STRATEGIC THINKING 2013-2015 SLUH CASE STUDY
SLUH
CUMULATIVE GIVING SOCIETIES
We believe your caliber of analytical and imaginative leadership experience can assist us in envisioning and shaping SLUH’s future.
2
STRATEGIC THINKING 2013-2015 SLUH CASE STUDY
INTRODUCTION Recognizing its 195-year tradition as an apostolate for the Society of Jesus and looking to the bicentennial celebration in 2018, St. Louis University High’s Board of Trustees recognizes its responsibility to develop the future Vision of the School. The following pillars and supporting themes – legacy, cura personalis and leadership – capture the essence of SLUH while providing a framework to conceptualize and plan for the next generation of students and beyond.
Content EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4-5 LEGACY .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-12
— A Tradition of Excellence, Recent History, A School for “Ordinary Youngsters”
— Endowment, Tuition and Financial Aid
CURA PERSONALIS........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13-18
— Jesuit: Identity, Cura Personalis, Staffing and Presence
— Academics: Curriculum History, Development, Achievements; Athletics and Co-Curriculars
— Comprehensive Counseling
— Campus Ministry LEADERSHIP...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19-22
— Jesuit Education, A City School with a Metropolitan Audience, Alumni, Vocations, Technology, Admissions
BICENTENNIAL AND BEYOND ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
SLUH
4
CUMULATIVE GIVING SOCIETIES
STRATEGIC THINKING
S
t. Louis University High School has earned distinction as a premier leader in the development of the whole person throughout its nearly 200-year history. While the School has done well in preserving its rich tradition, it is looking to expand upon its excellence and become a model school for others in the nation, even internationally. We are asking you to contribute your knowledge, thinking skills and the distillation of your life’s experiences as we embark on Strategic Thinking to define new opportunities for our students and position the School for the future. Today, SLUH continues to excel with 1,100 talented boys, highly qualified, dedicated Jesuits and faculty members and a rigorous curriculum. It also develops the unique skills and talents of each student through diverse, expansive offerings in service, athletics, cocurriculars and the fine arts. Nearly all graduates successfully continue their education through university. Backer Memorial alumni are “men for others” who are sensitive to the needs of others. They make an impact as leaders in their communities, excelling in the full spectrum of professional fields, and are equipped with a worldview that thrives and embraces in a global, knowledgebased society. For many years, the School accomplished its mission with the aid of a large Jesuit faculty and a substantial endowment. Starting in the 1970s, SLUH experienced a steady increase in staffing costs to replace a diminishing Jesuit presence (see “Staffing and Jesuit Presence” graph, page 8). In the 1990s, having made a decision to stay at its urban location, the High School took on a large debt load in order to refurbish an aging campus. This decision was subsequently followed by varying financial market performance and for more than 15 years, the School’s net endowment has averaged only $6 million (the current net endowment is $8.2 million, as noted in the “Endowment and Debt” graph on page 9).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The commitment to provide accessibility to academically qualified but needy young men — a critical component of the School’s Jesuit mission — has grown significantly. In order to remain accessible to students of all income levels, SLUH has steadily increased both tuition (see “Tuition Per Student” graph, page 11) and financial aid (see “Direct Financial Aid” graph, page 12). Moving forward, however, high single-digit tuition increases are unsustainable. Therefore SLUH is challenged with creating a model that provides the proper balance between accessibility and affordability. We believe that the future has great, untapped potential for St. Louis U. High. It is our goal that through an engaging process of in-depth analysis and creative thinking, we will discover and realize new opportunities for our students and community in such areas as Jesuit Identity/Campus Ministry, Global Education, Counseling, Facilities and Accessibility. Throughout Strategic Thinking, we will ask questions to realize more fully where we want to – and can – be. For instance, what formal 21st century curriculum could encourage entrepreneurial thinking or leading? To what extent does technology impact our pedagogy? Should SLUH develop a corporate internship program for juniors or seniors, which provides them practical application of their learning? How best does a day school program prepare young men to live and thrive in a global society? What are the components of a model Campus Ministry program? SLUH’s tradition of excellence is due in large measure to the wisdom and foresight of Jesuits, faculty and adminsitrators over the past century and before. It is now time to build on their vision for the next 10 years and beyond at Backer Memorial through the imaginative, entrepreneurial undertaking of Strategic Thinking.
