Our beliefs define our role in the development of today's young men and women.

We believe that we are grounded in the Catholic faith.

We believe that the centuries-old Rule of Benedict provides an exemplary guide for life and that The Rule is as relevant for lay people as it is for those professed to monastic life.

We believe that our association with Saint John’s Abbey and the monastic community is essential to the quality and the character of our school.

We believe that Benedictine life is, “…the spirituality of the twenty-first century because it deals with the issues facing us now – stewardship, relationships, authority, community, balance, work, simplicity, prayer, and spiritual and psychological development…(it) offers more a way of life and an attitude of mind than it does a set of religious prescriptions…”. (Chittister, 1992)

We believe that lay men and women can be authentic models of Benedictine values if they carefully and regularly dedicate themselves to learning and practicing The Rule of Benedict.

We believe that the middle school and upper school years are the most critical years developmentally in a person’s life.

We believe that the young people who enroll at Saint John’s Preparatory School are capable of great achievements and that the school contributes significantly and importantly to the realization of each student’s God-given potential.

We believe that a sacred covenant exists between the school and each student and that the success of each student, though not guaranteed, should always be the primary focus for all who work or volunteer at the school.

We believe in the value of residential programs and in supporting boys’ and girls’ development within a Catholic, co-educational school.

We believe that the SJP natural campus environment of 2,600 acres of pristine lakes, woods, marshes, and prairies helps to manifest the presence of God in daily life and that the shared stewardship of the natural environment inspires students to achieve greater success.

We believe that enrolling students from a dozen or more countries contributes significantly to the educational experience of all students and that an understanding of and an appreciation for the many cultures in the world is an essential component of learning in the 21st century.

We believe that gathering students from many religious backgrounds promotes understanding the beliefs of others, acceptance of each person, and an ecumenical spirit.

We believe that the practical outcome of preparing for admission to college provides intrinsic motivation to do one’s best that no external motivation can replicate.

We believe that the assets and resources of the Order of Saint Benedict and The College of Saint Benedict add significantly and uniquely to the educational experience of all SJP students.

We believe that middle school and upper school students learn best in educational settings that recognize and respond to their respective developmental needs.

We believe that the educational program of Saint John’s Preparatory School offers its students a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum, aids in the development of social and emotional well-being, deepens spiritual growth and moral maturity, enhances an appreciation for the arts and human creativity, emphasizes the value of good work and study habits, and promotes regular physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle.