About Loyola
-
Welcome
As the oldest continuously run educational institution in Southern California, Loyola High School remains committed to providing a rigorous college-preparatory education to a diverse group of young men who leave the school prepared for lives of leadership and service to their community.
Founded in 1865, Loyola became a Jesuit institution in 1911, and the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person permeates the school today.
Our student body of 1,200 young men represents an unusually strong diversity in ethnicity, socio-economic background and geography. We draw from 220 zip codes throughout and beyond Los Angeles County, while some 51 percent of our students are of Asian, Latino or African-American descent. Ninety-nine percent of Loyola graduates go on to college or university, while 96 percent enroll in four-year colleges throughout California and across the nation.
To foster “men for others,” Loyola students must complete at least 155 hours of community service work before graduation, but most volunteer for many additional hours. Over the past two decades, Loyola students have donated more than 1.2 million hours of community service, primarily to inner-city schools, neighborhoods and agencies.
Loyola is a community in every sense of the word – in our commitment to the young men we are privileged to serve, in our active alumni association that embodies the philosophy of “Cubs for life,” in our dedicated and extraordinarily talented faculty and staff, in our partnership with generous and visionary parents, donors and friends. -
Our Mission Statement and Philosophy
Our Mission Statement
Loyola High School of Los Angeles is a Catholic college preparatory school for young men who represent the racial, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity of greater Los Angeles. In the Jesuit tradition, Loyola is committed to the development of the whole person through a challenging educational experience of academic, co-curricular, and religious opportunities. By teaching as Jesus taught, Loyola is dedicated to inspiring its students to develop as conscientious leaders and agents of change who are intellectually distinguished, morally courageous, and compassionate in service to others.
Our Philosophy
Loyola High School is a Jesuit college preparatory school for young men. It is named in honor of St. Ignatius of Loyola who founded the Jesuits in the sixteenth century.
Located in central Los Angeles, Loyola, the city’s oldest high school, welcomes and is committed to educate and serve students from the greater Los Angeles area.
In its racial, economic, and ethnic diversity, the Loyola community mirrors the diversity of this area. Loyola shares primarily in the educational mission of the Catholic Church as its highest priority, although we embrace and are enriched by students from other religious traditions.
Loyola is founded on the vision of St. Ignatius as expressed in his Spiritual Exercises and on the tradition of the Jesuit system of education begun in 1548. It is a system based on the principles of discipline, order, the necessity of clear goals and objectives, the paramount importance of self-direction, and concern for the affective in learning.
At the core of the Ignatian vision is faith in the Risen Lord Jesus, the uniquely Christian spirit of loving service to God and one’s neighbor, a service which does not count the cost or reward but is done in true love. This vision impels one to go outside oneself to find God in all things. Thus, Loyola teaches that the things of God are the bedrock of all learning, order, and method.
Loyola’s students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators strive to create a Christian community in which the Ignatian vision is planted, fostered, and nurtured. In this community young men are able to grow to a maturity consistent with their age as well as to a realization of their dignity, talents, and personal uniqueness. The Loyola community, then, conducts itself in an atmosphere of professional inquiry, mutual trust, respect for the individual, and Christian charity.
Inspired by the Ignatian vision, the Loyola community sees in its youthful charges a teeming potential for goodness and, thus, makes every effort to engender a joyful enthusiasm and hunger for the discovery of justice, goodness, truth, and beauty as the students develop the capacities for independent, critical judgment and creative expression.
Believing that God is active in all creation and in all human history, Loyola’s Jesuit educational program seeks to promote a dialogue between faith and culture. We encourage our students to experience and to come to know a variety of cultures and peoples, using a creatively critical eye to examine the contributions and deficiencies of each to develop a genuine appreciation of God’s presence and action within the entire human family.
The Loyola community seeks to engender young men of action and to instill in them the wisdom which discerns between freedom of individual rights and privileges and the obligation to the common good. It strives to create an informed conscience and an informed intellect which can discern discreetly and speak with an opinion based on fact and experience.
