Academics

The goal of our academic program is to prepare our students today for the world of tomorrow. At the center of The Prep's philosophy is the Ignatian tradition of educating the mind and the heart. At our institution no student should reach the end of a day feeling unloved or unchallenged.

 

Academic Philosophy

St. Joseph's Preparatory School prepares its students for the nation's finest colleges and universities through a rigorous, traditional academic program. Its faculty has an average of 17 years of service to The Prep and several are alumni who have returned "home." Of the full-time faculty of approximately 70 men and women, over 91% hold masters degrees.

 

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from St. Joseph's Preparatory School, a student must earn a minimum of 26 academic credits, satisfy the State of Pennsylvania requirement for physical education and fulfill community service requirements through our Ignatian Service Program. To learn more, please explore the Program of Studies.

 

Special Academic Opportunities

Once students pass the basic course requirements, they are encouraged to expand on their achievements through Advanced Placement courses and explore an exciting range of electives. Students interested in language and literature may choose from Courses like Personal Writing, Censorship, or Elements of Drama. Journalism students produce their own newspaper, The Nose, in cooperation with The Philadelphia Inquirer. Students serious about science may choose to expand their computer expertise, take Advanced Placement courses, or experience field research in an Environmental Science class. Elective art courses include sculpture, painting, ceramics and illustration.

Advanced Placement courses are offered in 15 areas of study including history, English, science, Latin, mathematics, computer science and psychology. Many of The Prep's AP students receive college credit as a result of their performance in the Advanced Placement Examinations.

 

Accreditations

The Prep is fully accredited by the Pennsylvania State Department of Public Instruction and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. It is also an active member of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association, the National Catholic Education Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, and the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools.