Founded in 1855, Saint Ignatius College Preparatory has a story that mirrors San Francisco’s own vibrant past. Imagine a one-room schoolhouse. That’s how it all began.
Saint Ignatius College Preparatory started just after the California Gold Rush. The Rev. Anthony Maraschi a Jesuit priest paid $11000 for a property. It became the original church and schoolhouse. The church opened first, followed by the school three months later.
Originally, Saint Ignatius was the high school part of what became the University of San Francisco. Over time, it grew and separated from the university. Saint Ignatius College Preparatory moved five times. These moves accommodated the growing student body. Natural disasters also played a role.
In the 1860s, Saint Ignatius built a new site next to the first one on Market Street. By 1883 Saint Ignatius had become the largest Jesuit school in the nation.
Disaster struck within 26 years. The 1906 earthquake caused moderate damage. Fires then destroyed the school and church. Saint Ignatius found a new temporary home near Golden Gate Park. It was a hastily built wooden building. People called it the Shirt Factory. Saint Ignatius stayed there from 1906 to 1929.
In 1927, Saint Ignatius High School split from the university. Two years later, it moved to Stanyan Street. It remained there for 40 years. Then in 1969, Father Harry Carlin moved Saint Ignatius to its current campus in the Sunset District. That is when it became Saint Ignatius College Preparatory.
Originally an all-boys school Saint Ignatius became coeducational in 1989. Now, over 1500 students attend. Saint Ignatius celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2005.
Saint Ignatius College Preparatory offers a wide range of classes. There are accelerated honors and Advanced Placement courses. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16 to 1.
The curriculum includes computer science and English. Fine arts and language studies are also important. Students also study mathematics and physical education. Religious studies and science round out the offerings. Social science completes the curriculum.
Saint Ignatius College Preparatory has a strong athletic program. Many students participate in 66 athletic teams. The Wildcats compete in the Western Catholic Athletic League. They also participate in the Central Coast Section of California.
The men’s rowing team has achieved national success. They have won three US Rowing Youth National Championships. In 2006 the crew won the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup.
The rivalry between Saint Ignatius and Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is legendary. It began with a rugby game on St. Patrick’s Day in 1893. They compete for the Bruce-Mahoney Trophy. It honors alumni who died in World War II. Saint Ignatius has dominated the competition.
Many notable alumni have walked the halls of Saint Ignatius College Preparatory. They include politicians athletes and artists. These graduates have made significant contributions to society.
Saint Ignatius College Preparatory continues to evolve. It maintains its Catholic and Jesuit values. The school prepares students for a future of learning leadership service and justice.