GEORGETOWN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
History
Since its founding in 1789, Georgetown Preparatory School, John Carroll’s “Academy on the Patowmack,” and the nation’s oldest Catholic boys’ high school, has embodied – along with its sister institution, Georgetown University – a 200-year tradition of Jesuit education in the United States. Throughout its history, Georgetown Prep has attempted, with considerable success, to fulfill the hopes of its founder in promoting the “permanency” of “our Holy Religion.” Georgetown Prep is part of that rich heritage which is Jesuit education – a heritage begun in the United States at the Academy on the Patowmack.
Origins of the Academy: 1789 - 1831
Many do not realize that the Georgetown of 1789 was really a high school. The Prep was not only established at the same time as the University; it also constituted an integral part of the institution.
Both Georgetown Preparatory School and Georgetown University sprang from the vision of John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop of the United States. As early as 1783, his mind turned to the establishment of the academy that eventually became Georgetown Preparatory School. Carroll envisioned a school for young men in the United States that would provide a “liberal education to Catholic youth, thus enabling them to assume leadership in the social, economics, and political life of the nation.”
The history of Georgetown and the Academy has been synonymous with the Jesuit vision of education. It would also early on be a part of history that changed the world; a history that has helped build a broader, richer and more global vision of Jesuit education.
The Civil War Period
In 1853, a military company was formed at Georgetown. This organization (a predecessor of the present–day ROTC) would be a reflection of the fundamental ideal of Georgetown – to produce not only men of culture but also worthy citizens. With the arrival of the Civil War, the very existence of Georgetown was threatened. Of an enrollment of more than 300, only 17 returned for the first day of class in September of 1861. Many of the men of Georgetown fought and died on the battlefield.
The Founding of the New Prep
The first separation of the college from the prep school took place in 1854, with the construction of the Maguire Building on the University campus. At the turn of the 20th century, Georgetown Preparatory School made plans to move away from the University’s campus in the District of Columbia. It was decided that the new Prep School would stand in Garrett Park, out in the sparsely settled country.
The first spadeful of earth was turned on October 25, 1916. Despite the anticipation, the “Small Boys’ School” did not take over the building the following year as planned. The United States Army did. The World War had begun and the government had need of its facilities. So the Prep waited.
In 1919, Georgetown Preparatory School moved to its current location on 92 acres in North Bethesda. The first classes were held that year. As planned, only students for the freshman and junior years were accepted.
By 1923, Prep had become an independent house of the Society of Jesus. By 1927, it had shed its remaining legal ties to the University and had become a distinct corporate entity.
The first decade of the school’s operation at Garrett Park was a period of growth in all areas: The legal structure was perfected, buildings were erected, the curriculum was formulated and extracurricular activities – spiritual, intellectual and athletic – were initiated.
True to its Jesuit tradition of centuries, weekly compositions, memorizing of Latin and English lines, and elocution were emphasized. In its early years, the atmosphere of excitement was palpable. Activities which were initiated were embarked upon with hopes of building a “tradition” and a “heritage.”
In the years 1920 to 1939, the New Prep proved it was no longer a limb of the college but a vital entity in itself. With the exception of the chapel and gymnasium, the facilities at Garrett Park in the winter of 1929 stood fully adequate for the student body. After 1940, Georgetown Preparatory School was no longer the “New Prep.” It was well-established and growing, firmly-based in tradition. It was a school entering a new age of the world.
The World War
In 1941, the Second World War met the Prep head on. The school in the country was not severed from the world; practical preparation had begun. Gasoline rationing curtailed a number of athletic programs. Food rationing eliminated traditional social functions such as Father-Son Banquets. Many graduates and some faculty members went into service. By early 1943, over 200 alumni were on active duty.
It was not an entirely pessimistic period in the school’s life. Father Robert P. Arthur, Headmaster, helped organize a Victory Corps to aid war moral and adapt students to army discipline. Two timed, commando obstacle courses were built under the supervision of Mr. A.J. Coupe. Mr. Coupe also taught Aeronautics to juniors and seniors, a course that allowed them to apply for Civil Aeronautic certificates.
The war ended when the nuclear age began. Georgetown Preparatory School grew. It no longer resembled the “Small Boys’ Department” back at the college. And while the classical courses inevitably, but favorably, recalled old Georgetown, accelerated mathematics and forward-looking science gave the school a power and reputation of its own.
The '60s forward: A New Era
The accomplishments of 1960 were a milestone for the school. The construction of the new Field House was completed, providing the previously ill-equipped campus with the facilities both for a varied athletic program and for leisure and social activities. In particular, it made possible the participation of two team sports not seriously considered before – swimming and wrestling.
The opening of MacKavanagh Hall in the fall of 1967 opened up science and language laboratories for the first time in Prep's history, permitting the substantial strengthening of both courses.
In 1971, the gift of Howard Gunlocke, '29, and his son, William Gunlocke, '65, made possible the construction of Gunlocke Hall. The Georgian-styled building provided additional space for student dormitories, complete with an entrance foyer and outside patio. In the same year, the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) program began.
A thriving athletic program necessitated the further expansion and construction of sporting facilities. In 1986, the Fegan Field and Dugan Memorial Track were dedicated to coach James Fegan and Rev. Thomas Dugan, S.J., respectively, for their service to Prep.
1989 was another milestone for the school – Prep's 200th year. The Bicentennial celebration was a tribute to the school's Jesuit heritage of teaching, discipline and faith.
In an effort to provide added classroom and student life space, the Haas Humanities building was built in 1994. Made possible by the donations of Frederick Haas, '21, the 38,000 square feet building was named for Haas and his first wife, Elizabeth.
2005 - Present
In 2005, Prep embarked on two major construction projects. One was the construction of new athletic and learning centers to enhance the school's academic and athletic facilities. The other project, a luxury apartment complex, would finance the school's construction and increase Prep's endowment.
The construction of the Hanley Center for Athletic Excellence, fields and campus roads became a reality when the $35 million project broke ground in May 2005. The project included rebuilding the golf course and athletic fields and constructing new roads around campus. To pay for the athletic and learning centers and other needs, Prep leased 3.34 acres along Tuckerman Lane for 99 years to JPI Apartment Development, L.P., which constructed a 473-unit luxury apartment complex on the land. Over the course of the lease, the arrangement will net the school more than $800 million.
Phase II of the campus master plan was recently accomplished with the opening of the new learning center in January 2010, concluding $70 million of capital improvements and renovations on Prep's campus.
While the school's landscape has evolved and is set to dramatically change with the opening of the learning center, Prep's commitment of forming "Men for Others" has not changed. Along with the physical expansion, the spirit of the school has grown apace. Prep's community of alumni from every field and profession is a testament to the school's enduring success.
The statue of St. Ignatius in Prep's courtyard, installed in 2002, stands as a firm reminder of the traditions and history of Georgetown Preparatory, as students learn, grow and serve ad majorem Dei gloriam.