Dear Marauder Family,

For more than 60 years, Jesuit High School Sacramento has remained true to its mission: forming young people of conscience, competence, and compassion. As we look to the future, we do so with the same purpose and faith, preparing to transition to a Co-Divisional model beginning in the 2027–28 school year.

This approach will preserve single-sex formation while expanding shared opportunities, ensuring Jesuit continues to thrive for generations to come.

A Thoughtful, Mission-Driven Decision

This decision follows deep research and discernment by Jesuit’s Board of Trustees, guided by their responsibility to ensure the school’s long-term sustainability and fidelity to its mission.  

The Board’s discussions have intensified over the past several years as part of its ongoing responsibility to secure Jesuit’s future and align with key trends in Catholic education.

• Changing demographics:
  Fewer Catholic families and feeder schools in our region, alongside a shrinking pool of students seeking single-sex education. Hundreds of Catholic schools across the country have closed in the last 5 years. Consider that 50 years ago, there were six single-sex Catholic schools in Sacramento, a city one-third the size it is today.

• Access and affordability:
  Tuition nearing $20,000 and a 30-year low enrollment of 894 students last year, despite admitting 99% of qualified applicants. Alumni giving remains weak compared to other high-performing Jesuit [Ignatian] high schools across the country. Our faculty have endured salary freezes, and last year we decided not to contribute to the fund that refurbishes our campus due to ongoing deficits.

• Mission and sustainability:
  Like many similar Jesuit schools across California and the U.S., we must adapt to continue offering transformative education rooted in our Ignatian tradition. It’s hard for someone as devoted as I am to believe there is less demand for this great experience, but the numbers don’t lie, and we must adjust.

These trends present challenges that we are viewing as opportunities to strengthen how Jesuit fulfills its mission for future generations. The Board chose to act now, proactively and deliberately, to preserve Jesuit’s excellence and vitality for generations to come.

Grounded in Tradition

Our mission will not change. The Brotherhood remains central, and our Ignatian values continue to guide our path forward. Other schools in our Jesuit network, such as St. Ignatius (San Francisco) and Jesuit Portland, have successfully evolved to welcome boys and girls while remaining strong in faith and mission. 

Ignatian education has endured for 500 years because it has been willing to evolve in service to its purpose.

This is not a departure; it is the next step in fulfilling our tradition.

Looking Ahead

We know this announcement has prompted reflection and conversation. We welcome constructive dialogue and invite you to share your thoughts or questions by emailing the president’s office. Your perspective matters as we take this next step together.

As an alumnus and parent, I understand how deeply our community cherishes our school’s traditions. That shared love for our school is what will guide us through this next chapter. I’m proud that future generations, including young women, will now share in the same transformative Jesuit experience of purpose, excellence, and faith.

The Board’s decision is final, and we move forward with confidence and unity, committed to providing students and families with the exceptional Jesuit experience that has defined us since 1963. The Co-Divisional model is bold, innovative, and truly offers the best of both worlds—a single-sex classroom experience with shared extracurriculars. 

Thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and love for Jesuit High School. Together, we look forward to another 60 years of forming young leaders who learn and serve with purpose.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,

Kelly Brothers ’82
Chair, Board of Trustees
Jesuit High School of Sacramento