The Ateneo de Manila High School Formation Program

As one of the country's premier Jesuit Schools, the Ateneo de Manila High School is inspired and guided by the philosophy behind Jesuit Education. This identity is the Ateneo's distinctive quality.

As an Ignatian-inspired learning institution, the Ateneo's thrust is to form its students into "well-honed instruments in the hands of God." Central to this thrust of formation is the guiding principle cura personalis, or personal care and concern for the individual person. This principle, a guiding thrust that is instrumental to the formation of the Atenean, aims to lead a person to a realistic knowledge of self, realizing one's strengths and also accepting one's weaknesses and shortcomings. Ultimately, though, this knowledge leads to a freedom of self, a freedom to commit. In Ignatian tradition it is to commit to Christ - "to see Christ more clearly, to love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly."

Ultimately, the formation given by the Ateneo de Manila High School aims to mold young men into future leaders who will serve the Filipino society and contribute to the global community, into Christ-Centered men with Conscience, men of Competence and of Compassionate Commitment. The formation aims to mold men who, inspired by the magis, will be men for and with others.

Not all of the education of an Ateneo High School student takes place in the classroom. A good part of it takes place during recollections or on retreat; while carrying an abandoned baby during a CSP visit; while sharing a poor family’s meals and lodging and cares and hopes in a BANLAW immersion trip; while expressing his own problems and aspirations with a guidance counselor.

All of the above are just a fraction of the examples of the formation that our students experience to help them become men for and with others. The shaping and formation of sound Christian values is vital in any Jesuit high school. The Ateneo de Manila High School makes a special effort to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to grow in the active appreciation of their faith in Christ and in other people.