It is the Ignatian vision which commits Loyola to excellence in every endeavor and to the education and development of the whole man. Thus, Loyola challenges its students with an exceptional academic curriculum and provides premier athletic programs, religious experiences, co- curricular activities, and clubs. In this context young men prepare thoroughly for subsequent studies at the collegiate and graduate level.
Finally, Loyola is committed to developing men who will put their beliefs and attitudes into practice throughout their entire lives. We intend to educate “men with and for others” who will take their place as leaders and agents of change in the local, national, and international civic and ecclesial communities. Their lives should make a positive difference for good, truth, and justice. We look for men who will respond to the call of Christ to be of service to the human community by their compassion, integrity, honesty, loyalty, religious devotion, and moral courage. Thereby, Loyola graduates will serve the faith, inspire hope in others, and love not just in words but in deeds.
Prioritization of Goals and Objectives Derived from the Philosophy
The philosophy of Loyola High School defines a synergistic, three-fold mission: spiritual, academic, and co-curricular. Although each aspect is irreducibly distinct from the others, it is also dependently united to the three- fold mission. Thus, each aspect strengthens the whole, while remaining viably separate. Ultimately, the philosophy guides Loyola High School to prepare young men in conscience and intellect, through wisdom and action, to become “men with and for others,” who serve unselfishly in order that the universal goals of goodness, truth, and justice may be shared by the whole human family.
Loyola High School defines itself as “Jesuit College Preparatory.” It is this initial Jesuit emphasis which serves as the preeminent aspect of the school’s philosophy. At the base of the three-fold mission is our spiritual foundation, rooted in the faith of the Risen Lord Jesus, which guides all to serve God and humanity. Thus the Christian community of Loyola’s students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators gives witness to the Ignatian vision of spirituality that evolves into action. The spiritual mission awakens the conscience and guides the intellect for all to be of service to God and others.
Next in importance, but dependent on the whole for its integrity, is the academic mission of Loyola High School. As the spiritual mission defines what is just, good, and true, the academic mission develops the ability of the student to create action from such knowledge. An informed intellect enables the student to encounter the problems, choices, and challenges of the modern world. Thus, his ability to make decisions, foster changes, and define the limits that lead to the common good evolves from his spiritual awareness of the unique role for which he has been educated. Excellence of the mind in union with an awakened conscience enables the student to fulfill his potential as a “man with and for others.”
The final aspect of the triad of the mission is the co- curricular component. Through a variety of athletics and activities, the student learns to translate his personal visions, goals, and desires into action to benefit himself and others. Courage of self develops when the student’s actions are visible and evaluative. Thus, his endeavors are viable, rooted in his conscience to become evident and nourished by his developed abilities. The “man with and for others” is the result of a three-fold mission of spiritual, academic, and co-curricular goals and objectives. Inspired by his awakened conscience, trained by his developed intellect, and armed by his courage of self, he is prepared to serve others with goodness, truth, and justice. -
School Profile
Type of School: Loyola High School of Los Angeles, founded in 1865, is an all-male, four-year, Catholic college preparatory school conducted by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Typically, 99% of the graduates go directly to higher education, 96% to four-year colleges. Current enrollment is 1271 including a senior class of 289.
Faculty: Loyola's 97 faculty members and administrative staff all hold professional degrees. The staff includes four faculty members at the doctoral level and sixty-three at the master's level.
Accreditation and Memberships: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Western Catholic Educational Association, Jesuit Secondary Education Association, National Catholic Education Association, the College Board, the Cum Laude Society, NACAC, WACAC.