5
SLUH
6
CUMULATIVE GIVING SOCIETIES
STRATEGIC THINKING
LEGACY In 1818, Bishop DuBourg of St. Louis opened a Latin school for boys in the City known as the St. Louis Academy. The oldest Catholic school west of the Mississippi River, it later became known as St. Louis University High School. In its early history, SLUH quickly gained a reputation as a leader in academics and the development of the whole person in the Jesuit tradition.
A Commitment to the City of St. Louis – Recent History
In 1924, the School moved into its current facility, Backer Memorial on Oakland Avenue just west of Kingshighway Boulevard, to meet the demands of a growing student population. The funds to build the new School were donated by Mrs. Anna F. Backer as a memorial to her deceased husband, George H. Backer, an 1869 graduate.
In 1993, SLUH incurred $2 million in debt to acquire an additional 12 acres for parking and a recreational field. The Master Campus Plan of 1993 was completed in September 1996 with the addition of the Joseph Schulte Theater Performing Arts Center, renovation of all the existing academic classrooms, the transformation of the first two floors of the former Jesuit residence into classrooms, and of its third floor into general administration offices and a conference room.
The Backer gift, coupled with funds from other generous benefactors, allowed SLUH to make campus improvements without incurring debt in the decades following its move to Oakland Avenue. Some of these enhancements included: • 1946: Excavation of a basement recreation room under most of the building, and an extension of the Jesuit Community Wing to provide new and larger space for a Jesuit chapel and dining room. • 1956: Dedication of new gymnasium, and conversion of the former gym to a multi-purpose auditorium. • 1961: SLUH purchased a tract of three acres immediately west of the campus from Saint Louis University. • 1971: Construction of a new library. • 1979: Ground was broken for campus expansion, which consisted of a multi-purpose upper field area and the transformation of the lower field into a lighted football-soccer-track stadium.
In the 1970s, SLUH made a decision to stay in St. Louis and continue its longstanding commitment to the City. It was a decision that required a significant investment in its campus in the 1990s. As a result, the School took on debt for the first time in its history, though it did not increase tuition in order to make needed campus improvements.
In the 1986 document Go Forth and Teach: The Characteristics of Jesuit Education, the International Commission on the Apostolate of Jesuit Education encouraged the total formation of each individual within the community by means of expanded programming. The improvements to SLUH’s campus and added programming in athletics and the arts addressed this growing need of students in the 1990s. In 1998, the School began work on its next stage of development with a plan called VISION 2000. The campaign addressed physical plant needs, including adding the state-of-the-art Danis Field House, renovating the prior gym into a new student commons with a new kitchen and servery, adding a new oncampus baseball stadium and track/soccer complex, and upgrading various other athletic and recreational
7
SLUH
LEGACY
fields. In addition, SLUH entered into a joint venture with the Saint Louis Science Center to build and operate a parking lot shared by both institutions. The School also entered into a variety of other partnerships with such notable institutions as Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Forest Park Forever. VISION 2000 was funded by raising more than $28 million in gifts.
Staffing and Jesuit Presence
A School for “Ordinary Youngsters” Since its founding in 1818, St. Louis U. High has relied on the generosity and support of others to help provide an affordable education for its young men. Upon Mrs. Backer’s death in 1936, she left most of her estate worth approximately $500,000 to the School. She explicitly intended that SLUH educate “ordinary youngsters” from all parts of the city. At that time, the endowment she left provided muchneeded assistance for these young men. But these needs have outgrown her gift. Through the subsequent years, St. Louis U. High has had many benefactors who continue to be generous. But if it is to flourish while admitting qualified boys regardless of their ability to pay, SLUH will need a much higher degree of financial support. Today, a new era ushers in fresh opportunities to preserve and strengthen Backer Memorial’s tradition of excellence, even as the costs of education and of living continue to rise sharply. The role of laity has grown substantially in joint partnership with the Jesuits (as noted in the following graph), and SLUH has invested significantly in its commitment to its current location in the City of St. Louis. Given the changing dynamics of this new period, the School’s longstanding objective to educate young men based on their ability to learn, and not to pay, has remained constant.
