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Fordham Preparatory School (commonly known as Fordham Prep) is an American, independent, Jesuit, boys' college-preparatory school located on the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University in the Bronx, a borough of New York City. From its founding in 1841 until 1970, the school was under the direction of Fordham University. In 1970, it separated from the University, establishing itself as an independent preparatory school with its own administration, endowment, and Board of Trustees.
History
Fordham Preparatory School was established in 1841 by bishop John Hughes, later Archbishop of New York, as the Second Division of St. John's College, on the Feast of St. John the Baptist, situated at Rose Hill in what was then known as the village of Fordham, New York. In 1846, the Society of Jesus was invited to preside over the institution. The Second Division's curriculum consisted of four years of study in Latin, Greek, grammar, literature, history, geography, mathematics, and religion, followed by three years of study in the First Division (equivalent to present-day Fordham University). The degree of Artium Baccalaureus was awarded for completion of both curricula. The Second Division was a boarding school from its founding until 1920 when it ceased boarding operations and assumed its present form as a day school. St. John's College was re-chartered under its current name of Fordham University in 1907, and the school officially became known as Fordham Preparatory School in 1937, having been unofficially known as "Fordham Prep" for some years prior. In 1970, Fordham Preparatory School formally separated from the University, establishing itself as an independent preparatory school with its own administration, endowment, and Board of Trustees.
Hughes Hall to present day
An early campus view showing the University Church and the original school buildings
Fordham Preparatory School was originally housed in a wing of what is today Fordham University's Administration Building, now known as Cunniffe House. That Second Division Wing has long since been demolished. In 1890, the school was relocated to the recently constructed Hughes Hall, originally called Second Division Hall or Junior Hall. Hughes Hall now houses the Fordham UniversityGabelli School of Business. After formally separating from the University, the Prep moved to then-new Shea Hall in 1972, erected on what were once fields at the northwestern corner of the campus. Rising construction costs, coupled with the recent separation from the University, brought the Prep into poor financial standing by the early 1970s. Generous donations by alumni, including those of aerosol-valve inventor and 1939 alumnus Robert Abplanalp, and a series of benefit concerts given by entertainers such as Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, were instrumental in funding the expansion to Shea Hall. By the end of the decade, however, the school still remained burdened by the immensity of its debt, which was subsequently reduced after the failure of its mortgage-holder, Franklin National Bank, and a compromise bartered by 1929 alumnus and former Governor of New York Malcolm Wilson. Maloney Hall an addition on Shea Hall which comprises the Hall of Honor (now known as the Theater Atrium), the Leonard Theater, and the Prep gym affectionately named "The Pit" was completed in 1991 to form the present iteration of the Prep grounds.
There are twenty-four Advanced Placement courses offered, in addition to a variety of advanced courses in other disciplines. Certain students are also invited to take courses at Fordham University.
The Leonard Theatre
Constructed in 1991 as part of the Maloney Hall addition, The Leonard Theatre is a one-thousand-seat performing arts venue. In addition to hosting Fordham Prep Dramatic Society productions and other performances and assemblies, the theatre has hosted the MSNBC news program Hardball with Chris Matthews twice, and Irish tenor Ronan Tynan in concert.
Administration
Presidents
(Since the creation of the position in 1975.)
Rev. Eugene O'Brien, SJ (1975–1980)
Rev. Edward Maloney, SJ (1980–1996)
Rev. Joseph Parkes, SJ (1996–2004)
Rev. Kenneth Boller, SJ (2004–2013)
Rev. Christopher J. Devron, SJ (2013–2022)
Mr. Brian Carney (Interim President, 2022–2023)
Mr. Anthony Day (2023– )
Hughes Hall, the second home of Fordham Preparatory School, from 1890 to 1972.
Headmasters/Principals
(Since separation from the university in 1970.)
The title changed from headmaster to principal in 1999.
Rev. Eugene O'Brien, SJ (1960–1975)
Dr. Bernard Bouillette, PhD (1975–1982)
Dr. Cornelius F. McCarthy, PhD '53 (1982–1994)
Mr. Robert Gomprecht '65 (1994–2015)
Mr. Brian Carney (Interim Principal, 2015–2016)
Dr. Joseph Petriello, PhD '98 (2016– )
Athletics
The school has teams that participate in eighteen different sports, with forty teams altogether. The athletic facilities include Fordham Prep's playing fields and running track, the university's adjacent fields and tennis courts, and some other facilities, such as the crew team's boathouse is located in nearby New Rochelle.
The 1904 football team.Back view of the Leonard Theater and the Rowen Athletic Field
Shea Hall, the third and current home of Fordham Preparatory School. (2024)
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