Departments & Curriculum
Jesuit prepares students to glorify God by forming them into men for others—men equipped to have an impact on their community and the world.
In service of this pursuit, Jesuit’s classically grounded curriculum is designed both to challenge and to inspire. Each Blue Jay’s transformative educational journey from Latin to algebra to robotics is marked by his growth into a man of competence, conscience, and compassion—a sharp tool in God’s hands.
Jesuit’s curriculum begins with a pre-freshmen year designed to instill confidence by establishing a strong academic foundation and lifelong habits of mind. Through three programs of study, the curriculum integrates theology, the fine and performing arts, the various sciences, the humanities, mathematics, and classical and modern foreign languages to develop in students the freedom of self mastery.
Through mentorship and guidance from Jesuit’s faculty and staff, Jesuit’s curriculum is designed to form students in tandem with Jesuit’s co-curricular and athletic offerings, its retreat program, its extensive service program, and the many other dimensions of student and campus life.
As a college preparatory school, Jesuit’s coursework more than fulfills the entrance requirements of all colleges and universities. While Jesuit’s ordinary graduation requirements are detailed in the school’s Bulletin, students are encouraged to develop their full potential and to explore offerings beyond these requirements.
Accelerated, Honors, and AP Courses
Accelerated placement refers to “when” a student will take a course.
- For instance, sophomores typically take geometry as their math class, but accelerated math students take geometry as freshmen.
- Depending on a student’s program of study (outlined below) he can take all accelerated classes or specific accelerated classes.
Honors courses go into more depth than standard courses.
- Students from all programs of study regardless of accelerated or unaccelerated placement have opportunities to take various honors courses.
- Whether a student takes an accelerated or on-level course, it may be offered with an honors option. For example, whether a student takes geometry as a freshman or a sophomore, he may qualify to take the honors version of the class.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are designed to prepare students for AP Exams that can qualify them for college credit. Each year, hundreds of Jesuit students receive AP credit, and 50–100 Blue Jays typically earn an “AP Scholar” commendation for earning college credit in three or more subject areas.
- Students can opt in or out of taking AP Exams at the end of the year.
- Read more details about AP courses here.
Programs of Study
There are three programs of study available that provide a framework for “when” a student will take a given course during his time at Jesuit. Students in every program receive the complete Jesuit experience, and every program is designed to match students with courses that offer an appropriate academic challenge for each step in his Jesuit journey.
What are the factors that determine my son’s program?
Incoming students are placed into a particular program of study based primarily on their High School Placement Test (HSPT) scores and prior academic performance.
Can I give input on my son’s placement?
While Jesuit’s administration places students based on the factors above, families can contact the principal’s office to discuss their sons’ placement after receiving the school’s initial recommendation.
Can students change programs?
There is limited mobility for incoming students to change programs, but any change in program should be addressed as quickly as possible at the start of a student’s time at Jesuit in consultation with the principal’s office.
Can my son take accelerated classes in one subject?
Program II is designed for students to be accelerated in some subjects but not others. This means students can take accelerated math classes but on-level English classes, for instance.
Does my son have to take Latin or Greek?
Latin is offered to all students, but it is only required for Program I students. Greek is only available to Program I students beginning in their freshman year.
PROGRAM I
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PROGRAM II
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PROGRAM III
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| 5 yrs. of English
4-5 yrs. of Math 4-5 yrs. of Science 4 yrs. of Social Studies 4-5 yrs. of Latin 3-4 yrs. of Greek, French, or Spanish 5 yrs. of Theology 2 sems. of Fine Arts or Art 4 sems. of Physical Education 1 sem. of Computer Science Senior Electives |
5 yrs. of English 4-5 yrs. of Math 4-5 yrs. of Science 4-5 yrs. of Social Studies 4-5 yrs. of Latin, French, or Spanish 5 yrs. of Theology 2 sems. of Fine Arts or Art 4 sems. of Physical Education 1 sem. of Computer Science Senior Electives |
5 yrs. of English
4-5 yrs. of Math 4-5 yrs. of Science 4-5 yrs. of Social Studies 3-4 yrs. of Latin, French, or Spanish 5 yrs. of Theology 2 sems. of Fine Arts or Art 4 sems. of Physical Education 1 sem. of Speech 1 sem. of Computer Science 1 sem. of Reading/Study Skills Senior Electives |
Departments