School Community: Loyola is located in central Los Angeles and draws students from every area in the city and suburbs. Admission is by entrance examination, recommendations, and elementary school grades. Typically, 145 elementary schools, public and private, are represented in a freshman class drawn from an applicant pool representing over 240 schools. Approximately 41% of those who apply are enrolled. Loyola's tuition is low compared to other private schools ($16,470 in 2012-13). The Jesuit faculty contribution, endowment, financial aid, and fund-raising programs enable Loyola to attract students from a wide variety of economic and social backgrounds. Some 49% of the students are Latino, African-American, Asian, or Filipino. Loyola's community is distinguished and enriched by its wide social, economic, and ethnic diversity.
Curriculum: The basic program required of all students includes eight semesters of English; seven of social science; six semesters each of mathematics, foreign language, science, and theology; and two semesters of fine arts. 135 hours of community service are required (50 hours in the sophomore and junior years plus an 85-hour immersion program in the senior year).
-
Graduate at Graduation
I. Open to Growth
The graduate of Loyola High School of Los Angeles has accepted responsibility for personal growth intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical, and social and has developed an appreciation for the diversity of his surrounding community as well as the world at large. At the time of graduation, the Loyola student will:- Have explored all areas of the school community (academic, spiritual and co-curricular).
- Demonstrate an emerging openness to learn from a wide variety of experiences and sources and exercise a growing tolerance and respect for those with divergent points of view.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in academic, spiritual, and co-curricular areas, realizing that learning is an on-going process worthy of a life-long commitment.
- Reflect on his life experiences by recognizing talents and gifts, accepting challenges, learning from success and failure, and finding success through tenacity, commitment and accountability.
II. Intellectually Distinguished
A graduate of Loyola exhibits mastery of a four-year college preparatory curriculum and goes beyond intellectual excellence to incorporate Gospel values in the light of Ignatian heritage. At the time of graduation, the Loyola student will:- Demonstrate the ability to think critically, act creatively, analyze and solve problems in a variety of disciplines, and apply these skills in everyday life.
- Demonstrate effective written, oral, technological, and collaborative communication skills necessary for successfully pursuing an advanced education.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize information from a wide range of sources and to apply that information when evaluating issues of contemporary life.
- Demonstrate time management skills, dedication, and work ethic through challenging academic programs and rigorous co-curricular participation.
- Demonstrate evidence of original authorship and academic integrity.
III. Religious
A graduate of Loyola shows a basic knowledge of Scripture, doctrines, and practices of the Catholic Church while examining personal religious beliefs. The graduate explores and develops faith through further study, participation in a faith community, and prayer experience. At the time of graduation, the Loyola student will:- Demonstrate a knowledge of the Church's teaching about Jesus Christ and His mission as well as the sacramental expressions of that mission
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between faith in Jesus (the model for being a "man for others") and being a "man for others" that manifests itself through community service and a commitment to social justice
- Evaluate moral choices and issues based on a well informed conscience
- Continue to develop an awareness of other religions and a respect for their beliefs
- Continue to grow in spirituality and develop an ability to articulate and reflect upon one's own faith
- Make a connection between personal faith and active community worship through participation in campus ministry programs
IV. Loving
A graduate of Loyola has begun to establish his own identity and move beyond mere self-interest by forming deeper relationships with others, valuing personal friendships, and embracing his relationship to the greater community. At the time of graduation, the Loyola student will:- Demonstrate an awareness of God's love by extending that love to self, family, friends, and communities to which he belongs
- Demonstrate the ability to form healthy relationships and make responsible decisions based on Christian values
- Demonstrate a loving attitude in order to communicate more easily with others, especially peers of others races, religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Have acted as "a man for others" by supporting the school community and by serving those in need in the larger community
V. Committed to Justice
