We Teach To Boys

There is an incredible amount of growth that happens during Middle School and High School, particularly with regard to prefrontal cortex development—the part of the brain that manages high-level thinking, executive functioning, and decision-making. At St. John's Prep, much of our teaching methods address these specific ways that boys' brains are developing. 

• Science teachers explicitly teach the "science of learning" (encoding, storage, and retrieval) so students understand how their brains process information.
• Teachers help students understand the relationship between short-term actions and long-term consequences.
• Cross-collaboration between teachers in different departments help boys see connections between disciplines and engages their interests in a dynamic way. 
• Self-advocacy is a big theme at the Prep. Students are taught to understand their own learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses, and are consistently empowered to practice seeking out help on their own (with guidance and support when needed). 

"A neat thing about St. John's is there's always the feeling that it's cool to be smart and it's cool to work hard at academic pursuits. And what that translates to in today's world is whatever type of support you need, the school has it and is happy to provide that in whatever form is best for the students." — Economics Teacher David Hennessey '83 P'16

We Place an Emphasis on Relationships

Boys thrive when they are known, supported, and challenged by people who believe in them.

The Xaverian Brothers who founded St. John's Prep placed an enormous importance on the value of enduring personal relationships. Today, we know that strong relationships are more important for boys than ever. 

Enduring relationships with teachers, coaches, mentors, family members, and friends provide a foundation of trust and belonging that help boys navigate adolescence with confidence and resilience. These relationships give boys the freedom to ask questions, take healthy risks, learn from failure, and discover who they are becoming. Over time, consistent relationships also teach boys how to listen, communicate, empathize, and show up for others.

When boys know they are part of a community that will walk alongside them through challenges and celebrations, they are better equipped to grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible young men.

We Value Leadership

Leadership plays a huge role in boys' understanding and development of self-confidence, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and how their actions impact others. At St. John's Prep, there are dozens of opportunities for students to build the skills needed to lead with humility and compassion.

Leadership roles come in all shapes and sizes, from those that are volunteer based to those that require an application or interview (which is great practice for college, internship, and job interviews). Some are peer-elected, while other roles are selected by adults in the community.

Leadership Development Programs and Retreats

• Prep Middle School Leadership Institute — Eighth Graders
• LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) — Eighth and Tenth Graders
• Prep Leadership Institute — Seniors
   

Learn about leadership roles on campus

Character Matters Deeply to Us

We believe in the incredible potential of boys to be forces of good in their local communities, in their relationships with family and friends, at their chosen colleges and universities, and in their professional and working careers. That's why we care deeply about character formation. What do you do when no one is looking? How do you work with others? What legacy will you leave behind? 

Building a strong character takes time and guidance. Here are a few ways we provide opportunities for our students to examine who they want to be and how they want to move through life. 

• Retreats: All students will experience a retreat at St. John's Prep, led by Campus Ministry. It's in that environment where they can ask themselves the big questions— What do I value? What type of friend do I want to be? How can I use my gifts and talents in the service of others? —and work toward discovering the answer. 
• Class Meetings: Each Wednesday morning, a different combination of grades will have a one-hour long class meeting, covering topics that range from what healthy dating relationships look like to how to be a good digital citizen.