Seattle Prep Revenue and Competitors

Seattle Prep is consistent in its vision and effectiveness because it is part of a 500-year legacy begun by St. Ignatius. There is no doubt about who we are and what we believe, for it has always been the same: to form men and women to be leaders who will work for faith and justice. This mission began with the formation of Seattle College on Seattle's First Hill over a century ago. In 1898, the school was established, with enrollment reaching 137 boys the following fall. At this juncture, students advanced through four years of schooling and graduated the college with the equivalent of a public high school diploma. School began with daily Mass at 8:30am and the young men were expected to master Latin, Greek, math, literature and the sciences in addition to a strong religion curriculum. As is today, the focus of Jesuit education was on liberal arts, philosophy, and social justice. In order to provide access to Jesuit education, in 1899 Seattle College charged a modest $15 per year in tuition, despite the fact that the costs far outstripped the charge. Seattle College's move to Seattle Prep's current location began with a fateful phone call to St. Joseph's pastor by wealthy Catholic entrepreneur T.C. McHugh in February 1919. After the sale of his cannery company, T.C made a "promise to God" to donate $50,000 to a charity. St. Joseph Pastor, Fr. John McHugh, SJ, (no relation) advised him to consider helping a struggling Seattle College. At the time, Seattle Prep's campus was called Adeplhia College, was run by a group of Swedish Baptists, and served as both a seminary and school. Before that, the land was used as a cemetery until the City closed it due to health reasons. Because Adelphia College was unable to meet their mortgage, T.C. McHugh was able to purchase the land for the proverbial song and, in the fall of 1919, 143 students began classes at Seattle College's Interlaken campus. This move brought the inevitable separation of Seattle College High School and the college itself. In 1933, the high school officially changed its name to Seattle Preparatory and in 1948 Seattle College became Seattle University. The next several decades brought much change to Seattle Prep. In the 1950s, McDonnell Hall was built, in the 60s Peyton Hall was constructed, and the 80s welcomed the arrival of McHugh Gymnasium. In addition to its campus expansion, the 1970s brought several large structural and curriculum changes to the school as well. In 1975, Prep celebrated the first commencement of women students and at nearly the same time, the school began the Matteo Ricci partnership with Seattle University. This unique alliance allows Prep students the option of commencing after their junior year and beginning college coursework at Seattle University. The 1980s brought the start of the Collegio program, a teaching method that synthesizes English, history, and religion studies into one class taught by two instructors and that has become a hallmark of a Seattle Prep education. The 90s ended with the construction of the underground parking garage and the building of St. Igantius Hall, which is used for both classroom and administrative space. In 2007 Prep continues to honor its history while looking forward. Growing in the Spirit: the campaign for Prep's future is supporting the fall 2007 opening of the Fr. Thomas F. Healy, SJ Chapel and Theater and recently celebrated the opening of the PACCAR Commons in January. >>Infinite Menus, Copyright 2006, OpenCube Inc.