A graduate of Loyola is aware of many needs of the local and global communities, and is beginning to use his time and talents to work toward the further development of a just society in light of Ignatian ideals. The graduate is preparing to take his place in the community as an accomplished, concerned, compassionate, and responsible "man for others." At the time of graduation, the Loyola student will:- Exercise a value system influenced by Scriptural values and thus be able to confront the complexities of social issues and moral ambiguities promoted by contemporary culture
- Articulate the connection between faith and commitment to building a just society
- Recognize the global nature of many social problems and the responsibility to address these problems for the benefit of the human community
- Recognize the value of community service and develop a sense of social responsibility guided by compassion, confidence and accountability
VI. Developing as a Leader
A graduate of Loyola is aware of and practices the basic skills that facilitate leadership and collaboration. The graduate has had opportunities to exercise such leadership and collaboration in academics, co-curricular, and campus ministry. At the time of graduation, the Loyola student will:- Demonstrate leadership skills, including integrity, vision, creativity, a moral work ethic, self-discipline, and the ability to gain trust as a leader of others
- Speak honestly and persuasively, accept criticism with emotional maturity, and maintain a focus guided by the ethical values derived from our Catholic faith and Ignatian heritage
- Demonstrate an ability to lead and influence others in a way that promotes social justice based on Gospel values
- Have worked cooperatively in both academic and co-curricular endeavors to foster personal leadership within a group
- Be aware that he models God's love and acts with faith recognizing that his actions have consequences that go beyond self
-
The Jesuit Community
Rev. Wayne R. Negrete, S.J. - Superior
Rev. Stephen A. Barber, S.J. - Minister
Bro. Jeffrey R. Allen, S.J.
Rev. Robert Dae-je Choi, S.J.
Rev. Jose D. Corral, S.J.
Rev. Gregory M. Goethals, S.J. ’73
Rev. Gerald F. Hudson, S.J.
Rev. Michael J. Mandala, S.J.
Rev. William H. Muller, S.J.
Rev. Lawrence B. Murphy, S.J.
Rev. John T. Quinn, S.J.
Mr. John T. Tanner, S.J.The Loyola Jesuit Community is an inter-apostolic community of Jesuits living at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, California and the surrounding area. Their ministries include: Loyola High School, Verbum Dei High School and parish ministry.
Community is both "mission" and "for mission" for these men. It is "mission" in so far as they look to their time together as integral to who they are and what they want to be; namely, Companions of Jesus for whom life in common is supportive of the mission their superiors have assigned to them. In this way their efforts to foster community are "mission" and the support they receive from the community is the dynamism that energizes them "for mission."
The Loyola Jesuit Community extends a warm welcome to all and invites you to visit us whenever you can.
Important Jesuit Links
-
Did you Know?
Here are a few fun facts about Loyola High School.
- Founded in 1865 in Los Angeles, Loyola High School of Los Angeles is the oldest educational institution in Southern California.
- Students typically come from more than 225 zip codes throughout Los Angeles County and beyond.
- At $14,810 Loyola’s tuition and fees remain among the lowest of all comparable private schools in the region.
- The actual cost of educating each young man is $19,900.
- Loyola underwrites more than 35 percent of the cost of educating every student who attends the school.
- 99 percent of graduates matriculate to college, 96 percent of them to four-year institutions.
- Loyola is enriched by the diversity of its student body, with some 51 percent students of color.
- Twenty percent of the student body attends Loyola on a need-based scholarship; no tuition or fee dollars are used for financial aid.
- The average grant is $5,250, or 42 percent of tuition.
- Only 65 percent of funding for ongoing school operations comes from tuition; the rest is from philanthropic support.
- Approximately 800 students apply for 310 slots in the freshman class each year.
- The teacher/student ratio is 1:16.
- The number of Advanced Placement exams has grown 291 percent over the past decade while the pass rate has climbed to 85 percent.
- Approximately 85 percent of the student body is involved in at least one co-curricular activity.
- Of the school’s 101 faculty members, 68 have master’s degrees, while seven have doctorates.
- Seventeen Loyola faculty members have taught at the school for 25 years or more.
- Each student contributes a minimum of 135 hours of community service prior to graduation.
- Each January since 1981, all Loyola seniors have engaged in a required three-week, 85-hour service immersion experience at an agency serving the poor and marginalized.
- Loyola students have provided more than 1.2 million community-service hours over the past two decades.
