History
Ours is a history defined by excellence and animated by possibility.
Since opening our doors in 1944 with just 34 students, Scranton Prep has grown into a dynamic community of more than 660 young men and women. Each chapter of our story has added to the spirit of Prep—shaped by tradition, strengthened through change, and always looking ahead.
Our foundation continues to inspire the Prep of today and tomorrow.
Scranton Prep taught me not only how to make a living, but more importantly, how to live.
Governor Robert P. CaseyClass of 1949
1944
Founded at the request of the Diocese of Scranton and local Catholic families, Scranton Prep opened for boys in Northeastern Pennsylvania in a renovated hospital building on Mulberry Street and Wyoming Avenue.
1944-The Beginning
1963
When construction of an expressway forced Prep out of the Annex, Fr. Bernard McIlhenny, S.J. led the search that secured our permanent home at 1000 Wyoming Avenue in the former Women’s Institute Building.
1963-The Place we Call Home
1971
Originally for boys, Scranton Prep became the nation’s first co-ed Jesuit school after a fire at Marywood Seminary, with 17 girls as its first female graduates.
1971-Becoming Co-Ed
1980s
In the 1980s, Prep launched service trips like Los Hermanos and West Virginia, inspiring generations of students to put faith into action and serve communities nationwide and abroad as Men and Women for Others.
1980s-faith in action
1992
Prep’s commitment to service comes to life through the Kairos retreat and expanded service programs, with students making an impact in communities across the country.
1992-kairos begins
2003-2007
In the early 2000s, Prep grew rapidly with the addition of Loyola Field and Tennis Complex, a new science wing, the Bellarmine Theatre (2005), and the Xavier Center (2007), creating premier spaces for academics, arts, athletics, and schoolwide events.
2003-2007-Room to grow
2020
When COVID-19 shut down the world in March 2020, Prep pivoted to virtual learning within two weeks. The Class of 2020 became the first class to graduate on Loyola Field, and by September students returned to the classrooms on Wyoming Avenue.
2020-can't stop prep
TODAY
Today, Scranton Prep is home to over 650 students from more than 40 feeder schools across seven counties, creating a vibrant and diverse community. United by Jesuit values, our students carry forward Prep’s legacy of excellence as the leaders of tomorrow.