8
The growth in lay faculty & administrators more than offsets the decline in Jesuits due to a reduction in average class size and an increase in program offerings and counselors. NOTE: The School’s enrollment increased from 550 students in the 1920s to 1,050 in the 2000s.
The Go Forth and Teach: The Characteristics of Jesuit Education document stated that “…every Jesuit school does what it can to make Jesuit education available to everyone, including the poor and disadvantaged.” As it plans for the future, SLUH hopes to be able to increase the support of its alumni and proud benefactors who believe in the goal to educate qualified students from every social strata. Throughout its past, SLUH has shown remarkable resolve in holding true to the Jesuit tradition of educating young men, regardless of their financial background. While the School embraces this fundamental value, it has been and will continually be challenged to adapt to new times and find creative ways to maintain a student body that mirrors the geographic and socioeconomic diversity of the entire metropolitan area.
STRATEGIC THINKING
Endowment The generosity of George and Anna Backer provided the School with needed support for many years, but we have long since outgrown the ability of the Backer gift alone to sustain itself. Our pedagogical needs have grown with education in general, as has the necessity to expand the endowment to support the evolving and increasing requirements of the students and faculty.
Endowment and Debt
Over the years through adversity, expansions and a variety of challenges, SLUH has carefully managed the endowment under the leadership of the Jesuits and the Board of Trustees. In the 1990s, the School updated its building and constructed a theater & arts wing. SLUH has invested about $55 million in expansion and improvement of its real estate since 1993. This has been made possible primarily through the generosity of benefactors and endowment funding. Backer Memorial currently has debt of $16.33 million.
9
SLUH
LEGACY Debt Summary
Property Acquisition
Early 1990s
$2.0 million
1994 1997
Construction
$2.0 million
$13.0 million
$4.5 million
1999
Total Debt
$4.5 million
$3.6 million
2000
$2.4 million
$2.4 million
2000
$.45 million
$.45 million
TOTAL
$9.35 million
$25.95 million
$16.6 million
Less Principal Payments
($9.62 million)
Current Debt (as of 12/31/12)
$16.33 million
NOTE: The 1999 bonds of $4,215,000 maturing in 2024 at a rate of 4.75% were refinanced in 2012 and are due in installments with a final maturity of 2024 at a rate of 2.45%. The 2007 bonds are due in installments and have a final maturity date of 2028 at interest rates of 3.75% to 4.25%.
Endowment Comparatives SLUH surveyed other leading schools in the area, as well established Jesuit high schools in the nation for comparative analysis. Figures are as of 12/31/12.
Endowment Debt (Gross)
SLUH
$24,525,405 $16,330,000 $8,195,405
* John Burroughs (St. Louis)
$37,189,065 $2,000,000 $35,189,065
Loyola High (Los Angeles)
$39,000,000 $15,500,000 $23,500,000
Mary Institute Country Day School (St. Louis) $86,500,000
- $86,500,000
1,100 406
$7,450 $87,685
1,271
$18,489
624
$138,622
544
$107,629
Regis High School (New York)
$59,000,000 $450,000 $58,550,000
St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
$35,600,000 $21,000,000 $14,600,000
1,580
$9,241
Strake Jesuit (Houston)
$11,461,557 $16,400,599 -$4,939,042
902
n/a
*6/30/12 figures
10
Endowment Number of Net Endowment (Net) Students Per Student
STRATEGIC THINKING
Tuition and Financial Aid Tuition for the 2013-14 school year will be $14,865. This is $1,859 less than the projected amount that will be spent to educate each Jr. Billl during the academic year.
On average, each student pays $11,866 for tuition (factoring those on financial aid and those who are not). This is $4,223 less than the actual cost to educate each boy.
Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents and other donors, $3,123,737 million in direct tuition assistance will be available for the 2013-14 academic year. Presently, thirty five percent of SLUH students are receiving financial aid, with awards ranging from $1,000 to full tuition (as noted in “Percent of Students on Financial Aid” graph). The average financial aid award is $7,130.
SLUH has experienced an average annual tuition increase of 9% over the past 30 years. Applications and enrollment, which continue to be strong, have not suffered as a result of these tuition hikes. To help ensure the socio-economic diversity of the School’s student body, the Board of Trustees is operating on a model whereby tuition covers 90% of the actual cost of education; it aims for tuition increases of 3-5% per annum.
