There are various philosophies of education, and the Jesuits are well known for theirs, having founded a truly startling number of schools and universities. One of these, located in Houston, is (more commonly just Strake Jesuit, or Strake). Many parents are interested in this school due to its stellar academic reputation, but aren’t certain if it’s the right fit for them and their student’s needs.
This is a legitimate concern, and one we hear often as we help families search for the right high school. In this article, we’re going to break down what Strake Jesuit is really like, from their academic offerings, to the school’s culture, to what life is really like for students at the school. Our goal is that you are well informed, and can determine if Strake will provide the right atmosphere for you to thrive and grow.
Academics at Strake Jesuit
Strake Jesuit is purely a high school, serving students in grades 9-12. Their curriculum is designed to prepare students for college, and is designed to be exceptionally academically rigorous in the traditions set out by St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order. They prioritize experiential learning and critical reflection in students, pushing them to think deeply about their studies and the world around them.
They offer a full suite of AP courses, but all courses at the school are offered at an advanced level, AP or no. They want to push their students to excel in academic disciplines, and structure their courses accordingly. Students do have course options outside of AP courses offered at an advanced level, and some which exceed the limits of what is taught in AP courses.
While there is a broad flexibility in the courses students take, there is less opportunity for independent study or research. Students have access to advanced classes, many of which promote independent learning and have research projects, but the school does not offer specific independent research coursework opportunities.
Strake is a Catholic school, and students must take four years of theology coursework, though there is some flexibility in which courses they take. These courses do not demand belief in Catholic doctrine (though many of them are presented from a Catholic perspective), and non-Catholic students are welcomed at Strake, even if the school’s population is majority Catholic. This is a core part of the curriculum, and cannot be avoided at the school.
Strake’s coursework is intended to create thoughtful and intellectual students. There isn’t a direct focus on preparing for college, but students do end up well equipped to succeed in college as a result; this is a side effect of a strong intellectual focus, rather than an end unto itself for Strake. Their students tend to see significant successes in their college applications, both within Texas and across the country.
Strake is very committed academically, and very rigorous. They do have a counseling center for students who struggle, and those with learning differences work one-on-one with a counselor to address them. Their goal is that all students have the opportunity for success, though the rigors of the curriculum may prove challenging or stressful for some students.
Extracurriculars at Strake Jesuit
A school is not just what you do in the classroom, but everything else as well, the activities they allow you to partake in and what they promote and sponsor. We’re going to break down the core activities at Strake, how much they promote and focus on each, and how each impacts life at the school, and the options available to students there.
Athletics
are secondary to academics at Strake, but they are important to the school’s fabric and culture, as is the case at so many high schools in Texas. Football especially is a major part of social life at the school, and game days are major social events. Students are not required to attend of course, but many do, and community is grown through collectively cheering for the team.
Many students at Strake participate in the athletics program. It is not required, but approximately 80% of students participate in the school’s teams year-to-year. Many teams form close-knit social groups as well, as athletes spend so much time together, honing their craft. There is still a strong focus on the school’s values in athletics, and an emphasis on respect and sportsmanship which is good to see.
The Arts
Strake Jesuit does have an , as most schools do, but the arts are not a major focus at the school, and do not receive the same focus as athletics or academics. They do have performance opportunities, and partner with St. Agnes (an all girls school) for theatre productions.
Students who are interested in the arts will have options at Strake, but less than at some other schools. If you are majorly focused on the arts, then you may want to pursue them outside of school entirely, or to consider schools besides Strake. While there are options here, it is underdeveloped compared to other programs. It is not looked down on to participate in the arts, but it is not a major focus of the school.
Student Organizations
Like most high schools, Strake has a plethora of which you can explore and join. Many of these are academic in nature, but they cover a broad array of interests. Students often find close friends and communities through these organizations, and explore passions they hold dear.
The House System
Like many British schools, Strake uses a to build community amongst students. Houses are 15-20 students, and cross grade levels and interests, forming welcoming communities that let students interact with peers of all kinds from throughout the school. These are usually tight-knit groups, and serve to welcome new students into the school and its traditions.
These form a significant portion of student life when it comes to school events and activities, things like prom and homecoming, and through house specific activities, which students are empowered to take part in planning and putting on. STrake itself is quite proud of this system, and students who’ve attended usually point to it as a major part of the school’s welcoming atmosphere.
Religious Life
Strake Jesuit is a Catholic school, and is a very important component of what they offer. There is daily mass students are welcome (but not mandated) to attend, and monthly mass that students are required to attend. There is no requirement students be Catholic themselves, but they must attend mass, even if they do not pray or participate otherwise.
The school’s identity and mission are firmly shaped by Catholic religious teachings, and by Jesuit teachings specifically. Many classes, sporting events, advisories, and other school activities begin with a prayer. You can attend this school if you are not Catholic, but you need to be okay with the religious character of the school, and how they interweave religion with much of daily life at the school.
The Atmosphere at Strake Jesuit
Now that we’ve covered what the school does, we’re going to get into the thornier and harder to define matter of what the school is. This comes from reviews, talking to the school itself, and what we’ve heard from ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø students who attended the school. This should all be taken with a grain of salt; every experience at a school is different, but we are aiming to give you a sense of what it’s like, to judge if it’s right for you.
The school is very academically focused (as you might expect and want from a Jesuit school). Classes are all presented at a high level, and there is a significant workload for students. They are expected to be able to keep up with the work, and to work at a very fast pace.
There is a significant amount of support for students at the school, but they are much better suited for students who are studious and academically advanced. They can and do work to support the students who need it, but those students can struggle in their classwork, and enjoy their time at school less.
The student body is quite welcoming, and there are many close friendships. The male-only nature of the school does alter the dynamic from coed schools, but the students seem to enjoy this on the whole. The school has a focus on helping boys become men in a healthy way, and many students and alumni speak positively of this aspect of the experience.
Social groups in the school are fluid; students find community in their classes, through sports, through their house, and through extracurriculars. It is generally quite easy to find peers with similar interests, and the school doesn’t suffer much from cliqueishness. You are expected to put in the work of finding and joining the activities that appeal to you, but you will be easily able to find peers who share your interests.
Religion is a major part of life at the school, but many ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø students who are not Catholic still enjoyed their time there. The school is welcoming to non-Catholics, but religion is an important part of their character, and a majority of students at the school are Catholic. While faith does inform the curriculum in some ways, they are Jesuit, and still teach a science backed curriculum, including on evolution.
Overall, the school seeks to have a welcoming community, and generally succeeds. There is a degree of self-selection at work here; the school’s strong Catholic nature discourages many families from applying, and that is on purpose. Strake does, however, do a good job at providing a welcoming and nurturing environment for students who do attend.
Final Thoughts
Strake Jesuit is a great school, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every student. The all male student body, Catholic focus, academic rigor, and lack of art options are certainly things some students will not enjoy, nor benefit from. Other students, however, are looking for just such an environment. Those that are often thrive at Strake, which sends a significant number of students to great colleges each year.
We hope that this article has served as a good introduction to Strake Jesuit, and let you know whether or not it’s the kind of school which will properly serve your needs. Every high school is distinct, with its own strengths and offerings, and finding the right one to fit your needs can be a real challenge. ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø is well equipped to help with this, as our mentors help guide students to find the right high schools to meet their needs and passions. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more, we’re always happy to hear from you.
