University of Detroit Jesuit

University of Jesuit High School has outstanding academics and many extracurricular activities.I would recommend this school.
—Submitted by a student

U of D is an awesome school! I'm an eighth grader, and I couldn't love it more. The atmosphere is extremely clean, and the academics are outstanding. Thank you, U of D Academy.
—Submitted by a student

U of D is not what it used to be, that's for sure. I'm an alumni; I graduated in the class of 2004. U of D did prepare me for college - that is, they gave me the tools to succeed, and I put those tools to work. However, the times are changing, and U of D is not realizing this. While public schools get more high tech and advanced for the future, U of D sits on its reputation and slogans while lowering standards for the students they admit. U of D can embrace its tradition and propaganda, but it needs to move forward and into the future to survive.
—Submitted by a former student

Terrific experience, academically and in extracurriculars. Complainers? Your sons got out of UDJ what they (and you) put in. I suspect you were AT the school, but never IN it. If not bending to every wacky trend in secondary education makes you 'stodgy,' we'll take it. My son was a National Merit scholar who played varsity sports and was accepted by several elite universities-- and he was typical, not exceptional, by UDJ standards. If brand new buildings in pastoral settings are what you value, and need to hide racial and socioeconomic attitudes behind code words like 'safety,' then send little Kyle somewhere else. If you prefer your son receive real education in the real world, be challenged academically and spiritually, and learn to work with and value people who are different from himself, then UDJ will meet and exceed your expectations. Non-alumnus, parent of '06 grad
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Everyone is counted no one is left out.
—Submitted by a student

The curriculum has not been changed for 50 years because it has worked over that time. U of D promotes Catholic and Christian values. Each and everyone of the staff is fully dedicated to help each young man enrolled in the school. U of D is one of the only Catholic Schools that have not left Detroit to follow the suburban expansion. Most of the negative comments left on this site are from competing private schools that relocated several times, further and further from the city of Detroit to maintain thier enrollment, while U of D has been at its same location for over 100 years and have maintained its enrollment by maintaining thier high moral standards. Thier technology and books may not be totallly up-to-date, however thier curriculum of promoting high moral standards, and Catholic Values will be as revelant today, as it was 100 years ago. GO CUBS!
—Submitted by Greg Mack, a former student

Just found this site and i see there are unhappy campers. I'm a firm believer that if parents and administrators work together and trust in each other, there are no obstacles that can't be overcome in an expedient manner. U of d captured my heart at the first all school mass. Oh...Those young men in their sportcoats! parents need to have courage to come forward with intelligent suggestions instead of anonymous complaints and the administrators need to have an open forum for those parents to come. Win/win is always the best scenario and goal. I think its getting time to choose high schools and parents are frustrated. I do have to agree with some of the previous comments. Working together with synergy is the best way to achieve excellence for our boys. Together, focus on the positives, work on the negatives. It's a different world now, some things may need changing.
—Submitted by Bev Raine 8th grade Academy parent, a parent

Poor leadership in pretty much every aspect of the school, from the top to the department heads to the bottom. The High School and Academy Principals are extremely ineffective. All they do is 'put out fires'. A true leader, one with the proper education to run a Jesuit school of this size, would be more on target. If you wait to 'put out fires', the problem has gone on way too long. I recommend you look elsewhere. Many other alumni feel the same way. Safety issues are still a concern. Curriculum seems old, textbooks are outdated in some cases. The school doesn't have the best technology either. Many of the teachers are just biding their time until retirement. Alums would be in tears to learn the 'real scoop' about the current U of D.
—Submitted by Nancy, a parent

We were baited and switched. We know many alumni parents with long legacies at U of D who are considering leaving U of D because of the poor leadership. Principal has bitten off more than she can chew, this goes for the Academy Principal even more. Extracurriculars are good but moderators are overworked and thus the programs suffer. They won't allow parents to help. Principal is so far removed from 'real world' thinking. Courses are weak, teachers can be lazy and complacent, students suffer because funds are budgeted for Jesuit scholarships instead of proper teachers, equipment and technology. Paying customers suffer. If you are looking for an old, stodgy school, you will certainly be happy at U of D. We were looking for more forward thinking. Disappointed.
—Submitted by D.S, a parent

Boy, U of D certainly puts up a great facade. Class content and textbooks are outdated in many cases and teachers use very antiquated teaching styles. I really don't think the principal has a handle on exactly what even goes on in each department. She's not interested in working with parents. She's great at putting a 'spin' on problems instead of looking for solutions. Our son will complete this year and then transfer to Catholic Central in Novi.
—Submitted by transferring to CC, a parent

