Introduction
Not long ago, Georgetown Prep embarked on a detailed process of self-examination. The results of this Self Study were multi-faceted, but one important outgrowth was The Profile of A Prep Graduate At Graduation. In characteristic Jesuit fashion, the Profile is a carefully reasoned and clearly articulated document.
As you read the following, the words of Robert Browning may come to mind:
"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
It is doubtful that every Georgetown Prep graduate fits every aspect of this Profile. Nonetheless, it offers a model for every Prep student to consider, reflect upon, and make use of in the ongoing process of self-examination.
Profile
It is hoped that, upon graduation from this school, the Georgetown Prep graduate will be:
I. Open to Growth
- He is beginning to take responsibility for his future.
- As he is learning how to accept himself, both his talents and his limitations, he is gaining in self knowledge and self-control.
- He is becoming more open to different points of view, new experiences and adult issues.
- He is developing an ability to reflect on his life and communicate his reflections to others.
II. Intellectually Competent
- He is academically equipped for entrance into college.
- He is acquainted with the central concepts and methods of various intellectual disciplines.
- He is developing logical skills, critical thinking and aesthetic appreciation.
- He is growing in his curiosity to explore ideas and issues.
- He has some degree of skill in oral and written communication.
- He is able to take an organized approach to learning.
- Through his study of various disciplines, he has discovered people with whom he can identify and whom he can imitate.
- He has begun to relate current issues and perspectives to some of their historical antecedents.
- He is beginning to understand both the basic principles of the United States government and the rights and responsibilities of a citizen.
- He is beginning to understand some of the moral and public policy questions raised by the uses of science, technology and capital.
III. Religious
- Through his study of Scripture and the history of the Church, he has a basic knowledge of Jesus Christ and His mission.
- He is learning how to communicate with God through prayer, both private and liturgical.
- By reasoning through moral problems, he is beginning to form an adult Christian conscience.
- He has begun to appreciate the role of the Sacraments in the life of the Christian community.
- He is growing in his conviction that Christian faith involves service to the neighbor and a commitment to doing justice.
- He has some understanding of the beliefs and practices of non-Catholic and non-Christian traditions.
IV. Loving
- He is coming to accept himself as lovable and loved.
- He is learning to trust the fidelity of God, his family and his friends.
- He has begun to recognize and eradicate the prejudices which he finds within himself.
- He is learning how to integrate his sexuality into his whole personality.
- He is more capable of empathy.
V. Committed to Doing Justice
- He is growing in his conviction that Christian faith involves a commitment to doing justice.
- He is beginning to understand how attitudes, customs and unjust policies contribute to social problems, both past and present.
- Through experience with some disadvantaged members of society, he is learning to be empathetic with them.
- He is growing in his awareness of the need for social changes which will enable victims of injustice to gain their rights and dignity.
- He has begun to recognize that the values of a materialistic society often conflict with the Gospel.