Jesuit Education
We educate men and women for others.
As Jesuit educators we believe that it’s not simply what we learn and achieve but who we become. Going beyond ourselves and living a life for God is at the root of Jesuit education. In his seminal work, The Spiritual Exercises, Jesuit founder St. Ignatius says that love needs to express itself in deeds more than words. The challenge is not just to become spiritually adept but true companions to those in need. This commitment to care for the person (cura personalis) makes our students “Men and Women for others.”
Jesuit Values
Latin is far from dead at Prep. Our Jesuit tradition expresses many of its values in this third century language. It is these values that are woven into everything we do at Prep — from the classroom and field, to the theatre and greater community.
At Prep we are fortunate to have two resident Jesuits on staff.
Learn more about them below.
meet our priests
Fr. Rallanka
Fr. Ryan Rallanka, S.J., is a theology teacher, retreat leader and music minister at Seattle Prep, where he is also a member of the board of trustees.
An alumnus of Jesuit High School in Sacramento, Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and English from Seattle University, a master’s degree in philosophical resources from Fordham University, and a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. While he was an undergrad, he sang in the chapel choir, led retreats and was vice president of Habitat for Humanity at Seattle University.
Ryan previously taught theology at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, and was a catechist at St. Martin of Tours in the Bronx, New York. He also served as a deacon and liturgical musician at San Quentin State Prison in California during his Jesuit formation.
meet our priests
Fr. Zachary
Fr. Simon Zachary, S.J. is a theology and AP Economics teacher at Seattle Prep as well as a Community Minister.
An alumnus of Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, AZ, Simon earned a BA in business administration from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Simon worked in Microsoft’s online advertising division for six years after graduation, in various account management roles.
Feeling a stronger calling, Simon entered the Society of Jesus in 2013. As a novice he worked at a juvenile hall facility, served as a hospital chaplain and accompanied students on high school retreats. He studied international political economy and philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, where he taught English as a second language to migrants and refugees. Simon earned his Master of Divinity at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA and studied at Centre Sèvres, a Jesuit theologate in Paris. Simon was ordained a transitional deacon in October 2022.
“I think it’s important to have a sense of detachment. St. Ignatius spoke about the Ignatian difference. It’s not apathy but rather a perspective to hold things lightly. Sometimes when we cling too tightly to reality it can stifle where God is leading us. We want students to have an openness to challenges, difficulties and uncertainty—to trust in this process and see the value in its outcomes.” -Fr. Ryan Rallanka, S.J., Prep Priest
Who Was St. Ignatius?
St. Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 in the Basque region of northern Spain. He was a dedicated soldier and suffered a severe leg wound in battle. During an extensive rehabilitation period, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion, and devoted the rest of his life to serving God. Ignatius died in 1556 and was canonized a saint in 1622. At the time of Ignatius' death, there were 35 schools that had been founded by the Jesuits. Today that number is 2,300.
Ignatius left behind two great legacies. He founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1540, together with nine companions, and became their first Superior General. He also wrote the Spiritual Exercises, a highly influential treatise on prayer.
Jesuit Schools - Worldwide
The network of Jesuit schools spans six continents. If you are traveling in the United States or abroad, stop by one of our many schools and say, hello. The door is always open. See locations here.
A Vocation
Vocations take many forms. If you think you are interested in religious life as a Jesuit, read more here.
Adult Faith Formation
There are a variety of opportunities for the adults in the Prep community (faculty, staff, parents and alumni) to engage in faith formation and immerse themselves in the tradition and practices of Jesuit, Catholic spirituality.
