Gesu School is an independent Catholic School (pre-K to 8th grade) in the Jesuit and IHM traditions. Both of these religious orders believe in providing academic, spiritual and social development so that each young person understands and gives full expression to his or her God-given talents and gifts. This mission is carried on within some of the most difficult economic and family circumstances imaginable in the North Philadelphia neighborhoods that are Gesu’s primary service area. Here is a snapshot of what Gesu School stands for and what makes it unique:
Core Values & Mission
- Emphasis on academic excellence, character formation, religious faith and leadership motivation.
- Academic preparation and personal attention—classroom fundamentals.
- Training for successful high school enrollment, leading to lifelong education, productive careers and leadership roles in society.
- Emphasis on diversity-related educational and cultural experiences to broaden horizons and provide adaptive skills for success.
More than 90% of Gesu’s graduates earn their high school
diplomas—many from prestigious prep and charter schools—
despite living in a neighborhood with a graduation rate of approximately 50%.
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Whom We Serve
- Admission is open to students from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
- There are no selective requirements.
- Primary service area is North Philadelphia.
- Most students come from single parent households or are raised by family members other than parents.
- Over 70% of our students qualify for free/reduced breakfast
and lunch programs.
More than 95% of Gesu students come to school every day. They follow
the school’s strict rules for good behavior, good manners and appropriate
dress, and are improving their standardized test scores every year.
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 Special Programs & Support
- Curriculum includes remedial instruction for those who need it and advanced placement courses for those who qualify.
- Assistance for especially motivated and talented students with placement into academically challenging secondary schools.
- Ancillary educational and social programs to aid and support students and their families.
100%
of Gesu’s 2008 eighth gradegraduating class enrolled in outstanding private, parochial, charter, vocational or magnet schools.
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Our History
The Gesu parish has been a cornerstone of the Philadelphia community since the early 1900s. At its peak, the Church of the Gesu was home to twenty thousand parishioners living in the neighborhoods of North Philadelphia. Over the next several decades, however, the city, hit hard during the Depression, experienced significant financial hardship and urban deterioration. By the late 1980s, the Gesu parish was struggling to support itself and was ultimately forced to close its doors in 1993, as a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s plan to consolidate the local congregations.
At the time of the parish closing, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua requested that the Jesuits and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, both of whom had served the school and parish for more than 100 years, keep the Gesu School open—not as a parish supported institution, but as an independent school.
As a result of their efforts and the contributions of many other inventive and hard-working leaders, Gesu has not only survived—it has succeeded in becoming a national model for inner-city schooling. Gesu is the only independent Jesuit/IHM inner-city elementary school in the United States.
Governance
Gesu is governed by an interfaith board of more than 50 trustees, including business, religious and community leaders, volunteers, and parents.
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The official registration and financial information of The Gesu School, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
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