Tuition Per Student Presently, tuition covers 90% of the actual cost of education for the 2013-14 school year, as compared to 61% in 2000-01 (as noted on the left).
Percent Actual Cost Per Sstudent Covered by Tuition To ensure that SLUH continues to be available to families who cannot afford to pay full tuition, the amount of needbased scholarships, or direct financial aid offered has risen drastically in recent years (see chart on left). In the last six years, the amount available for need-based scholarships or direct aid has more than tripled.
11
SLUH
LEGACY Direct Financial Aid More students today receive direct financial aid than ever. Over the past 10 years, SLUH has experienced a rise of 10% in the number of students who benefit from the financial aid program (as noted below). This has been made possible through the generosity of benefactors, endowment funding and tuition hikes.
Percent of Students on Financial Aid SLUH employs the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Company to process tuition assistance applications, though all tuition assistance awards are made by the School’s administration after thorough review of all applications. The income of an average family on aid is as follows: • Gross family income average: $79,046 • Average income after core expenses: $36,738 (core expenses defined as debt, utilities, clothing, housing, food)
Tuition and Financial Aid Comparatives (2012-13)
12
Tuition
Financial Aid Student % on Financial Aid
SLUH
$14,365 $3,018,000
35%
John Burroughs
$22,900
$2,034,000
21%
Loyola High (LA)
$15,240
$2,500,000
28%
MICDS
$22,700 $3,800,000
24%
Regis High School (NY)
* Tuition Free
NA
100%
St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
$11,850
$2,750,000
32%
Strake Jesuit
$16,800
$1,300,000
13%
* SLUH would need an order of magnitude incremental $200,000,000 to be fully endowed, thus allowing all academically qualified young men to attend tuition-free.
STRATEGIC THINKING
Jesuit Identity The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, is one of the largest religious orders in the Catholic Church. It was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, a Basque nobleman and soldier who found God in all things. Since then, the Jesuits have responded to human needs in a variety of ministries throughout the world. For the first time in history, the College of Cardinals elected a Jesuit, Pope Francis, the former archbishop of Argentina. In order to administer effectively their world-wide operation, the Jesuits have created geographical units called “provinces,” each governed by a Jesuit priest who holds the title of Provincial. St. Louis U. High is an apostolate of the Missouri Province of the Jesuits. The Missouri Province includes the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado, along with part of Illinois; it also includes the country of Belize in Central America. As a Jesuit-sponsored institution, it is part of a 450-yearold tradition of schools that are known worldwide for their academic excellence and rich spirituality. It is one of 59 Jesuit high schools across the United States. These schools, which are all members of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association (JSEA), share common goals and characteristics. The identity of SLUH, as an apostolate of the Society of Jesus, reflects one of St. Ignatius’ visions. In this vision Ignatius was placed by God the Father with Jesus the Son as a companion, and afterward he was inspired to work with Christ in the task of “helping souls.” Similarly, the Father partners the School with Jesus Christ in this same work. SLUH’s focus in all of its endeavors reflects the Jesuit motto A.M.D.G., or “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,” a Latin term meaning “For the greater glory of God.”
CURA PERSONALIS The Jesuit concept of cura personalis, a Latin term meaning care of the whole person, suggests individualized attention to the needs of others, distinct respect for unique circumstances and concerns, and an appropriate appreciation for singular gifts and insights. The faculty, staff, coaches and moderators at SLUH are first and foremost Jesuit educators who utilize their various courses, sports and activities to present and reinforce meaningful lessons for life. In adhering to cura personalis, SLUH faculty and coaches demonstrate clarity, consistency and compassion. They have an underlying care for and appreciation of the student, even while challenging him to do better. Cura personalis offers a highly personalized quality education for students at SLUH and focus on the individual. Moreover, it provides tremendous value for the students, both philosophically and as illustrated by the following statistics. • Student/teacher ratio: 12:1 • Average class size: 21 • Standard number of classes each faculty member teaches per day: 4 Faculty at most other schools teach five or more classes per day. By teaching fewer classes per day, SLUH faculty have more time to mentor and offer oneon-one, outside classroom support to students.
