Imagine hallways echoing with the laughter of generations at Saint John’s College High School. Founded in 1851 Saint John’s is the third oldest Christian Brothers school in the U.S. It stands as a beacon of Lasallian education.
Let’s delve into Saint John’s rich past. Originally located on Vermont Avenue it was known as St. John’s Collegiate Institute. It later gained college status in 1887. For a time Saint John’s even conferred Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. However in 1921 the college department was discontinued. Saint John’s shifted its focus solely to secondary education.
For many years Saint John’s had a strong military presence. A cadet company was established in 1915. Major John Augustus Dapray became the first professor of military science. Saint John’s was one of the original U.S. Army JROTC programs. Cadets participated in various competitions and parades. Although the formal JROTC program ended in 2019 a cadet corps program remains. It still inspires students to attend service academies.
Saint John’s boasts a robust athletic program. Their teams compete in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. The annual football game against Gonzaga College High School is a major event. It was once recognized as a top rivalry nationwide. The 2017 team achieved an undefeated WCAC season. They secured the school’s first football conference championship since 1989.
Beyond football Saint John’s excels in other sports. The girls’ soccer team was ranked #1 in the U.S. in 2007. The baseball team clinched five consecutive WCAC titles.
Saint John’s offers impressive athletic facilities. There are multi-sport turf surfaces for various sports. Gallagher Gymnasium hosts basketball volleyball and wrestling.
Many distinguished individuals have walked the halls of Saint John’s College High School. Alumni include William A. Wimsatt a renowned zoology professor. John H. Dimond served as an Alaska Supreme Court justice. Kevin Plank the founder of Under Armour is also an alumnus. Even Princess Ariana Austin Makonnen of Ethiopia is a graduate.
Saint John’s College High School stands as a testament to enduring values. With its focus on academic spiritual and physical development Saint John’s prepares young men and women for lives of leadership and service. As we conclude our visit remember Saint John’s motto Religio Scientia meaning Religion Knowledge. These words encapsulate the essence of this remarkable institution.