St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
General Information:
About (Overview)
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a private, Jesuit, all-male college preparatory school serving grades 9 through 12. Established in 1851, it has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and civic engagement, reflecting the Jesuit values of “cura personalis,” or care for the whole person. The school emphasizes rigorous academics, critical thinking, and social responsibility, while fostering leadership skills, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to community service. Its curriculum blends core subjects with advanced placement (AP) courses, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities, ensuring a holistic educational experience.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School serves a diverse student body, including both local and international students, and maintains a strong sense of community through clubs, leadership programs, service initiatives, and spiritual retreats. The school’s mission centers on developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for higher education and lifelong personal growth. The campus provides modern classrooms, science and computer labs, athletic facilities, and arts spaces, all designed to cultivate learning, creativity, and collaboration. With a commitment to Jesuit principles, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School integrates academic rigor with moral and ethical formation, producing graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Contact Information
- Address: 5450 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131, USA
- Phone Number: (215) 978-3600
- Email Address: admissions@sjschool.org
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1851 |
| Motto | Men for Others |
| Grades Served | 9-12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 13:1 |
| Enrollment | Approximately 1,200 |
| School Type | Private, All-Male, Jesuit |
| Campus Location | Urban, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Best Private High Schools in Pennsylvania | #7 of 200+ |
| National College Prep Ranking | Top 200 in USA |
| Average Graduation Rate | 100% |
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Academics
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Faculties / Departments
- English & Humanities
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies & Global Studies
- Theology & Religious Studies
- Modern & Classical Languages
- Fine Arts & Performing Arts
- Physical Education & Health
- College Counseling & Academic Support
- Leadership & Service Learning Programs
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Courses and Programs / Majors
- College-preparatory core curriculum
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses in multiple subjects
- Honors courses in English, Math, Science, and History
- Music, Visual Arts, and Drama programs
- Athletics programs including football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and track
- Community service and leadership opportunities integrated with academics
- ESL support for international students
Online Learning
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School offers blended learning opportunities, online course supplements, and virtual learning support to enhance classroom instruction. Online platforms are used for assignments, tutoring, enrichment programs, and standardized test preparation. The school also supports distance learning for students unable to attend in-person due to health or travel considerations, ensuring continuity in rigorous academic standards and Jesuit formation.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1400-1500 |
| ACT | 32-34 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School maintains a 100% graduation rate. Retention is strong due to personalized academic support, small class sizes, and a focus on holistic student development. Students receive guidance from faculty advisors, academic counselors, and leadership mentors to ensure successful progress toward graduation.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Prospective students typically demonstrate a strong academic record with a GPA above 3.5. Standardized test scores generally fall within 1400-1500 for the SAT and 32-34 for the ACT, reflecting the school’s rigorous college-preparatory standards.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~35% |
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Application Requirements
Applicants must submit an online application, current transcripts, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and a personal essay. An interview with the admissions committee is encouraged. The school also evaluates leadership potential, community service involvement, and alignment with Jesuit values. Boarding is not offered; all students participate as day scholars, fostering strong engagement with local community programs and extracurricular activities.
Application Process
- Submit online application form
- Provide transcripts and standardized test scores
- Submit teacher recommendations
- Schedule an interview with admissions
- Complete personal essay or statement
- Receive admission decision and complete enrollment procedures
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 |
| Admission Notification | February – March |
| New Student Orientation | August |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are generally asked to submit an essay describing their academic goals, community service experiences, and how they plan to contribute to the Jesuit community and uphold the school’s mission of “Men for Others.”
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid are available to qualified students. Awards consider academic excellence, leadership, and contribution to community service initiatives.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount (2024-2025 Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $28,950 |
| Registration & Fees | $1,200 |
| Technology Fee | $450 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $30,600 |
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population is all-male, with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Students range in age from 14 to 18 years. The school actively encourages participation from various socio-economic groups and provides financial aid to ensure access.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 25% of students receive financial aid. Support services are available for students with learning differences, including tutoring, counseling, and accommodations aligned with individual educational plans.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~1,200 |
| International Students | ~5% |
| Domestic Students | ~95% |
| Average Class Size | 20-22 |
University Diversity
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School values diversity as a critical component of holistic education. Through cultural clubs, international student programs, and service-learning projects, students engage with a range of perspectives and experiences. The Jesuit philosophy encourages social justice awareness, fostering empathy and leadership skills among students. The community is inclusive, encouraging students to develop cross-cultural communication skills and global awareness, which supports their personal and academic growth.
Average Earnings
While secondary schools do not provide direct earnings data, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School graduates matriculate to top colleges and universities, positioning them for high earning potential in diverse professional fields, including law, business, medicine, engineering, and education. Alumni benefit from a strong network, rigorous academic preparation, and leadership experience gained during high school.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The school employs highly qualified educators with advanced degrees in their respective disciplines. Faculty members serve as academic advisors, club sponsors, coaches, and spiritual mentors, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all students.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members have extensive teaching experience, leadership in educational innovation, and active involvement in service-learning initiatives. Their achievements include national teaching awards, published research, and leadership in professional educational organizations.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a day school, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School does not provide on-campus housing. Students benefit from extensive extracurricular opportunities, including athletics, arts, clubs, service projects, and leadership programs. Campus life emphasizes community engagement, peer collaboration, and personal development within the Jesuit tradition.
Transportation
Students commute via public transportation, school buses, or private vehicles. The campus is accessible from major roadways and public transit, making it convenient for families within Philadelphia and surrounding areas. The school coordinates transportation options to support student attendance at after-school activities, events, and service-learning programs.