13
SLUH
CURA PERSONALIS
Academic Curriculum History and Development SLUH’s modern curriculum and transformation into a “college prep” institution began in the 1960s with the addition of Chinese, French, German, Russian, computer classes, and, subsequently in the 1990s, with an extra class period. The Faculty instilled a “world view” in the School’s curriculum in keeping with the Jesuit tradition. During the 1960s, the need for a second Jesuit high school in St. Louis was evident. Many applications for admittance to SLUH had to be turned down for lack of room, and more families were moving westward to the county. Thus, a second school, DeSmet High School, was built in St. Louis County in 1967 to accommodate the evolving needs of students and families in the area. SLUH purchased the land for the development of DeSmet. Ongoing enhancements to SLUH’s academic program culminated with VISION 2000. By 2004, the average
Staffing and Jesuit Presence
14
class size had dropped from 30 to 21 students; 18 new faculty positions were added (as noted in the following Staffing graph); and the number of classrooms increased from 38 to 52. The curriculum also received a boost, bringing the total to more than 85 elective course offerings and Advanced Placement courses in 19 disciplines available for students. (In the following graphs under Academic Achievements, note how the increased standardized test scores follow the increased staffing and academic enhancements.) SLUH currently offers opportunities in 10 courses through Saint Louis University’s advanced college credit program. Students may also take Advanced Placement examinations in 24 disciplines to earn university credit and/or placement at an advanced level as a college freshmen. As a university preparatory school, SLUH develops in each student the academic skills necessary to continue successfully his education after graduation. Ninety-nine percent of the School’s graduates typically go on to continue their education at the level of higher education.
STRATEGIC THINKING
Academic Achievements Academic scores on objective standardized educational tests indicate that SLUH ranks consistently in the highest percentage of high schools nationally. • The High School frequently leads Missouri in the number of National Merit Semifinalists, including in 2012 (with 19). Since 2000, 252 SLUH scholars have earned the National Merit Semifinalist distinction, and 208 have been named National Merit Finalists. This equates to more than 19 Semifinalists, or 7% of the senior class, and more than 16 Finalists on average per year, or 6% of the graduating class.
ACT Scores
• In the past six years, SLUH scholars have earned 29 top American College Testing (ACT) scores, one top Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) score and one top Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-2) score. • In 2006, SLUH was named the College Board’s Midwest School of the Year for its work with the Advanced Placement program, where students in the past five years have taken over 3,500 exams in 19 different disciplines with 90% obtaining scores that qualify for university credit. • In 2007, the School had three of the 10 finalists for Presidential Scholars in Missouri, and one of the two students from the state named Presidential Scholar was from SLUH.
The average ACT score for the Class of 2012 was 30, as compared to the national average, which is typically 21. Twenty-nine scholars from SLUH have earned a top score of 36 on the ACT since 2005. On average, less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takers in the nation earn the top score, as compared to SLUH’s average of about 2% of the senior class. According to the most recent data available, 1.62 million graduates took the ACT among the high school graduating Class of 2011. Of that number, just 705 students earned a score of 36 (and six of them were from SLUH).
SAT Scores
* Prior to 2008, SAT results were reported out of 1600 total points, and from 2008 on results have been reported out of 2400 points. To ensure consistent reporting for the graph on the left, results are reported by percentage. As a point of comparison, the national average is 1538 out of 2400, or 64%.
15
SLUH
CURA PERSONALIS SLUH Compared to Area Schools (2012) ACT National Merit SemiFinalists SLUH 30 23 CBC 24 1 Chaminade 25 4 Clayton 26 10 DeSmet 25 4 John Burroughs * 31 20 Kirkwood 24 7 Ladue 26 15 MICDS 29 3 Priory ** 31 9 Vianney 24 0 * The top 50% of SLUH test takers, which is about the size of the senior class at a mid-size school, on average score 32. ** The top 25% of SLUH test takers, which is about the size of the senior class at a smaller school, on average score 34. (Sufficient data from other schools was unavailable for a comparative SAT analysis.)
AP Exams Administered
Students’ academic success at SLUH translates to success at university. In 2010, the School completed a survey to understand statistically how well it equips students with the tools they need to succeed at the next level of higher education. Alumni who graduated from 1995-2005 responded to the survey, which reported: • 95% graduated from university (as compared to the university graduation rate for Missouri – and the United States – of 56%, according to HigherEdInfo.org) • 73% graduated in 4 or fewer years (the national average for university graduation is 5 years, and according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, the four-year graduation rate for the country was 37.8% in 2010.)
