 5:31:20 PM

What is Jesuit Education? An In-Depth Look at BC High. 

BC High and Our Jesuit Identity

Jesuit education is founded on the teachings and values of the Society of Jesus, a Jesuit education blends academics with formation of character, conscience, and compassion. This Catholic religious order was established in the 16th century by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

  • With a legacy spanning centuries and continents, Jesuit education has shaped countless leaders through its holistic and mission-driven approach.
  • At BC High, Jesuit principles are actively applied to foster well-rounded, compassionate, and intellectually curious individuals who are prepared to thrive in the modern world.

Holistic Formation at BC High

This approach to education focuses on holistic development—caring for the whole person, or cura personalis, and fostering intellectual, moral, spiritual, and emotional growth.

At BC High, this holistic education inspires students to seek excellence through Magis: striving for depth, purpose, and continuous improvement in all areas of life.

These are the two core elements of a Jesuit education.

The Core Principles of Jesuit Education

Cura Personalis (Care for the Individual)

Jesuit education sees each student as a unique individual with their own strengths, weaknesses, and potential.

How Cura Personalis is put into practice at BC High
Teachers and staff are encouraged to develop close, mentoring relationships with students, providing personalized guidance and support to help them grow in every aspect of life—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Magis (Excellence)

This is the Jesuit ideal of striving for “more”—not in terms of achievement alone, but in deepening purpose and meaning.

How Magis is put into practice at BC High
Students are inspired to pursue excellence, integrity, and continuous self-improvement in all areas of life. This principle underpins the rigorous academic standards and character formation programs at BC High.

Educational Practices in Jesuit Schools

A Reflective Learning Approach

Jesuit education incorporates reflection and discernment  to foster self-awareness and moral decision-making. Students are taught to pause and evaluate their actions, goals, and experiences through a values-based lens.

This reflective process is a hallmark of the Jesuit teaching philosophy and is integrated into every aspect of life at BC High, including: 
●    Coursework
●    Retreats
●    Service programs
●    Daily routines

A Commitment to Social Justice
Service to others—especially the marginalized—is central to Jesuit education.

At BC High, these programs focus on the following:
●    Engaging students in meaningful community outreach
●    Social justice coursework
●    Service immersion experiences.

By engaging in these experiences, students learn the value of contributing to a more equitable and compassionate world, a key outcome of Jesuit education at BC High.

Adapting Jesuit Education to Modern Education at BC High

Innovative Educational Practices at BC High

What does  Jesuit education at BC High look like today? BC High blends traditional Jesuit principles with empowering students to innovate, create and lead. Students benefit from modern resources and teaching methods grounded in timeless values such as compassion, reflection, and justice.

Courses and extracurriculars are designed to promote critical thinking, leadership, and ethical responsibility.

Global Perspective and Interdisciplinary Studies

One of the guiding principles of Jesuit education is to encourage students to understand and engage with global issues and diverse cultures.
BC High offers opportunities such as: 
●    International travel
●    Cultural immersion
●    Interdisciplinary learning

Jesuit education at BC High fosters a global perspective, encouraging students to think beyond their own experiences and to understand the world’s diverse cultures, challenges, and opportunities.

The Benefits of Jesuit Education

Holistic Development of Students
A Jesuit education at BC High nurtures the mind, heart, and spirit, offering truly holistic education. Students experience growth not only academically, but also morally and spiritually. This balanced development helps students discover who they are and who they are called to be.

Preparedness for Future Challenges
Jesuit-educated students are equipped with the critical thinking skills, empathy, and ethical grounding needed for lifelong success. The emphasis on reflection, service, and leadership ensures graduates are ready for both college and life beyond the classroom.

Consider Jesuit Education for Your Future
Jesuit education goes beyond academic achievement—it's about forming individuals of conscience, competence, compassion, and commitment. At BC High, students are transformed into leaders who are ready to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Interested in learning more about what is Jesuit education at BC High? Explore the student experience at BC High and consider joining a community committed to excellence, service, and personal growth. Reach out to learn more!