Jesuit High School

I am continually impressed with Jesuit's ability to produce incredibly talented young adults- both in the academic and athletic arena. 99% of graduates go on to attend a four university the next year... Pretty extraordinary for this day and age. Many people despise them, but why? These people are probably the one's who applied and were denied admission. In addition, I would like to point out that Jesuit must put it's name out there for perspective students, otherwise the school would have no applicants and close. Recruiting? No. Jesuit simply attracts the most accomplished young people because no other school can offer such a rewarding educational experience. I once sat next to a woman on a return flight from California who told me she moved her family from Corvalis to Beaverton so her kids could attend Jesuit. That's not recruiting.

As a student at Jesuit High School I honestly have nothing but good things to say about the school. it has formed me into the person I am today, and I could not be more proud of that. Jesuit has a strong academic program that pushes its students to do better everyday. On the outside people see how competitive Jesuit sports are, while thats how competitive academics are also. Sports teams at Jesuit are good, but theres no recruiting, almost all my friends who play varsity sports started out as sub par athletes but through there strong dedication became the quality players that they are. Along with academics and sports, drama is a huge part of the Jesuit community. Its hard to believe that these production are high school plays when the actors have such talent. The strongest part of the Jesuit program is the Christian Service. As a graduation requirement students much do 65 hours of service working with marginalized people during their Junior or Senior year. This experience changes most people over time and opens students hearts and minds. I love Jesuit and could not think of a better place for a family to send their child.
--Submitted by a student

Jesuit is by far the greatest school I have gone to. Many people think that Jesuit recruits athletes for its athletic programs, when in fact they do not. They accept students based on their grades, involvement in extra-curriculars, and moral character, not so much their athletic ability. The community is strong and well-bonded; any religions are highly welcomed and respected. Students take many different religion courses to widen their knowledge of religions around the world. Overall, this has been the best school I have gone to.
--Submitted by a student

Jesuit is a demanding school that excels at academics, athletics and drama. We've had three kids attend, and they all appreciated the experience and were very well prepared for college. It can be a stressful place at times, due primarily to the academic rigor. If your child plays a sport, just understand the athletes are top tier and your child may or may not get the playing time desired, as happened to our kids. But American culture is over focused on sports anyway, so we simply told our kids to try their best and to value the education they received. The best part of Jesuit, by far, is its strong sense of community. Many kids are attending on scholarship, so if your family has limited financial means, or you are a minority with interested children, it still makes sense to apply (assuming my earlier inputs meet your family's goals).
--Submitted by a parent

Jesuit High School was an interesting experience to say the least. As someone who was not athletic whatsoever, JHS's near-obsession with sports bothered me throughout my time there. However, after finding Jesuit's outstanding drama program, the school grew on me. As someone who was not Christian, I found it difficult to attend a school that was so faith-based. The student body is rather Conservative, a characteristic which I did not care for. Cons aside, Jesuit's elite academic offerings have truly prepared me for my freshman year at one of the nation's most prestigious universities. Jesuit creates a close-knit community that's rare in high schools today. Although I loathed JHS's athletic focus, religious intolerance, and Conservative leaning, opportunities for an outstanding education and lifelong friendships are plentiful. If you can get through the 4 years, I highly recommend going to JHS if only for its amazing educational quality.
--Submitted by a student

I went to Jesuit, and it was the worst decision i made. The academics were good and all, but the teachers were sooo strict and it was like all my independence went away. I went to a strict and horrible private catholic middle school and i thought when i went to jesuit, i would be free and experience actual freedom and get more responsibility. It was the opposite, I felt like someone in a military camp. So i transferred to Central Catholic and my life has been so much better. Central Catholic was the right decision for me.
--Submitted by a student

My youngest child will graduate from JHS this year. He has truly enjoyed it. He is not a top-tier 'recruited' athlete by any means - but worked hard and earned his varsity spot and I think that it meant more to him as a result. Great academics; very competetive. I've never seen the cliques on the student side, though I'm sure that they exist as in all high schools. Parents can be a little intimidating, but I think that's more of parents knowing each other from elementary schools, youth leagues, etc.. For the right kid, this is a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

It took me a long time to like jesuit. I almost did not return for my senior year. Cliques are definitely present, but not in a mean way. I always felt comfortable being around people and everyone was always friendly and nice. The academics at jesuit are great. The school provides many opportunities to get involved and has a great faculty and staff (for the most part). Athletics are a big deal, but basically if you are good, you play. People who complain its too competitive just complain because their kids weren't good enough to get on a varsity sport. Even though I didn't like Jesuit for most of my high school years, i'm glad i stayed for my senior year. Jesuit has made me who i am today, and I realize now I am a better person for having gone there.
--Submitted by a student

My son went to JHS for one year and absolutely could not stand it. While the academics are strong, the cliques and apparent wealth made him dread going to school daily. It's nearly impossible to make friends; I would send my children to any other school besides Jesuit.

Jesuit is the number one school in Oregon for training our children to be leaders for others. The academics are by far the best as well.
--Submitted by a parent