On average, 89% of students have scored 3 or higher on their AP exams since 1996, thus qualifying for college credit or advanced placement.
16
• 39% earned more than 10 university credits while at SLUH • 26% earned more than 15 university credits while at SLUH
STRATEGIC THINKING
Athletics and Co-Curriculars SLUH values the fact that many of life’s lessons are taught outside of the classroom. The development of one’s talents in the arts, in leadership roles, on the court or field, or simply sharing of knowledge or interests with others is an important part of the high school experience. The School’s co-curricular program, which offers more than 50 clubs and student activities, provides abundant opportunity for social, spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual growth. Nearly 90% of the student body and 60% of the faculty participate in Jr. Bills’ intramural program. SLUH’s strong athletic tradition continues today with teams in 19 sports that compete interscholastically. Following are some notable statistics and information regarding the School’s athletic program since 2000.
SLUH’s Athletic Program Since 2000 • 37 League Championships and 73 District Championships • 33 State Championships: • Cross Country (2007, 2009, 2012) • Ice Hockey (2013) • Lacrosse (2009, 2012) • Racquetball (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013) • Soccer (2003) • Swimming (2003) • Tennis (2006) • Track (2006) • Volleyball (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) • Water Polo (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)
• 6 National Championships • Racquetball (2003, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013) • Four faculty coaches elected to the Missouri State Hall of Fame: • Charlie Busenhart (ice hockey) • Fr. Marty Hagan, S.J. (riflery) • Jim Linhares (track and cross country) • Steve Nicollerat (baseball) • St. Louis Post-Dispatch Athletes of the Year: • Chase Berger (2013, ice hockey) • Caleb Ford (2009, cross country) • Sam Erlinger (2012, water polo) • Joe Germanese (2003, soccer) • Richie Hoffman (2010, soccer) • Nick Maglasang (2008, soccer) • Scot Metzger (2010, volleyball) • Tim Rackers (2010, cross country) • Murphy Troy (2007, volleyball) • Numerous individual State Champions and accolades: • Individual State Tennis Champion (2007) • 9 Individual State Champions in Swimming • 10 Individuals named All State in Cross Country • 14 state champions in Track • 16 All State Soccer Players • 12 All State Water Polo Players • 8 All State Football Players • 4 Wrestlers Placed in the Top 5 in their weight class in the state tournament • Other statistics since 2000 • Baseball coach Steve Nicollerat won his 500th game as SLUH baseball coach in 2011 •
In the history of baseball in the state of Missouri, no team has won more District titles than SLUH (35)
•
On average, 57% of the students at SLUH letter in a particular sport (this does not include the students involved in the intramural program)
17
SLUH
CURA PERSONALIS
Campus Ministry SLUH believes that campus ministry must be Christcentered. In both the ministry itself (via retreats, prayer services, Masses, community service, etc.) and the minister himself/herself, the first goal of campus ministry is to connect to Jesus Christ. Connecting to Jesus, alive and active in our world, means connecting to the people of this community, to the students (on their terms), and to the faculty, staff, and administration. We believe in the grace of God, working through many various channels. That grace is present certainly in the Sacraments, those instruments of grace par excellance. To that end, the Sacramental life of the School needs appropriate tending, careful planning, and thorough care. In addition, God’s grace is present in the everyday working of the School, in the administration, in the teaching, in the learning, in the service, and in the fun. Thus, campus ministry must be ready to respond to the ever-changing movements of the Holy Spirit in the community, in their new ideas and in their energy. For this reason, we believe we can never allow campus ministry to grow stagnant. It must be fresh and engaging. The Campus Ministry program has made significant developments in recent years, as noted by the following programs and opportunities currently provided to students. Today, 2.5 full-time equivalent faculty are dedicated to the Campus Ministry program, compared to 2 part-time equivalent faculty 15 years ago. Just as St. Ignatius “found God in all things,” students
18
can connect to Jesus Christ at SLUH through their classroom experience as well as a variety of opportunities and activities, such as: • Service (Freshman Day of Service, Sophomore Day of Service, Junior Urban Plunge, Senior Project and the Community Service Program) • Retreats (Freshman, Sophomore, Traditional Junior White House, Traditional Senior Pallottine, Kairos) • Liturgy (Daily, All-School, Class, Family and Grandparents) • Reconciliation • Prayer Services • Examen of Consciousness (Each school day, SLUH students, faculty and staff dedicate two minutes of reflective silence to the Examen of Consciousness. This simple exercise, inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, is a daily method of self-examination intended to help practitioners better serve the Lord.)
