testimonials

Our Success

Preparing students for success in high school, college, and beyond

In the words of our students…

“SIS helped me to adjust to high school by giving me the tools I needed, like being independent, and the confidence to always ask questions.

Iandra Toribo, SIS ‘15

St. Catharine's Academy '19, SUNY New Paltz '22, Associate Software Engineer at Smart Things

By the time I graduated from SIS, I had gained a great sense of independence and responsibility. One of the challenges inner-city youth come across, at least in my experience is more environmental than anything else. When surrounded by poverty and crime and being limited to certain experiences, it makes it difficult and that much more challenging not to fall victim to negative influences. SIS helped alleviate those pressures and provided an opportunity to experience a positive environment during the school day, field trips, and summer camps. I learned to be responsible for my own actions and the faculty at SIS helped foster in me a great work ethic.”

Carlos Garcia, SIS ‘18

Horace Mann ‘22
Rochester Institute of Technology '26

My time at St. Ignatius was amazing. In the past I was sort of just attending school because I had to. St. Ignatius was different; I was actually excited to go to school every morning. In part because the people there made the experience special. It was very small and concentrated so I didn’t feel as if I was a number. It prepared me for college in a sense, because the faculty showed me how serious and important it was to do your best, to go above and beyond. I try my best to exemplify magis in every way possible.”

Samuel Carrasco, SIS '08

Cristo Rey ‘12, SUNY Buffalo '16

SIS has given me many opportunities. I have a future ahead of me that can go many ways. But I have learned that my future is not about what I can receive, but about what I can give to others. I want to finish my education and give back to SIS and the rest of the world. SIS has given so much to me and I hope to use the gifts I’ve received well and truly be a man for others.”

Corey Punter, SIS ‘03

Fordham Preparatory School ‘07

John Jay College ‘12, Assistant Director of Admissions at The Peddie School (Highstown, NJ)

SIS prepared me for so much more than just high school…I believe my experience at SIS molded me into the person I am today. From being open to growth to being the best that I can be, and motivated to create justice anywhere I go, St. Ignatius taught me values that I brought with me to college. I remember we always used a quote from St. Ignatius after every prayer, ‘Now go forth and set the world on fire,’ which motivated me every day to conquer all obstacles and move forward.”

Marilyn Gonzalez, SIS ‘13

Aquinas High School '17

Marymount Manhattan ‘21, Children and Family Coordinator at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

A community of care, empowerment, responsibility, respect, and Jesuit values

Offering an alternative path...

“When I reflect on my experience at St. Ignatius School and how it has impacted my life, the biggest thing that comes to my mind is empowerment. Being a 10-year old from a low socioeconomic background in a community known for crime and violence, I never understood that there was more in the world or that there was a place for me to make my dreams a reality. Looking back at my time there, I can say for certain that St. Ignatius has empowered me to strive to become who I want to be, not only for myself, but also for others."

Louis Hurtado, SIS ‘11

Fordham Prep ‘15, College of the Holy Cross ‘19,
Finance Manager at Garner Health

Since entering St. Ignatius School and being met with their great community, a significant change has occurred within my character. This development has followed me through life, high school, and even college. As a school encompassing Jesuit education, they strived to create "men and women for others." I took this mindset with me and applied it wherever I saw people in need, whether it was a shoulder to cry on, some inspiration, compassion, or any other form of help, knowing that my actions, no matter how small they may seem, would indeed make a difference in someone's life. This led me to pursue a career dedicated to helping people and attend a college that would allow me to do so."

Grace Owusu, SIS ‘18

New Visions Charter High School '22, Colgate '26

The founders of our school decided to name our school after St. Ignatius. Towards the beginning of school opening the teachers taught kids in a neighborhood where most people assumed that nothing bright would come out of such a community. At SIS we never stop learning… St. Ignatius had to go back to elementary school when he was in his thirties. Like him, we learn something at SIS everyday. Knowledge is a big part of life and of SIS. As a school community we shine BRIGHT.”

Romaris Moquete SIS '14

Cristo Rey ‘18, Goucher College ‘22
Youth Leader at South Bronx Team Ministry

St. Ignatius was basically my second home where I got to spend time with close friends that I made. Going to a Jesuit middle school and institution really prepared me to carry out the Jesuit values at Xavier. St. Ignatius provided me a chance that many other kids in and around the Hunts Point area were not able to receive for various reasons and for that I am extremely fortunate. St. Ignatius School meant a whole lot to me and I felt successful when I walked down the aisle at St. Athanasius Church at my graduation. I can honestly say that if it were not for St. Ignatius, I would not have been on my way to tackle my senior year at Xavier High School.”

Dennis Muentes, SIS '03

Xavier High School ‘07, John Jay College ‘12, Area Manager at PillPack

In the words of other educators and donors...

The St. Ignatius School community is a living and breathing example of what a Jesuit education should look like in the 21st century. It meets the students where they are at based on a deep appreciation of context and cura personalis, care for each individual across all of their dimensions. It has the courage to be counter-cultural. To transform young men and women into contemplatives in action committed to the service of others, in an age of superficiality. St. Ignatius School is an extraordinarily special place and a bit of gold in the world of education. A true education of the head, heart and hands.”

Fordham Prep is a very competitive high school. We look for students who not only show academic skill, but also show character and commitment. I’m always excited to meet applicants from St. Ignatius. SIS students make such a strong impression because they carry themselves in a way that conveys confidence, respect, and humility. That’s the kind of student all high schools are seeking, and that’s the kind of young men and women SIS consistently produces."

St. Ignatius School is in the business of changing lives. All it takes is one visit to understand how important SIS is in the lives of these children. After a few hours I understood what the young lady giving me a tour meant when she said, “I don’t know what I would do without SIS.” It is hard to conceive of a more Jesuit work!”

St. Ignatius School is a beacon of hope in Hunts Point. The school transforms the lives of its students by giving them a first-rate education in a warm, loving atmosphere and by expanding the horizons of their dreams. St. Ignatius School lights a fire in its students that will never be quenched: they dream big dreams and they are given the educational background that enables them to turn their dreams into reality – accomplished, productive, rewarding, and service-oriented lives.”

My wife and I believe that St. Ignatius School makes a significant difference and changes the outcome of its students’ lives. When we initially got involved with the school, we started to learn about the daily challenges faced by families in the South Bronx. We also learned that attendance at St. Ignatius School greatly increases the odds of children from these families getting to college. These students are smart and want to do big things; they want to “set the world on fire”. Their great aspirations, coupled with the excellent education provided at SIS, pave the way for a positive future. My wife and I prioritize St. Ignatius School because we truly believe that these are deserving students who will make the most of the opportunities the school offers them.”

Fordham Preparatory School is both blessed and thrilled to work with St. Ignatius School on a variety of service, retreat, and academic projects. The Jesuit ideal of doing all things for the greater glory of God without counting the cost is evident in every student and staff member at SIS. You all are an inspiration to us and we look forward to collaborating with you for many years to come. All the best!”