Jesuit Vision

Georgetown Preparatory School is committed to the Jesuit vision of education, which grows from two deeply grounded theological roots. The first is the conviction that God is found in all things. As Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote: "The world is charged with the grandeur of God." Even the secular is sacred, from the Jesuit point of view. Clearly, then, the ardent pursuit of knowledge is not just an intellectual activity, but a supremely sacred process.

From this conviction springs the second root of Jesuit education: that learning is a catalyst for conversion. By "conversion" we do not mean joining a particular religion or advocating a certain creed. Conversion in the Jesuit context means a profound change in one's point of view - coming to see something from a totally different perspective. This is a solidly Christian concept, but it is also a universal one. It was the Buddha who said, when asked if he believed in miracles, "A change of heart is a genuine miracle."

St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, believed that the best way to foster conversion is through individualized guidance, combined with the very private process of self-reflection. His book, The Spiritual Exercises, was designed to help the seeker realize, through his or her own daily experience, the presence and love of God. The natural consequence of this realization is to move outward into the world of God's creation, with one consuming purpose: to serve others. Conversion engenders service. Jesuit spirituality is a concrete mysticism: our faith is incarnated in the real world through the day-to-day decisions that we make.

Hence, Georgetown Prep students are constantly reminded of their moral responsibility to become "Men For Others." This theme is echoed in another Jesuit phrase heard frequently at Prep: "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" - which is Latin for "To the Greater Glory of God." Many teachers at Prep still require students to write the initials A.M.D.G. at the top of every exam or quiz.

In this context, Prep offers each student a broad, yet in-depth college preparatory experience, and also challenges each student as an individual to become attuned to the presence of God all around and within him.

 How do the teachers at Prep help their students meet this challenge?

Prep offers students of any faith opportunities to grow in the knowledge and love of God in the context of a community professing the principles of the Roman Catholic Church. The awareness of God's spirit is particularly evident in Prep's active Campus Ministry and retreat programs, as well as the frequent liturgies in the chapel on campus.

Prep focuses on each student as a whole man, to use a Jesuit expression. Young men are encouraged to explore all aspects of the human experience: intellectual, spiritual, social, cultural, physical and creative. This well-rounded education is fostered by Prep's diverse extra-curricular and athletic programs.

Prep fosters academic excellence, so that our graduates can learn and think independently, logically, and responsibly, and thus be prepared for the colleges that suit them. Our graduates are well prepared for college through Prep's rigorous curriculum, plenty of individualized attention, and an involved, enthusiastic College Counseling department.

Prep engenders in students a moral awareness, according to the ideal of Christian love. Whether in ethics class or on the playing field, Prep's goal is to teach students cooperation and compassion. Learning compassion is the primary goal of Prep's Community Service program, which requires all students to spend time serving those who are less fortunate.

Prep nurtures within our students an understanding of different cultures and races. This global awareness is an integral part of the Prep experience. On a day to day basis, Prep students live, study and play with young men from many different cultures, races and ethnic traditions.