STRATEGIC THINKING
LEADERSHIP
Jesuit Education For almost five centuries, the members of the Society of Jesus have been catalysts for building communities through developing leadership. Rooted in their desire to educate young people while inspiring them to strive for success and the mutual common good, Jesuit educators equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed beyond graduation. As a leader in Jesuit education for nearly 200 years, St. Louis U. High remains focused on the Jesuit mission. Since 1818, SLUH has provided a premier education to young men from all walks of life. Throughout the years, the School has inspired its students to accept extraordinary challenges. In doing so, it has prepared them to be ‘Men for Others’ and leaders in their communities. SLUH’s curriculum instills not only the knowledge, but also the spiritual, moral and aesthetic values needed to prepare young men for a life of high achievement, community service and personal fulfillment.
A City School with a Metropolitan Audience With a resounding commitment to the City location, SLUH elected years ago to remain on Oakland Avenue and be a part of revitalization for the City of St. Louis. In doing so, the School has been part of the rebirth of projects in Forest Park and the St. Louis Public Schools, particularly Compton Drew and Adams Elementary in the local neighborhood. The School has become a partner in space, education and programming with the Saint Louis Science Center and with renowned research institutions like Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. SLUH’s commitment to the City of St. Louis is also reflected on its legacy of admitting qualified young men based on their ability to succeed and not their
family’s ability to pay. All of the School’s scholarships are need-based with 35 percent of students receiving financial assistance. This accessibility makes SLUH unique, not only in St. Louis, but in private education on a broad scale. More importantly, it allows the School’s student body to reflect the geographic, socio-economic and ethnic diversity of the area.
Alumni The accomplishments of SLUH alumni best validate the its commitment to developing caring and ethical leaders. The School’s alumni have distinguished themselves in all fields and at all levels. Approximately 8,000 alumni reside in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, making SLUH a leadership resource for the region. These men lead many aspects of the City of St. Louis, from large corporations to small businesses, from civil service to religious organizations. They are lead educators at major academic institutions of higher learning, including Fontbonne University, Maryville University, St. Louis University, University of Missouri and Washington University. Alumni have chaired any number of nonprofit fundraising events and campaigns, religious and civic in nature. Moreover, many dedicate their lives to running non-profit institutions, which serve the needy. Approximately 30 percent of SLUH alumni stay outside of St. Louis after university graduation. Nonetheless, they continue to live out the School’s mission in the various communities where they live and work.
19
SLUH
LEADERSHIP
Technology SLUH has always been at the forefront of integrating computers and technology into its curriculum in a manner that complements the Socratic teaching method, which emphasizes student-teacher interaction to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.
Vocations There is an openness and willingness among the young men at SLUH to pursue religious vocations. The School has consistently been a top feeder institution to Kenrick Seminary, and its students have historically shown a strong presence with the Missouri Province Jesuits. More than 160 living alumni have responded to God’s call to serve as priests, deacons, brothers and seminarians, and several current students have expressed interest in religious vocations. Currently, SLUH has 10 alumni who are in formation to become Jesuits, and another six are in the Archdiocesan seminary. SLUH provides support and resources to those interested in learning more about pursuing religious vocations. The School embraces a discernment model that encourages students to engage actively their spiritual calling. Students have the opportunity to pray, seek spiritual direction, talk to priests and attend retreats, among other activities.
20
Faculty members are equipped with personal computers, training and the technology needed to enhance their curriculum as desired. The School has added significant technological upgrades in its library and classrooms, and the campus is fully wireless.
