Educational Philosophy

An education of the whole person includes an understanding of why we are here and for what purpose, in addition to mastery of knowledge, tasks and skills. God formed us, male and female, each with a profound dignity and unique talents. The sexes, as designed and revealed to us, are good and are of equal dignity; their differences allow for their unique strengths and gifts to come to life in an integral and complementary way. The formation of young women and young men is best fostered during the adolescent years in the context of a single-sex educational environment and a supportive community. Among its many benefits, a single-sex environment provides appropriate and successful role models and promotes greater openness with other students and teachers. 
 
Single-sex education also encourages focused learning removed from the pressures associated with the opposite sex. It cultivates individual confidence and more natural leadership opportunities. It fosters lasting friendships among peers and greater positive relationships with teachers, administrators, and students. The result is a community with shared values, equal dignity and enhanced academic curiosity, interests, and achievement. Therefore, Saint Gertrude High School and Benedictine College Preparatory, while embracing a common Catholic culture based on Benedictine values, maintain distinct single-sex academic and leadership programs.

As Catholic college preparatory high schools steeped in the rich legacy of our Holy Father Benedict and the Benedictine order, the Church’s oldest religious order, we bring a life perspective that is not only rich in practical knowledge but rich in Wisdom, living a life focused on the transcendent. Benedictines have served as the cornerstone of Christian civilization for centuries, founding monasteries and schools, working, and praying, sinking deep roots in a place and fostering vibrant and long-lasting communities in service of Our Lord. A meaningful education is enhanced by the support of a common culture and community; much like the faith of the individual is nurtured by the community of the Church. Saint Gertrude High School and Benedictine College Preparatory, therefore, while maintaining the distinctiveness of their own programs, share many traditions and extracurricular activities. These shared experiences are designed to form bonds of community both inside the brotherhood of the Cadets and the sisterhood of the Gators. They also allow our young men and women to develop the proper relationships with each other in their daily lives.