This FAQ section will continue to grow as we move along this new path, providing information and support to our community throughout the process, both here and on the ‘Co-Div’ section of the website.  Currently, our communications are focused on sharing a high-level look at this mission expansion. 

                                                           FAQs last updated 11.20.2025

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 primarily in single-sex classrooms, with each division offering individualized retreats, including Kairos, as well as other special program opportunities.  Social 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. Students 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.

Who should I talk to if I have questions?

We continue to welcome families to contact us directly to engage in an open and respectful conversation with the school through appropriate channels using the Chain of Care policies and guided by the 7 Principles of Constructive Dialogue. We are always here to listen and engage thoughtfully and intentionally with factual information in a productive manner that follows our shared values and cura personalis.

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
• 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. There may be some exceptions for students doing work well above grade level in highly advanced or specialty coursework, and these will be reviewed 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 as a student progresses for some electives or advanced coursework, especially during the senior year in blended classrooms.

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

• Kairos and small-group retreats
• Physical Education classes

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. 

Will Jesuit be doubling in size?

No. 

Is Jesuit planning to build new buildings or purchase land for the girls division to open in 2027?

No. Jesuit has no plans to add buildings or acquire land. Instead, we can comfortably accommodate the Co-Divisional model of education by remodeling or repurposing underutilized areas and spaces to ensure equal opportunities for all students and be ready to welcome all students to campus in fall 2027.

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.

Did Jesuit make this decision without input from donors, alumni, and parent groups?

While the discernment process and the Board of Trustees’ final decision required confidential board-level discussions, Jesuit’s leadership carefully considered previous alumni, student, parent, and supporter perspectives gathered through surveys, studies, listening sessions, and informal conversations, along with demographic, socioeconomic, and community-interest analytics in our region.

Will the Board’s decision change?

The Board’s decision is final and is a testament to Jesuit Sacramento’s unwavering commitment to this direction. Jesuit is now focused on thoughtful implementation and on preparing to welcome young women for the 2027–2028 school year.

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

What will athletics look like?

Jesuit will offer athletic programs for boys’ and girls’ sports at multiple levels. Our 53-acre campus and a lighted stadium provide ample space for all teams to practice and compete.

Will Jesuit continue to share facilities with St. Francis, such as the pool, football field, and track?

Yes! The shared use of facilities, including the pool, football field, and track, will continue as it has for many years, through at least the 2026–27 school year. Beyond that, future facility-sharing arrangements are still being discussed. Today and in the future, Jesuit remains committed to supporting St. Francis and our entire Catholic education community.

Will Jesuit offer girls’ sports when the co-divisional model begins in Fall 2027?

Yes. Jesuit High School is committed to offering the full range of athletic opportunities for all students beginning in Fall 2027. Our Athletic Department is prepared to ensure facilities needs, coaches, equipment, and administrative support will be ready for girls to have access to a robust, equitable athletic experience.

Are the number of girls sports offered contingent on the number of girls who attend in the fall of 2027?

Yes. Some programs may begin with only a frosh or junior varsity team, and some programs will offer both junior varsity and varsity based on student interest. Girls’ sports programs will be introduced in alignment with California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) guidelines. The goal is to offer an equal number of sports and team levels for girls and boys over time, with competitive opportunities at the highest levels.

Has Jesuit hosted girls’ sports before?

Yes. Jesuit has a long history of hosting competitive girls’ teams’ practices and contests in:

• Cross Country
• Track & Field
• Swim & Dive
• Water Polo

Since joining the Sierra Foothill League (SFL), Jesuit has also hosted girls:

• Flag Football
• Basketball

These experiences provide a strong foundation for expanding our girls’ Marauder athletic offerings.

What California Interscholastic Federation San Joaquin Section (CIF SJS) league will Jesuit’s girls’ teams compete in?

For the 2027-28 school year we are working with the CIF SJS Office to determine league placement to not disrupt the current Sierra Foothill League (SFL) alignment which will be in the final year of the four year cycle for 2027-28 school year. The next realignment cycle will take effect for the 2028-29 school year and both our girls and boys teams will be placed in the same league at that time. 

What CIF SJS division will Jesuit’s teams compete in?

The CIF SJS has implemented a new plus one/minus one policy in regards to divisional placement for all team sports for playoffs. This means that when you are placed in a Division 1 league (like the SFL) you can only move down to division 2 no matter how small your enrollment is.

For CIF Regional and State play, division placement is based on competitive equity, not solely on school enrollment. This ensures that teams compete against others of similar performance levels, regardless of school size.[CIF]

Will girls’ teams compete at the same level as boys’ teams?

Yes. Jesuit is committed to competitive excellence for all student-athletes. Both boys’ and girls’ teams will compete at the highest levels within Jesuit’s designated CIF sections and divisions (Sac-Joaquin Section and Sierra Foothill League).

How can students and families stay informed about girls’ athletics at Jesuit?

We will continue to provide updates on the Co-Div section of the website, and also, when appropriate, through:

• The Jesuit Marauders Athletics website GoJesuit.com
• Open House and Admissions events
• Social media channels
• Parent/Student Newsletters

We encourage families to reach out to our Athletic Department with any questions or to express interest in specific sports.

 

last updated 11.20.2025