Founded in 1968, Jan-van-Ruusbroeckollege stands here in Laeken. This Roman Catholic secondary school has a fascinating story. It began as a boys-only school. But in 1994, it opened its doors to girls too.
Now, Jan-van-Ruusbroeckollege is a coeducational institution. The Society of Jesus founded it. The school proudly carries the name of John van Ruysbroeck. He was a notable mystic. The college’s motto is “Jouw traject is ons project”. This translates to “Your path is our project”. It shows the school’s commitment to its students.
Look closely at the school’s emblem. It features a pelican. The pelican is a powerful symbol. It represents Christ’s sacrifice. This imagery reflects the school’s values. Jan-van-Ruusbroeckollege is more than just a school. It played a vital role in developing the Mutsaard district. Other schools like Maria Assumpta Lyceum also contributed. Together, they shaped this area of Brussels.
Let’s rewind to the school’s early days. A wealthy donor bequeathed land for a new school. Two Flemish parishioners saw an opportunity. They ensured it became a Dutch-speaking school. Rome approved the project in 1966. The Jesuits took charge of education. An external committee managed finances. Louis Brenninkmeijer, head of C&A, supported the project financially.
The Jan-van-Ruusbroeckollege opened with 68 students. Fast forward to 2011. The student population reached 700. This made it one of the largest Dutch-speaking schools in Brussels. The Jan-van-Ruusbroeckollege belongs to a group of seven Jesuit colleges. They offer private counseling services.
In 1999, the college partnered with St John Berchmans College. They started a joint counseling scheme. The college is governed by a non-profit association. A board of lay members and the principal manage it.
Many notable people attended Jan-van-Ruusbroeckollege. Bert Anciaux, Bart Verhaeghe and Peter Van Asbroeck are among its alumni. The school’s address is Avenue du Forum 4. The Jan-van-Ruusbroeckollege continues to thrive. It remains a respected educational institution in Brussels.