The difference with Jesuit education
In Rome, Italy, a typical Jesuit secondary school (such as the prestigious Istituto Massimiliano Massimo) blends the rigorous national curriculum required by the Italian Ministry of Education with the traditional Ignatian pedagogical model.
Because Italian secondary schools are specialized by tracks (called Licei), the exact subjects depend on whether a student chooses the Liceo Classico (Humanities focus) or the Liceo Scientifico (Science focus).
The typical subjects are grouped below by core requirements and specific academic tracks:
Core Jesuit & Universal Subjects
Regardless of the track, all students at a Jesuit secondary school in Rome take a foundational set of subjects focused on holistic human excellence (cura personalis):
Catholic Religion / Theology:
Focuses on Christian doctrine, ethics, and Ignatian spirituality.
Italian Language & Literature:
Deep study of Italian grammar, rhetoric, and classical literature (e.g., Dante, Manzoni).
English Language & Literature:
Often taught with an international focus, preparing students for global citizenship.
History & Philosophy:
Crucial components of Jesuit critical thinking, linking historical events with philosophical movements.
Mathematics:
Algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Civics / Global Perspectives:
Preparing students for social justice and civic responsibility.
Physical & Health Education:
Promoting wellness and sportsmanship.
Liceo Classico Track (Humanities & Classics)
This track heavily retains the traditional Ratio Studiorum (the historic Jesuit plan of studies):
Latin Language & Literature:
Ancient grammar, syntax, and classical authors like Cicero and Virgil.
Ancient Greek Language & Literature:
Reading and translating foundational Western philosophical and literary texts.
History of Art:
Analysis of architectural, sculptural, and painting masterpieces, with an emphasis on Rome's deep art history.
Natural Sciences:
Chemistry, biology, and earth sciences taught at a foundational level.
Liceo Scientifico Track (Applied & Natural Sciences)
This track shifts the focus toward rigorous technical and analytical skills:
Advanced Mathematics & Physics:
Intensive focus on calculus, mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Natural Sciences:
Deeply integrated courses covering chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and earth sciences.
Latin Language & Literature:
Maintained for historical, analytical, and linguistic balance, though less intensive than in the Classico track.
Computer Science / Technology:
Coding, algorithms, and digital literacy.
Because Italian secondary schools are specialized by tracks (called Licei), the exact subjects depend on whether a student chooses the Liceo Classico (Humanities focus) or the Liceo Scientifico (Science focus).
The typical subjects are grouped below by core requirements and specific academic tracks:
Core Jesuit & Universal Subjects
Regardless of the track, all students at a Jesuit secondary school in Rome take a foundational set of subjects focused on holistic human excellence (cura personalis):
Catholic Religion / Theology:
Focuses on Christian doctrine, ethics, and Ignatian spirituality.
Italian Language & Literature:
Deep study of Italian grammar, rhetoric, and classical literature (e.g., Dante, Manzoni).
English Language & Literature:
Often taught with an international focus, preparing students for global citizenship.
History & Philosophy:
Crucial components of Jesuit critical thinking, linking historical events with philosophical movements.
Mathematics:
Algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Civics / Global Perspectives:
Preparing students for social justice and civic responsibility.
Physical & Health Education:
Promoting wellness and sportsmanship.
Liceo Classico Track (Humanities & Classics)
This track heavily retains the traditional Ratio Studiorum (the historic Jesuit plan of studies):
Latin Language & Literature:
Ancient grammar, syntax, and classical authors like Cicero and Virgil.
Ancient Greek Language & Literature:
Reading and translating foundational Western philosophical and literary texts.
History of Art:
Analysis of architectural, sculptural, and painting masterpieces, with an emphasis on Rome's deep art history.
Natural Sciences:
Chemistry, biology, and earth sciences taught at a foundational level.
Liceo Scientifico Track (Applied & Natural Sciences)
This track shifts the focus toward rigorous technical and analytical skills:
Advanced Mathematics & Physics:
Intensive focus on calculus, mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Natural Sciences:
Deeply integrated courses covering chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and earth sciences.
Latin Language & Literature:
Maintained for historical, analytical, and linguistic balance, though less intensive than in the Classico track.
Computer Science / Technology:
Coding, algorithms, and digital literacy.
31-35, F