Jesuit High School

We have been very pleased with the education that our son has received at Jesuit HS. We were concerned that, because we aren't Catholic, he would be at a disadvantage. We had nothing to worry about! Yes, this is a Catholic environment, but it does not completely "define" its students. The education is 2nd to none. Sports are important, but so are ALL of the extra curricular offerings. Community service is an extremely important component to JHS. Giving back to the community and becoming a "man for others" is the backbone of the Jesuit education. I agree that there are some teachers who are not of the caliber expected at JHS and I feel the guidance department needs an overhaul, but you will find this necessary in any school -public or private. This is my only complaint. These young men are held to a higher expectation than may be found at other schools. Those who do not follow the rules are dealt with by the administration, unlike public schools that tend to "look the other way". It is a competitive process to get in to JHS, and it is not for everyone, but those boys who manage to get the opportunity and embrace it, emerge as leaders of the Tampa community.
—Submitted by a parent

Jesuit is hard, it is rewarding, and it has been life changing for my son. I have seen him grow in his Freshman year to new levels in both learning and morality. Do not listen to the reviews that say this is not a Catholic institution, it is. Aside from his English teacher, all of the teachers are fair and caring. Sports are important, BUT so are ALL of the extra activities. Their debate club is second to none, their environmental club is fantastic, and they give all the boys an opportunity to shine. It is cool to be a jock or a nerd here, basically it is cool to be yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

I was shocked and embarrassed at a recent basketball game by the way the student s behaved towards the other school. Don t get me wrong rivalries are fine, but the boys and girls representing Jesuit went way overboard. Calling inappropriate names (whor_), taunting the others that they are not up to standards , etc all in an attempt to embarrass and be little the other students. I think the most shocking was that this appeared to be normal behavior (I was told later it was by another parent). I can t imagine sending my child to a Catholic school that does nothing to stop it s students from going overboard with this behavior. I want my sons to be well rounded, respectful and thoughtful towards others, this is clearly not taught at this school..

The education is good, however, discipline is not equal (depending on who you are) and many things are overlook/exceptions made for certain people. This doesn't teach good lessons! Football coach is rude, has a trash mouth, and extremely partial.
—Submitted by a parent

Jesuit High school represents the finest in academics and athletics programs alike. All while instilling the importance of community service and living the motto..."Men for Others". Without question, one of the finest schools on the country!
—Submitted by a parent

There is no other school in Tampa which we would ever consider for our son. If you are seeking a school which not only emphasizes academics and self discipline, but character development, this is the school to attend. Jesuit strives to graduate morally sound, thoughtful, strong, considerate, influential, and achievement oriented men. This is not a school for all. It is for those who recognize the values which make a good boy a great man.
—Submitted by a parent

Make sure your son gets a very good education in elementary and middle school before you come here [ you will need it] and make sure your son is catholic. This school says they take every student that is gifted or with learning differences. Also the discipline policy is the worst. If you do anything whether if it is forgetting your homework or bad behavior or being late, you get detention. There detention system is very different. You write things like poems, scripts, Copy books etc. Also some of the teachers are mean and/or rude. Finally send your son to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

Best four years of my life! Best education, best teachers, and best brothers a guy could ask for. Now I am reaping the benefits with a near full scholarship at a Jesuit College and a 3.8 College GPA!
—Submitted by a student

Unbeleivable environment!!! Not only is this a great school experience but it sets you up for the future. Strangers will stop you to talk if they see you have a Jesuit shirt on. They always have something great to say about Jesuit. Once a student of Jesuit, you are always a student. You make life long friends, and the alumni are extremely active. Proud to be a part of something so great.
—Submitted by a student

I am very happy with the quality of education my son is getting. The teachers are great and the administration is extremely thorough. I love this school and think it is one of the best parenting choices my husband and I have ever made.
—Submitted by a parent

