To advance Jesuit High School Sacramento’s ongoing commitment to student learning, whole-person formation, and a healthy campus culture, Jesuit Sacramento will implement a cell phone–free school day beginning in the fall of 2026. 

Over the past several years, Jesuit Sacramento has used classroom “phone hotels,” a hanging multi-pocket storage system, and has seen clear improvement in student focus and engagement. Building on that experience and informed by educational research, conversations with peer schools, and daily life on campus, the school will now take the next step and begin implementing a full cell phone-free school day.

This decision reflects our Jesuit mission to form young people of competence, conscience, and compassion. Constant digital connectivity can interfere with attention, reflection, and authentic relationships. By removing phones during the school day, Jesuit Sacramento aims to create space for students to be fully present to their learning, to one another, and to God. We are confident students will grow more fully as they learn to rely on curiosity, reasoning, and thoughtful inquiry rather than immediate scrolling or external digital validation.

Similar to our daily Examen prayer, this practice invites greater awareness and discernment. It encourages them to pause, reflect, and notice how God is present in their daily experiences. Engaging in the world directly rather than through a screen supports students’ growth in freedom—the freedom to think critically, to build meaningful relationships, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting instantly.

Jesuit Sacramento has also learned from fellow Jesuit schools that have made this transition, including Jesuit High School Portland, Cristo Rey Sacramento, Loyola High School of Los Angeles, Scranton Prep, St. Ignatius Cleveland, and Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma. Across these communities, school leaders report stronger student engagement and a more connected campus culture. Many say they wish they had made the change sooner.

The policy has been designed with care. Emergency communication, academic needs, medical technologies, and parent access have all been considered and informed by best practices. Jesuit Sacramento faculty and staff are committed to accompanying students with patience and care throughout the implementation of this policy. Using our regular process for updating school policy, we will share the full policy language in the 2026-27 Parent-Student Handbook over the summer. 

We are confident this change will promote an environment where students can focus, engage, and build the skills for college preparation and beyond.