Magis Christian Service Program

As Seattle Prep, our philosophy, founded on the experiences of St. Ignatius, states: “Our ideal is the well-rounded person who is: intellectually competent, open to growth, spiritually alive, loving and committed to doing justice in generous service to the people of God.” This is why Seattle Preparatory School includes in its curriculum the Magis Christian Service Program. It is more than a requirement or extra work. Service to others is proof of our love for God and is the starting point for all that happens at Seattle Preparatory School.

"Today our prime educational objective must be to form men and women for others; men and women who live not for themselves but for God and His Christ...men and women who cannot even conceive of a love of God which does not also include a love for the least of their neighbors. What kind of person is needed today? One who is ‘a man or women for others,’ gifted with conscience, intelligence and power, called out of his or herself, to give oneself to others in love." (Father Pedro Arrupe, former Superior General of the Society of Jesus)

"The Jesuit High School, faithful to its Christian and Jesuit heritage, gives its students an experience of the value of service to their fellow humans in the name of Jesus. In the course of their high school years, students are expected to participate in a service-oriented experience within the school’s program. It is understood that the enrollment of a student in a Jesuit High School is a commitment to an exploration of the human and religious significance of Christian Service.” (The Jesuit Secondary Education Association)

Goals of the Magis Christian Service Program

To provide an opportunity for the student to:

deepen their formation of Christian and human values and attitudes.
broaden their experience of the wider world.
respond in a practical way to the call to be men and women-for-and-with-others.
experience multiple ways of being of service to the world.
become sensitized to people in need on all levels of society, thereby helping her/him realize what she/he can offer others, what she/he can learn from others, and what her/his own needs may be.
discover talents they may have that are not as evident in their usual academic environment; and also to become aware of what their limitations might be.

Grade Level Service Requirements

A distinguishing characteristic of Jesuit education is to help students realize that talents are to be developed, not for self-satisfaction, but for the whole of the community. Students are encouraged to use their gifts in the service of others. In keeping with these goals and the goals of the Magis Christian Service Program at Seattle Prep, students must complete the following grade level-based service experiences and follow the general guidelines for all service projects outlined below.

9th Grade

Service to Former School
or Faith Community

Theme: Rooted in Service
Goal: Freshmen will reconnect with their former faith or school community, work with the school administration to sign up for at least 3 events and reflect on their experience upon completion. Freshmen will also explore experiences outside of a school setting as they grow in their service with and for others.
Requirements:
- At least 3 events or experiences with their former school or faith community
- 1 Prep-sponsored or outside organization’s event.

10th Grade

Service to the Seattle Prep Community

Theme: Service to our Home

Goal: Sophomores will be able to take ownership of the work that we do on our campus, both with their hands and their hearts. In addition, they will immerse themselves in some of the needs of the Seattle community at large in preparation for their work during Junior year.
Requirements:
- Urban Plunge Service Immersion
- 2 on-campus service events
- 2 Prep-sponsored or outside organization’s events

11th Grade

Service to the Greater Seattle Community

Focus: Service and Advocacy with and for those on the margins

Goal: Juniors will complete a service project that allows them to further explore an area of interest of passion relating to social justice. Students will work on a Service Reflection Assignment while doing their service and will present this at the end of their Junior year.
Requirements: Completion of a year-long service project with a single organization or agency and completion of the Junior Service Reflection.

12th grade

Servant Leadership

Seniors engage in servant leadership through their participation in our Faith in Action classes, our Global Justice Coalition, as well as their leadership in Prep retreats.
Based on their Senior Seminar course, seniors will also be asked to explore various social justice issues and explore the advocacy work and opportunities for leadership within these fields.

Co-Curricular Programming

In addition to the grade level service requirements, the Magis Christian Service Program offers many co-curricular activities throughout the year. Seattle Prep hosts three Blood Drives in partnership with BloodWorks Northwest. We host a Prom on campus for young people with physical and intellectual disabilities each April.