Cistercian Preparatory School

What if I told you that Cistercian Preparatory School isn’t just a school, but a living testament to resilience and tradition? Cistercian Preparatory School stands before you, a quiet haven of learning nestled in Irving, Texas. Its story begins not here, but in a distant land, amidst the turmoil of post-World War II Hungary. A group of Cistercian monks from the Zirc Abbey, facing Soviet oppression and the closure of their schools and monasteries, sought refuge in the United States. Many found their way to Dallas, where they established a new abbey and contributed to the founding of the University of Dallas. These monks, with a long history in education dating back to 18th-century Europe, yearned to continue their tradition. In 1962, their dream took root with the founding of Cistercian Preparatory School. Initially housed in a rented space on the Ursuline Academy campus, the school began humbly with just fifty boys in grades 4 and 5. Their first headmaster, Father Damian Szödényi, ignited the spark of enthusiasm in both students and parents. The school expanded, adding a grade each year. In 1964 and 1966, the first buildings were erected on the abbey grounds. By 1970, Cistercian Preparatory School celebrated its first graduating class. Under the guidance of subsequent headmasters, the school flourished. The curriculum expanded, extracurricular activities blossomed, and the campus grew to accommodate a larger student body. Today, Cistercian Preparatory School sits on 82 acres, a testament to its growth and endurance. From its humble beginnings, it has become a renowned institution, consistently ranked among the top private high schools in the nation. The school’s motto, “Ardere et Lucere” – “To Enkindle and Enlighten” – reflects its commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and spiritual growth within its all-boys student body. Cistercian Preparatory School isn’t just a place of learning. It’s a story of perseverance, a bridge between old-world traditions and modern education, a vibrant community where young minds are shaped and futures are forged.