Currently, our communications are focused on the announcement and sharing the high-level look at this mission expansion.  This FAQ section will continue to grow as we move along this new path, providing information and support to our community throughout the process.

What does “co-divisional” mean?

Co-divisional is an innovative approach to learning and student development. Jesuit High School Sacramento will become one school with two academic divisions: a boys’ division and a girls’ division, both on Jesuit’s 52+ acre campus. Students will learn in single-sex classrooms, with each division offering individualized retreats, including Kairos, as well as several counseling and wellness programs. Social, athletics (sport-specific, such as track and field or swimming), and other co-curricular activities will be shared experiences. This unique model preserves the benefits of single-sex education while expanding access to Jesuit’s mission.

Is this the same as becoming co-ed?

No, co-divisional is not traditional co-education. Boys and girls will have separate divisions, maintaining the integrity of single-sex learning. They will come together for shared experiences in athletics, arts, clubs, and social activities. In contrast, co-ed schools have no separation of boys and girls in any area. Jesuit will have defined separation; thus, it is co-divisional.

Will boys and girls always be separated?

No. Students will interact in shared spaces before school, during passing periods, at lunch, and after school, and participate together in co-curricular activities. Some examples may include:

• Performing arts
• Athletics, as defined by the sport
• Academic Teams and Clubs (depending on specific team/club)
• Service programs

As part of the co-divisional model, as students mature and progress through the college preparatory curriculum, senior-year academics will be a blended classroom. In rare cases, Jesuit may also consider placing some underclassmen in advanced or specialty electives on a case-by-case basis.

Will there be opportunities for learning together?

As preparation for life after high school, a key component is coming together for some electives and Honors or AP coursework, especially in the senior year.

Outside of the classroom, what offerings will remain single-sex?

• Counseling and wellness services
• Kairos and small-group retreats
• PE and sports teams (as applicable)

Additional opportunities and events may also be single-sex, such as each division sitting together during all school Masses, individualized co-divisional prayer services, or specialty small-group supportive services.

When will co-divisional begin?

The school will begin operating in a co-divisional model for the 2027-2028 school year. 

Which grade levels will be open to girls enrolling in Jesuit’s first co-divisional school year (2027–2028)?

• Girls may apply for freshman admission
• Girls may apply for transfer admission into their sophomore or junior year 

Will there be major construction leading up to the start of co-divisional?

No. The first phase of Jesuit’s co-divisional model will repurpose existing spaces in exciting ways to increase the overall number of classrooms, repurpose underutilized common gathering areas, improve infrastructure, and remodel interior spaces. 

Why is Jesuit making this change?

This decision reflects a mission-driven evolution to serve more families while preserving Jesuit’s core identity, rooted in 500 years of Ignatian education. It allows Jesuit to educate both young men and women as “Men and Women for Others,” strengthening our community and ensuring the school’s long-term financial and enrollment sustainability. This change will position Jesuit to serve future generations with strength, integrity, and vision. 

How was the decision made?

As the governing body responsible for policy, financial oversight, and the strategic direction of the school, the Board of Trustees engaged in a discernment process guided by Jesuit values, and a comprehensive organizational review. The process included:

• Analysis of enrollment trends, tuition data, and financial Key Performance Indicators.
• Review of strategic frameworks and SWOT analyses from previous strategic planning done by the Board of Trustees
• Analysis of various financial models, cost-cutting measures, and alternative educational structures—many of which mirrored the comprehensive strategic planning conducted in 2021–2022
• Consideration of community interest  from Catholic families seeking a Jesuit (Ignatian) education for daughters
• Consultation with the Jesuits West Provincial 

Although the Board’s decision-making process was not public, it was guided by alignment with Jesuit’s mission and values, and a focus on ensuring the school’s long-term health and success.

Why was this change considered now?

Board actions focus on the organization’s future. They acted now to:

• Provide long-term financial sustainability
• Expand mission richness
• Firmly position Jesuit for the future

How will the transition be managed?

Jesuit will follow a phased strategy to shape a future where innovation and tradition unite. Updates will be shared online at JesuitHighSchool.org/next and through direct communications with the community as they progress through:

• Transition: now – 2026   Prepare campus and community
• Renew: 2026-2027   Align resources, redesign, and refresh existing environments
• Aspire: 2027 and beyond. Launch and grow the co-divisional model and facilities

Is Jesuit the first to do this?

Jesuit will be the first co-divisional high school in California, a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in education. Other successful models, each with their own adaptations but similar core concepts, include:

• Regis Jesuit High School – Colorado
• Malden Catholic – Massachusetts
• St. Mary’s Prep – Michigan