The curriculum is shockingly poor. We had 2 sons go through the Academy. They were not prepared for the high school which is a sin in our books. The entire English program in grades 7-12 is archaic, the Literature selections are awful. We don't see any leadership amongst the department heads of each subject. Many of the teachers and staff are very ineffective. It worries us that this mentality has rubbed off on our sons. They don't strive for excellence like they did in their grade school. Mediocrity is acceptable in many of the extracurriculars because they don't have the manpower to moderate them properly. Very liberal for a Catholic school. Teachers insert personal political views in the classroom. Poor Principals.
—Submitted by YK, a parent

I think the Principal is overwhelmed and not up to the job. Safety is still a concern. U of D 'talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk'. Some new leadership is sorely needed. You will see laziness and complacency everywhere you go at U of D. Not many creative thinkers. Leadership doesn't know how to effectively overcome obstacles or chooses not to. No one thinks 'out of the box'. In today's global economy, we don't think U of D is properly preparing the boys for the challenges they will encounter. You can't live in the past anymore. You can't rely on your 'Men for Others' motto to compensate for inadequacies. U of D graduates are going to get eaten alive in the real world. Only a handful of motivated teachers. New blood needed.
—Submitted by D.M., a parent

U of D just isn't what it used to be. Poor leadership. Outdated curriculum. Mediocrity is acceptable in many cases. It didn't live up to our academic standards. The boys are certainly fine young men by the time they graduate but there are still the same old problems such as racism and bullying that are prevalent in the public schools. Don't think you will get away from those issues if you attend U of D. Most of the parents know that U of D has gone downhill but are saddened to admit it in public. Parents still continue to worry about safety issues.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at U of D and it will be our last. The 'Academic Excellence' that they advertised hasn't made an appearance yet. We learned a lesson early enough to be able to change schools without too much trauma to our son. We've got more sons at home so we feel fortunate that we learned about the politics of U of D with our first son. We won't have to go through it with the other boys. There is absolutely no spark or fire in anyone at U of D. A handful of good teachers and a couple of great ones. That's it. Most are simply there to pick up a paycheck and serve their time. Their reputation has gone donwhill big time. Disappointing.
—Submitted by leaving in June 2006, a parent

I agree with the comment from 'Tom J' who entered his comments in April 2005. I urge the U of D parents to open their eyes and get out of denial. There are literally classes and teachers who are a waste of our tuition. Parents are not allowed to help with extracurriculars but they will surely take your money! Counselors take 3 weeks to respond to communications from parents. I believe it's a school philosphy to keep parents at bay. The curriculum is so old, outdated and stale. I don't think it's been changed in the past 50 years. This is our first and last year at UofD.
—Submitted by Disappointed, a parent

I'm ashamed to admit that I've put boys through U of D and never approached the Administration about the mediocre academic program, especially the Academy. I was too proud, didn't want a reputation as a trouble maker. Many teachers shouldn't be teaching but have never been fired. Terrible music program. Leadership of the school is re-active rather than pro-active. Same old teaching styles and curriculum have been around since its 1800's. They spend thousands of hours on fundraising for scholarships but ignore paying customers. Check out your public school instead. Poor leadership.
—Submitted by sad U of D alumni dad, a parent

U of D relies on it's Jesuit 'Men for Others' motto. This just doesn't cut it in today's competitive world. Public schools are loaded with service opportunities. I agree with the person who said the best thing about U of D is the propaganda that it's a great school. Many of the parents who have given the school a fabulous rating are either alumni parents who are loyal no matter what or they haven't actually compared U of D with their public schools or other Catholic Schools. Catholic Central is taking many U of D students away. U of D is still in the dark ages in so many ways. Curriculum is extremely outdated. Check for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

The Academy curriculum is extremely weak and they have put the 'throw away' teachers from the High School into the Academy. The Academy has very few extracurriculars and all the attention is given to the High school (9th thru 12). I hear there are weakness issues in the High School as well nowadays. I agree with the person who said we are buying into their 'propaganda'. U of D is resting on their laurels and reputation and it's certainly not what it used to be when I attended years ago. Alumni who are now sending their sons are disappointed. Teachers do not return communications from parents. You sense frustration amongst the teachers and counselors. Problems are definitely not addressed and are swept under the rug. The boys are wonderful so its a tough call. I would look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is finishing up his freshman year at U of D J and has had a great experience so far. The teachers are dedicated and truly promote 'men for others'. It is well worth the tuition and carpooling responsibilities.
—Submitted by Nancy, a parent

I have been a cub parent for 5 years now and wouldn't have it any other way. even when issues come up, they are dealt with immediately and the communication with parents is wonderful. Don't let the others fool you, while some catholic high schools in the area place the emphasis on the quality of their sports teams and actively recruit athletes, UofD is an academics first school and the sports are the icing on the cake. My sons love The High and we are all Cubs for life!
—Submitted by a parent