Ignatian Values

The Jesuit philosophy of integrating community service into the educational process dates back to the days of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). Ignatius, who is considered one of the foremost innovators of systemized education, opened schools to educate his Society of Jesus followers in the mid 16th century. Soon after opening his first schools, he determined that by opening his schools to the general public, he could have a substantial impact on a community by incorporating a message of morality and service to others into the curriculum. Ignatius believed that educators could teach students to care about others and motivate them to effect positive changes in the world around them.

For nearly five centuries after Ignatius’ death, his followers have continued his example by opening and operating schools dedicated to his service-to-others philosophy. Today there are 430 Jesuit high schools and 90 colleges worldwide. All share and perpetuate service to others as a guiding principle in the Ignatian education process.