Seeking something Greater. Millions of people across the globe have experienced the transformative power of a Jesuit education. The phrase “Jesuit education” indicates that a given school was founded and staffed by members of the Society of Jesus. More significantly, it refers to a way of doing things—the style, goals and values that are expressed by teachers, administrators and staff.
The goal is to help shape students’ minds and hearts into a habit of reaching out to the needs of today's and tomorrow's global society and, in the process, reaching out to God
What are the Jesuit values of education?
The values of Jesuit education are rooted in the vision of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit Order (learn more about his life in the ‘history’ section). These values prepare students to be wiser and more compassionate as they take the next step in their life journey as men and women for others.
- Cura Personalis: Jesuit education emphasizes the view that each person is a unique creation of God. Cura Personalis (meaning ‘care for the whole self’ in Latin) is demonstrated by personal attention in the classroom, a deep respect for diversity and difference and an emphasis on holistic care for the mind, body and spirit.
- Discernment: Discernment encourages students to be open to God’s spirit as they make decisions and take actions that contribute to the greater good. Discernment is practiced through prayer, reflection, consultation with others and considering the full impact of actions from diverse angles.
- Finding God in all things: A Jesuit education is one grounded in the presence of God, and encompasses imagination, emotion and intellect. The Jesuit vision encourages students to seek the divine in all things—in all peoples and cultures, in all areas of study and learning and in every human experience.
- Magis: A commitment to the concept of Magis (Latin for ‘more’) is a hallmark of Jesuit education. It challenges students to go beyond what is expected, interacting with the world with generosity, excellence and empathy. Magis is modeled by personal accountability and high expectations of achievement.
- Reflection: A foundational value of Jesuit education is the practice of reflection. Students are invited to pause to consider the world around them and their place within it before making decisions. This includes challenging the status quo, acknowledging biases and accepting responsibility for actions.
- Service rooted in justice and love: Jesuit education cultivates critical awareness of social and personal evil, but points out that God’s love is more powerful. This value is illustrated through community service programs, service-learning semesters, immersion experiences and various volunteer opportunities for students.
- Solidarity and kinship: Students work together for the greater good. They develop relationships with their surrounding communities and share their talents and skills to help and serve others. This value is practiced through community engaged learning, where students work with community members to come up with innovative solutions.
Why is a Jesuit education important?
Jesuit education inspires students to live purposeful and fulfilling lives of leadership and service to others. In short, it helps create a better world. Among its many benefits and characteristics, Jesuit Education:
- Prepares students for lifelong learning
- Explores the intersection between faith and culture
- Embraces interfaith engagement and collaboration
- Is comprehensive and rooted in the liberal arts tradition
- Pays special attention to values, ethical issues and the development of moral character
- Stresses the importance of social and environmental justice
- Maintains an optimistic view of human nature and of its possibilities
- Encourages critical, analytical and creative approaches to solving problems
- Promotes interfaith engagement and diverse faith traditions
- Prepares students for a rapidly changing and diverse society
- Develops responsible citizens who are sensitive to the needs of our time
- Encourages critical, analytics and creative approaches to solving problems
- Incorporates a global and international dimension for growth and learning
- Inspires students to change society and the world for the better
