St. Ignatius College Preparatory School
General Information
About St. Ignatius College Preparatory School
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School, located in San Francisco, California, is one of the premier Jesuit Catholic college preparatory institutions in the United States. Founded in the mid-19th century, the school has a rich tradition of academic excellence, character formation, and community service rooted in the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. St. Ignatius prepares students for higher education and lifelong leadership by emphasizing critical thinking, moral reflection, and social justice.
With a student-centered approach, the curriculum integrates rigorous academics with vibrant co-curricular programs, including athletics, fine arts, and campus ministry. Students are encouraged to explore diverse academic interests while cultivating compassion, discipline, and intellectual curiosity. The school’s campus, featuring modern classrooms, laboratories, athletic facilities, and fine arts spaces, provides an inspiring environment for growth and discovery. Known for its distinguished faculty and active alumni network, St. Ignatius College Preparatory continues to uphold its mission to form students who are open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in the world.
Contact Information
Address: 2001 37th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone Number: (415) 731-7500
Email Address: admissions@siprep.org
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1855 |
| Motto | “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” (For the Greater Glory of God) |
| Type | Private Jesuit College Preparatory School |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic (Jesuit) |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Mascot | Wildcat |
| School Colors | Red and Blue |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position |
|---|---|
| California Private High School Ranking | Top 10% |
| National Private School Ranking | Top 5% |
| Jesuit High School Ranking (U.S.) | Top 10 |
| College Placement Success Rate | 99% |
| STEM Program Rating | 9/10 |
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Academics
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Faculties / Departments
- Theology and Religious Studies
- English and Literature
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
- History and Social Studies
- World Languages (Spanish, French, Latin, Mandarin)
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Physical Education and Health
- Computer Science and Technology
- Counseling and College Guidance
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Programs
- Jesuit Leadership and Service Program
- STEM Honors Pathway
- Humanities and Literature Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts Program
- Business and Economics
- Computer Programming and Engineering
- Campus Ministry and Theology
- Debate and Public Speaking
- Global Citizenship and Social Justice Studies
Online Learning
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School integrates advanced digital learning technologies into its academic framework. The school offers a limited selection of hybrid and online courses, allowing students to pursue electives or AP-level studies beyond the standard curriculum. Through platforms like Canvas and Google Classroom, teachers provide virtual assignments, discussions, and assessments that encourage flexibility and independent learning. Online learning is also used during campus closures and for students participating in exchange or athletic programs, ensuring continuity in their education while maintaining the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1320 |
| ACT | 29 |
| AP Exam Pass Rate | 93% |
| State Assessment (ELA) | 95% Proficiency |
Retention and Graduation Rates
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School maintains an impressive 99% graduation rate, a testament to its strong academic support and mentorship culture. The school’s college counseling department ensures that nearly all graduates are accepted into four-year universities, with many attending prestigious institutions across the United States and abroad. The retention rate from freshman to senior year consistently exceeds 97%, reflecting the school’s commitment to student success and community belonging.
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to St. Ignatius College Preparatory is highly competitive, emphasizing both academic and personal excellence. Admitted students typically maintain a GPA between 3.6 and 4.0 and perform well on standardized tests, though the admissions process is holistic and considers leadership, service, and character in addition to academic performance.
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall Admission Rate | 28% |
| Legacy Applicants | 35% |
| Jesuit Partner School Applicants | 40% |
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Application Requirements
Applicants must submit an online application through the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s system, including middle school transcripts, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is required for incoming freshmen, alongside a student essay and an interview that assess motivation, faith engagement, and alignment with Jesuit values. Extracurricular involvement, volunteer experience, and leadership qualities are also highly valued.
Application Process
- Complete the online application form
- Submit academic transcripts and standardized test results
- Provide teacher and counselor recommendations
- Complete the required student essay
- Take the High School Placement Test (HSPT)
- Attend an interview and open house event
- Await admission decision
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 1 |
| Application Deadline | December 8 |
| HSPT Exam Date | January 10 |
| Interview Week | January 20–25 |
| Admission Decision Release | March 14 |
| Enrollment Deposit Due | April 1 |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are typically asked to respond to an essay question that explores their understanding of Jesuit values, community service, and personal growth. A common prompt might be: “How do you hope to contribute to the St. Ignatius community, and how do the school’s Jesuit values align with your personal beliefs and goals?”
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Scholarships
St. Ignatius offers need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service. The school’s financial aid office ensures accessibility to families of diverse backgrounds, awarding millions of dollars in assistance each year. Special scholarships are also available for students excelling in academics, the arts, and athletics.
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $30,000 |
| Registration Fee | $500 |
| Technology and Textbook Fee | $400 |
| Activity Fee | $300 |
| Financial Aid (Average Award) | $12,000 |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male Students | 50% |
| Female Students | 50% |
| White | 48% |
| Hispanic | 22% |
| Asian | 16% |
| African American | 8% |
| Other / Multiracial | 6% |
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School is committed to accessibility and inclusivity, offering strong academic support systems for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and those with learning differences. Approximately 28% of the student body receives financial aid. The school provides individualized learning plans, counseling, and resource specialists who ensure that all students have equal opportunities to thrive academically and socially within the Jesuit framework of compassion and justice.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 1,550 Students |
| Average Class Size | 22 |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | 14:1 |
| Clubs and Organizations | 70+ |
| International Students | 3% |
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Diversity
Diversity is central to the St. Ignatius College Preparatory mission. The school intentionally cultivates a welcoming environment for students from a wide range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through initiatives like cultural heritage events, interfaith dialogues, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion, St. Ignatius fosters mutual understanding and empathy. Students are encouraged to engage with global perspectives and serve others through immersion programs and community service, embodying the Jesuit value of being “men and women for others.”
Average Earnings
Graduates of St. Ignatius College Preparatory School consistently excel in higher education and professional careers. Alumni often attend prestigious universities such as Stanford, UCLA, Georgetown, and Notre Dame, pursuing successful paths in law, business, engineering, and public service. Within five to ten years of graduation, many alumni achieve above-average earnings compared to peers, reflecting the school’s strong academic preparation, leadership development, and value-based education that inspires purpose-driven success.
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
St. Ignatius College Preparatory employs more than 120 faculty members, most of whom hold advanced degrees in their fields. Teachers are dedicated to academic rigor, spiritual development, and mentorship. The staff includes experienced educators, counselors, and Jesuit priests who work collaboratively to provide a holistic education grounded in care for the individual—“cura personalis.”
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
The faculty at St. Ignatius are recognized for their professional excellence and contributions to Jesuit education. Many have received regional and national awards for teaching innovation, research, and community engagement. Faculty members lead service-learning trips, publish academic works, and integrate Ignatian pedagogy into classroom instruction. Their mentorship extends beyond academics, fostering relationships that guide students through both personal and intellectual growth.
St. Ignatius College Preparatory School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The St. Ignatius campus in San Francisco features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, a performance arts center, a chapel, gymnasiums, and technology-equipped classrooms. The school offers over 70 clubs, sports teams, and service organizations, promoting leadership, creativity, and collaboration. Although St. Ignatius is a day school with no on-campus housing, students enjoy a vibrant community enriched by retreats, leadership conferences, and cultural events that deepen spiritual and social connection.
Transportation
St. Ignatius College Preparatory is conveniently located near major public transit routes, including MUNI and BART, providing students easy access from across the Bay Area. The school offers a dedicated shuttle service and carpool programs for families. Parking is available for students who drive, and the campus encourages sustainable commuting through bike facilities and environmental initiatives in line with Jesuit ecological values.