STRATEGIC THINKING
It is imperative that students leave SLUH fully prepared for the “digital age” with a practical knowledge and degree of competence that will serve them well for years to come. Accordingly, the School continues to invest in its technology program, which includes: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
More than 400 computers available to students, primarily Mac OS X (10.5 and 10.6) 9 mobile laptop carts (266 computers) 5 student-used computer labs Faculty laptop program 58 classrooms with ceiling mounted projectors, stereos, DVD/VCR’s 30 classrooms with SMARTBoards Closed-circuit television system Television studio Campus-wide wireless Internet access Radio studio School Web site Online grades (PowerSchool) Online course management system (Moodle) Extensive Computer Science coursework Student web mail accounts Student server accounts Student-written iPhone app (iSLUH)
Reflective of SLUH’s emphasis and leadership in technology are the courses offered in this field, including: • Computer Fundamentals (required of all freshmen) • Introduction to C++ Programming • Advanced Programming in C++ • AP Computer Science • Web Programming (XHTML, JavaScript, PHP) • Game Programming • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence • Introduction to Java Programming • Advanced Topics in Computer Science
Enrollment SLUH maintains a steady — if not increasing — enrollment amid an increasingly competitive and challenging marketplace. The School continues to have more applicants than spots available for each incoming class. Each year, the target size for an incoming class is approximately 280 students. In 2013, SLUH sent letters of acceptance to 299 eighth graders out of more than 370 who applied for admission to the Class of 2017, and 286 have accepted the admissions offer.
Enrollment
The student body at SLUH continues to mirror the geographic and socio-economic diversity of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our students reside in 87 different zip codes on both sides of the Mississippi River, and some drive as far as 50 miles each day to get to school. These students represent 162 elementary and middle schools throughout the area. Furthermore, our diverse student body is a result of our capacity to admit each young man based on his ability to succeed without regard for his parents’ ability to pay.
21
SLUH
LEADERSHIP
The St. Louis metropolitan area, which includes 16 counties in both Missouri and Illinois, is the 18th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Although the region has enjoyed consistent population growth over the last 5 years, the number of Catholics has stayed constant but the number of students in Catholic schools has decreased. Already these trends have negatively impacted several private Catholic high schools in the area and are perhaps a concern to be addressed for SLUH’s future.
22
In order to address these trends and their potential impact on enrollment, SLUH has implemented new initiatives to market to prospective students. The school has expanded the Admissions Department, led by a full-time Director of Admissions whose background is in marketing. The ultimate goal remains to attract the top students in the area who value a Catholic education.
The characteristics of the student body for the 201213 school year are as follows: Total enrollment: 1,090 Students come from 162 elementary and middle schools • Catholic schools: 101 (62%) • Public schools: 49 (30%) • Private/Non-Catholic schools: 12 (7%) • Home-schooled students: 6 These students reside in 87 zip codes in the St. Louis metropolitan area on both sides of the river. • Missouri: 68 (78%) • Illinois: 19 (22%) Catholic students: 985 (90% of total enrollment) Minority students: 145 (13% of total enrollment)
STRATEGIC THINKING
St. Louis University High School has built the foundation for personal achievement, spiritual fulfillment and professional success for thousands of alumni. In turn, it has provided hope, faith and leadership in the communities that its alumni have touched, in St. Louis and beyond. As SLUH approaches its bicentennial in 2018, it seeks to further its excellence as a paradigm for others through a Strategic Thinking process inspired by inquisitive minds and creative thinkers.
BICENTENNIAL
AND BEYOND
SLUH remains one of the top university prep schools in the region with a student body of 1,100 young men who reflect the economic and geographic diversity of the entire St. Louis metropolitan area. It is distinguished by: • Legacy: The oldest Catholic high school west of the Mississippi River, SLUH’s excellence is borne from a rich tradition and longstanding commitment to admit all qualified students, regardless of their ability to pay tuition. • Cura Personalis: SLUH demonstrates cura personalis – a Latin term meaning care of the whole person – in its educational approach, which is punctuated by extensive student achievements in all endeavors both inside and outside the classroom. • Leadership: A leader in Jesuit education and a civic partner in the City of St. Louis, SLUH maintains a strong enrollment and continues to develop intelligent and compassionate alumni who become leaders in their communities. The future of SLUH begins today. While the School is in many ways in a very strong position, it seeks to expand upon its strength and excellence.
“Thought is the blossom; language is the bud; action is the fruit behind it.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
23
ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL tel: 314.269.2198 U Imagining 18 U imagining18.sluh.org
24