Salesianum is an all-boys catholic school that is a brotherhood of faith and learning, committed to educating the minds and hearts of students. As Salesian gentlemen, our students are not passive learners but part of a living tradition, a legacy that builds on the optimism and tenacity of three Oblate priests who arrived from France in 1903 to establish Salesianum with just twelve students. Their courageous spirit is reflected in our school motto, Tenui Nec Dimittam: I have taken hold and will not let go. We strive daily to continue to honor the example of those who have gone before us at Salesianum, and inspire our students to build a stronger brotherhood and a better world. Find out what makes Salesianum School unique.

Brotherhood

The brotherhood begins the moment our students step onto campus and spans a lifetime. Salesianum is a community bound by an immediate sense of belonging, shared experiences, and collective pride. From our founding, we have sought to create an authentic, inclusive environment attuned to the unique needs of boys as they grow into men. We are proud of the over 17,000 alumni who are a part of this brotherhood.

Our House System brings together students from all grades, along with faculty and staff, into eight unique houses that:
  • Creates leadership opportunities
  • Promotes Christian service
  • Strengthens school spirit
  • Builds brotherhood and community

Academics & Student-Centered Learning

Salesianum is dedicated to educating the whole person and helping each student develop a lifelong love of learning. We offer a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that includes:
  • Over 195 courses offered
  • Approximately 25 Advanced Placement courses are offered each year, including the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma
  • An average class size of 18
  • Phasing system to ensure that each student is challenged
  • Robust Educational Support 
  • Summer EDGE Program

Student Involvement & Leadership

We pride ourselves on the number of students who participate in organizations and clubs and are always looking to expand our offerings, from academic to social.
  • Over 60+ clubs and activities
  • Academic offerings such as Robotics and Mock Trial
  • Social offerings like Video Game and Comic Book Club
  • Affinity groups including Salesians for Life and Hermanos Unidos
  • Arts programs that consist of Theater and WSAL (student broadcasting)

Athletics

Salesianum's Athletic Program holds a long-standing reputation for excellence that extends far beyond the game. What Salesianum values more than any title, win, or public recognition is our students’ quietly achieved personal victories that combine with powerful life lessons learned through perseverance, grit, and a commitment to a cause greater than oneself. Our State-of-the-Art Facilities include:
  • 15 Varsity teams, with many that have Junior Varsity and Freshman teams
  • 18-Acre Campus and 5 playing fields
  • Abessinio Stadium, with a 6,000-person capacity
  • 8-lane 400-meter Track
  • Turf Field
  • Press box with a video scoreboard
  • 2,500 square foot Wrestling Room
  • 4,500 square foot Athletic Center equipped with Precor weight-lifting and cardio equipment
  • 12,000 square foot gym with 2,000 person occupancy
  • ATI Physical Therapy Clinic on site

Arts & Innovation

Our Art & Innovation Department is a dynamic, diverse, and evolving program of studies that embraces the importance of traditional music and arts while also offering the latest education in business, product development, performance, design, production, computer sciences, and media communications. Our programs include:
  • Theater program that produces three Main Stage productions each year and is open to our students as well as Padua Academy and Ursuline Academy students
  • Performing arts groups include Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, String Ensemble, Music Ministry, and Choir
  • Integrates the seven key skills for 21st Century Learning: Curiosity and Imagination, Effective Oral and Written Communication, Accessing and Analyzing Information, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Collaboration and Leadership, Agility and Adaptability, and Initiative and Entrepreneurship
  • VEX Robotics team
  • Esports club
  • Computer Science courses that included CS Advanced Topics
  • University of Delaware's Horn Entrepreneurship's EntreX Lab program

College and School Counseling & Wellness

Our experienced team in the College and School Counseling Office works in close collaboration with our students, their parents, and the colleges to ensure that our students develop a path that best suits their academic and career goals beyond Salesianum.
  • Six School and College counselors
  • Two Wellness counselors
  • 75% of graduates are accepted into their 1st college choice
  • Check out our College Acceptances
  • We host over 200 college admissions representatives in the fall to assist students in finding the right match

Faith and Justice

While embracing Salesianum’s mission of celebrating and fostering each student's individual gifts, they are encouraged to share these gifts with the school community and beyond. The Student Union team coordinates all student activities, including the following:

Educational Support Services

Salesianum offers a wide range of educational support services to ensure that each of our students has a personalized pathway for his own academic success. We provide the right balance of academic support, encouragement, and open communication with his teachers and family about his progress. The Gardner Center provides the following services:
  • Testing Accommodations are provided for students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or ADHD. 
  • Brisson Program includes regularly working under the direction of staff in the Gardner Center and communicating with parents regarding their academic performance.
  • The Trinity Program has a small student-faculty ratio for students that need more intensive and structured support.

Our Mission

Salesianum School educates and develops the whole person based on the teaching of Saint Francis de Sales, whose spirituality can be summarized in “Live Jesus.” As an independent Catholic secondary school founded by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1903, Salesianum challenges young men through dynamic college preparatory and extracurricular programs to live as Salesian Gentlemen devoted to faith, community and service.

7 Hallmarks of a Salesian Gentleman

Accreditation

We are accredited by the Middle States Association, a member of the NAIS, the CEEB, OESIS, and the National Associations for College Admissions.

Salesianum At-A-Glance

ACCREDITED BY MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION