175 Years of St. Joseph's Prep

For 175 years, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School has been forming young men of faith, scholarship, leadership, and service in the heart of Philadelphia. What began in 1851 with 95 students at Old St. Joseph’s Church has grown into a vibrant Catholic, Jesuit community of more than 900 students representing 172 zip codes and 220 feeder schools across the region.

From our historic home in North Philadelphia, generations of Prep graduates have gone on to become leaders in business, education, law, medicine, public service, religious life, athletics, and beyond—living out the call to be men for and with others.

Join us as we celebrate 175 years of St. Joseph’s Prep by honoring the people, moments, traditions, and milestones that have shaped the Prep since 1851—and look ahead to the next 175 years of our enduring mission.