Our Alumni

A Lifetime Bond

The WJA Brotherhood

Once a student leaves Varnum Street, we know that the work is not over. The Washington Jesuit Academy’s Office of Student and Alumni Success (OSAS) provides a unique program of mentoring, coaching, academic, and social support to nearly 400 graduates. This program is specifically designed to encourage our young men to strive for success starting in fourth grade and continuing throughout their lifetime. From test prep for current students to helping former families navigate complicated circumstances, we are able to more fully support the whole child by taking into consideration the environments they are in and people who are important to them.

Starting in the seventh and eighth grades, families are assisted in finding the “right fit” for their child’s next step: high school. While supporting families as they determine realistic and appropriate high school choices for their son, we also increase the awareness of school options such as private and Catholic schools, boarding schools, and public magnet and charter schools. Pairing this mentality with an increased focus on test-prep has ensured our students are as prepared for high school placement as their more affluent peers.

This personalized coaching does not stop once a student has graduated the eighth grade. Finding the right path for each student’s personal journey, even after high school placement is over, is a key point to the WJA model. Upon reaching their sophomore year of high school, every alum has access to college test-prep and our staff works closely with parents, guardians, students, and high school administration to prepare alumni for a successful transition to their next step.

But the connections that are created on Varnum Street extend in both directions. Each year, our alumni give back to the Academy by returning to support students at graduation, joining the Alumni Council, participating in panel discussions where current students can ask questions, and so much more. We are grateful to have members of the WJA Brotherhood return as volunteers, teachers, and mentors for our students. Due to the personalized care that they received at the Academy, alumni often refer other families to WJA and act as our greatest spokesmen.

The best thing we do for our alumni is be there for them.

– J.B. Gerald, Director, Office of Student and Alumni Success

In our 20 year history, nearly every single WJA student has gone on to graduate from high school and a vast majority have continued their educations or immediately joined the workforce.

99% of WJA Alumni graduated high school

Outpacing the national average of 84%

90% of WJA Alumni are enrolled in college, enrolled in trade school, or actively employed in the work force

WJA has long endeavored to provide meaningful support for all of its students, including those who have moved beyond the closing ceremonies of eighth grade. This important, ongoing work is undertaken by the Office of Student and Alumni Success (OSAS). OSAS serves the Academy’s students and graduates by giving each young man the tools and guidance necessary for him to problem-solve efficiently, to self-advocate successfully, to plan ahead thoroughly, and to communicate effectively. They accomplish all of this through the philosophy to “Educate, Encourage, and Empower, without Enabling.”

Recently, OSAS launched WJA Connect, a sophisticated, secure network portal for WJA eighth graders and graduates. WJA Connect creates a safe virtual space for multi-directional communications between students and faculty, graduates and WJA, and alumni amongst their peer community. WJA Connect is a critical tool that OSAS will use to stay connected with students as they move through the all-important decision-making years. This invaluable new way of communication is something we are proud to have online and available through all app platforms so that it is accessible to WJA alums.

wja alumni all across the country

After graduating from WJA, our young men have landed all across the country. Please explore the map to see the different schools our students have gone on to attend.

While a birds-eye view of this map will show the expansive reach WJA alumni have, please zoom in on the map for a detailed view of the individual high schools, colleges, and universities that they have attended.

If you would prefer a list view of the schools, please use the links below.

Dark Green markers show the high schools at which WJA alumni have studied after eighth grade.
Light Green markers show the universities and colleges at which they have pursued higher education.

Button
Button
Button
Button

Non-Discrimination Policy: The Washington Jesuit Academy admits students of any race, color, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.