Gonzaga College High School

Gonzaga holds its head high in a geographical area highly competitive with notable "magnet" public schools and elite private schools. Its inner-city location affords students from the suburbs an opportunity to relate to others less fortunate than themselves, and as "men for others" they embrace various service projects which become a valuable part of their education. Much publicity is given to the success of Gonzaga's extensive sports programs, and perhaps the sports are the school's primary drawing force, especially when no cuts are made in some sports and every kid can find something to play. But this should not belittle the strong academic program, which includes a variety of elective courses, and the family atmosphere that permeates a dedicated faculty which takes a personal interest in their students' efforts both in and out of class time. In the coming year a new position -- Dean of Faculty -- has been created to ensure educational enrichment even more. More publicity could be given to Gonzaga'a many non-sports extracurricular activities that bring prestige to the school, such as Debating and Quiz Bowl clubs. Mostly, however, wherever, there's the joy on students' faces!
—Submitted by a teacher

All these great reviews show that the Gonzaga spin machine is alive and well. Those who have had bad Gonzaga experiences keep quiet. But as we ve shared a few outrageous experiences, stories from other families come out of the woodwork. For years, we heard that Gonzaga was a great school with great academics, sports, values & camaraderie. Sadly, it is no longer true. Within a week of our son arriving, he got an earful from students about the universally disliked Headmaster. There is incredible hubris starting with Fr. C. and trickling down to the teachers. Who knows if it s driven by Fr. C. or preceded his arrival? Academics are good, not great they don t stack up to many public school programs esp. IB. And they talk good values for the students but the administration & teachers aren t held to any standards. Some teachers don t show up, others don t teach working retirement. Grading is totally at each teacher s discretion. An A=Outstanding but absolutely no definition percentage wise. And when questioned, the administration shuts down. Contrary to one post below, students don t support smaller sports like tennis or baseball just football & basketball.
—Submitted by a parent

I've only been at Gonzaga for about 6 months now; however, I am in love with it! Every single teacher and faculty member really do care about you. The athletics are very competitive, any sport you do will challenge you physically and mentally. As for academics, the academic aspect of Gonzaga is phenomenal. Also, the feeling of loyalty and community is like no other school. Unlike other schools, a freshmen can be great friends with a senior and vice versa. The ages don't make a difference and there is not an ounce of bullying. Everyone knows that they are at Gonzaga for the same reason and every student wants to make the next class feel just as they did. Also, the loyalty to the school is fantastic. Many students attend as many athletic events as they can whether is tennis, football, swimming, basketball etc. I wouldn't be surprised if half of all the clothing I own is Gonzaga related. Every student is proud to be there. Finally, the service and urban feeling of Gonzaga is unique to Gonzaga. I talk to friends from other schools and they say they have never been to chinatown, they have never been on the metro. DC is a wonderful city and Gonzaga gives kids a chance to explore it.
—Submitted by a student

I love Gonzaga with all my heart and soul, I have only been here 2 years, entering my 3rd and the academics and sports of this school are exceeded by none. The spirit of this school is amazing and is a huge part of the schools intense brotherhood that forms! I love this school so much and will be tearful when I graduate! G-O-N-Z-A-G-A GO GONZAGA ALL THE WAY!
—Submitted by a student

Amazing school! Anyone who likes the rigorous academics, but also great sports has a place here!
—Submitted by a student

I'm an alumnus of Gonzaga. I know firsthand that the academic program is first rate. Several of my teachers had at least one PhD. All of them were excellent. In senior year, the headmaster was our religion teacher. His profound insights about religion are comparable to Thomas Aquinas. The curriculum included four years of latin and religion, algebra with set theory, geometry, two years of calculus, two years of german, two years of physics, among others. I didn't appreciate the Gonzga education until I got to college, where I breezed through the first two years because most of it was a slight amplification of what I already knew. But the best part of it all is that they taught me to think for myself.

My son chose Gonzaga, I didn't choose it for him. When I asked him why, his reply was, 'We don't have to worry about competing with or for girls and I'm pretty sure I'll be challenged academically.' As a parent I could not ask for more but Gonzaga gives it anyway...Gonzaga provides the environment for boys to become young men, responsible for themselves and others. I have never seen my son so excited to get out of the house and into school. Gonzaga is truly a blessing.
—Submitted by a parent

I only taught at Gonzaga for one year, but it was one of the highlights of my entire academic career, most of which was spent at the college level. My students were bright (most with more than a passing knowledge of the classics) and raucous (I well remember seeing the Washington Monument bathed in purple light on the eve of the annual St. John's football scrum). The faculty were both dedicated and delightful, and the folks in the Headmaster's office ran a tight ship. What more could an aspiring English teacher want? When I left the cramped, crumbling walls of Gonzaga for the alluring charms of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I knew there would always be a place in my mind for an unlikely urban oasis on North Capitol St.