I for one am a current student at Jesuit. This school implicates in you a type of foundation that prepares you for the real world. It has indeed laid such a foundation in me and I am only in my freshman year. Sports is big at Jesuit but only as big as the students make it out to be. As to Catholic Based : if u want a catholic based school solely,... tell your kid to become a priest. Also, the reason for why such religions are so mixed is because the students excelled academically and Jesuit accepted them for that. My names Armando, class of 2011 and these are my thoughts
—Submitted by a student

I am a new student to Jesuit and it has been a really good first semester. The kids are really cool (at least most of them) and the sports are really good to. The teachers are very understanding and helpful when you need them. Also the coaches are very good for the sports they support you and train you to the best of your ability.
—Submitted by a student

We were disappointed with the school for most of the reasons already posted, as well as for what we perceived to be a failure to live up to their motto. Our impression was the school was not looking to develop a young man during his four years of high school but rather was looking for a certain type of student right out of the box. The rules appeared to be arbitrarily applied at times. We were pleased with the teaching staff for the most part but the administration was lacking in true leadership. We hope the school is able to resolve its problems but it was not the place for our son.
—Submitted by a parent

Spiritually... The emphasis is to find God in all things and to do everything for the 'Greater Glory of God.' Jesuit students are required to complete 150 hours of community service prior to graduation. Academically... The school offers six AP courses: US History, English, Calculus, Spanish, Chemistry, and Art. For the Graduating Class of 2006, 105 colleges and universities have accepted the 161 members of the Senior Class. Nearly 90% (144) of these students were offered 360 academic or athletic scholarships, including 135 Florida Bright Futures Scholarships. The total value of these scholarships exceeds $12.6 million! Most of those were for academics. Athletically... This year, the school was recognized as the St. Pete Times' All-Sports award winners and the Boys 4-A FSHAA Program of the Year!
—Submitted by a staff

Jesuit High School is a college prep institution that generated over 10,000,000 dollars of college scholarship offers for the class of 2006. Students are challenged to grow spiritually, academically and athletically. Parental involvement
—Submitted by a parent

Good for serious students. Very dedicated teachers and staff. Nearly all graduates attend college - but stats on college completion are not available. Very strong sports programs, good music and art programs, many extracurricular programs. Not as many AP courses as some higher-end schools. This is not an exceptionally high-end academic school, but it does prepare serious students reasonably well for college. Religious and academic focus is clearly present, but often overshadowed by sports. Discipline and high academic standards not as high as one might think, but better than many local high schools. Students are given free periods - this hurst students who are not very personally disciplined. Not very competitive in admissions; very high acceptance rate compared to applicants. This is probably due to the emergence of free public magnet/IB schools. Also, only boys can apply, so this limits applicants. Go to a few sporting events and open house.
—Submitted by a teacher

Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida, is not for Catholic families wanting an excellent academic program. Furthermore, this is not a faith-based Catholic high school, and it is very clear from day one that Catholic morality is not in this environment. The majority of students are not Catholic and the focus is on sports. The academic program is run by football, soccer,wrestling, baseball, and basketball coaches.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, builds comradery, college-prep level classes standard, excellent athletics department, teachers care about the students grades and will try to help them bring them up.
—Submitted by a student

I love this school and what they teach my son. Great academics, sports, and arts. Thay teach young men to give back to their community. The school prefers parents to be very involved, but allows for working parents. All male students gives less distraction. They do have female interaction through dances, theatrics, sports, etc. My son has plenty of time with young ladies. We want our son to be a man for others.
—Submitted by a parent

Jesuit High School in Tampa is a great place in all aspects. Great academics with all college prep classes, along with honors and AP courses. The sports program here is a very prestigious one, with all the boy's sports and most doing very well with some state and even national championships under their belts. There is a rather new but very well organized music program developing with bands and ensembles. There is a Jesuit mother's club and a father's club. The high school puts on art and music shows as well.
—Submitted by a parent