My son is a risng junior and we are plased with his experience and growth at Gonzaga. My son loves his school and his classmates and Ihe is challenged academically. Also, being a 'Man for Others' whichis the school's mantra, prepares him to identify and deal with challenges in his community and his fellow citizens.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school very fun and great sports and academics
—Submitted by a student

I didn't decide to go to Gonzaga, but I cannot thank my parents enough for making me. It has truthfully changed my life for the better and I can't see myself anywhere else.
—Submitted by a student

Working at Gonzaga is an increidble experience. I enjoy my career so much because the kids love to be there every day. Through interviewing the kids every day, there is a constant sens of loyalty, dedication to studies, and conraderie. While we are not perfect by any stretch of the means, it is a great place for young ment to become compassionate and strong citizens.

Gonzaga is, bar-none, the best choice for most. My son applied to landon, g-prep, and st. albans (and of course, gonzaga). he was accepted into all four, but he chose gonzaga for the spirit and challenge. if you want your child to go to school at a pampered country club, send him to prep or landon. if you want him fluorish in a supportive and academically challenging environment and really become a 'man for others,' send him to gonzaga.
—Submitted by a parent

My three sons, have been Gonzaga students. I chose the school for my oldest son, (in 1990), and quickly came to believe this is the best environment to help develop the minds of young men to be truly in service to others. The educational experience is second to none. The spiritual and psychological growth and maturity I have seen in my sons, have assisted us to prepared them well for transitioning into a world that sometimes require serious choices, an attitude of caring for others and the ability to succeed. My youngest who is currently enrolled, wanted to be an 'Eagle', from an early age because he learned from his brothers what being 'a man for others', truly means. I recommend to any parent who wants his/her son to have the best opportunity for success and he is willing to work hard- Gonzaga is the place for him.
—Submitted by a parent

Gonzaga is a fine institution, and like any other educational facility, what one gets from it is in direct proportion to what one invests in it. However, like all institutions, it too has limitations. There is too much of a grade point fixation by the boys, and that leads to a level of competition that sometimes makes the boys consider cheating on tests and homework. Gonzaga does a reasonable job in trying to handle this, but it could use improvement. There is also a level of favoratism and politics (it is just three blocks from Congress - so this shouldn't be a surprise), and that means that not every kid gets an equal opportunity to participate in sports, clubs, and other activities. Does this make Gonzaga bad - no. It means that it, like any of the other rated schools, has some nicks in it's halo.
—Submitted by a parent

Choosing Gonzaga College High School was for our son was the best decision ever. He has truly come into his own in 3 short years and the administration, teachers and coaches have been instrumental in our push for standards for him. If it was good enough for Maryland Governor, Martin O'Malley, then it's even better for all the young men enrolled there now.
—Submitted by a parent

No education will prepare your sons like the education they will receive at Gonzaga, plain and simple. It's much more than notebooks and chalkboards, its the entire experience that Jesuits have perfected for hundreds of years. These young men will leave with a real thirst for knowledge and a better understanding of themselves and those around them. What strikes me most about just how special Gonzaga is and what truly separates them from other great schools is their honest and true dedication in providing an enriched education to ALL young men, both rich and poor. I was one of those kids that Gonzaga took a chance on, not because they had to, not because it was good for PR, but, because it was the right and moral thing to do based on their faith that all children are God's children, both the affluent and the underprivileged.
—Submitted by a parent

All four of our sons have gone to the school, and all had a great experience. The academics are top notch, and the spirit of community and togetherness is unequaled. The retreat program makes the whole school experience special, and the boys recognize that. The emphasis on service goes beyond the lip-service or obligatory chore found in a lot of high schools. The opportunities for parental involvement are significant. It's a great place for boys to become men.
—Submitted by a parent

No other school in DC offers better academics, extracurricular activities, or fostering environment than Gonzaga. To top it off, the students are taught to be part of the community (Eagle program), which often means working in soup kitchens and helping the homeless. Located three blocks from the US Capitol, students often walk over to watch Congressional proceedings. Having Gonzaga on your resume - even with advanced university degrees - is invaluable.
—Submitted by a parent

There has never been a day that I didnt want to go to school.
—Submitted by a student