Jesuit High School Sacramento is preparing to bring a significant change to its historical fabric, shifting toward a co-divisional education model beginning in the fall of 2027. This shift will see the all-boys Catholic institution, which has been operating solely for male students since its establishment in 1963, open its doors to female students for the first time. As part of this transition, Jesuit High has received a financial boost with a $1 million donation from a member of its alumni community.
The substantial monetary gift, contributed by alumnus Billy Downing and his wife Jessaca, was announced today. Billy Downing, a graduate from the class of '98, is aiding in the school's transformation with the hopes of upholding its academic caliber and legacy. According to a report by ABC10, Downing said, "As Jesuit evolves to welcome both young men and women, Jessaca and I want to help ensure that the school continues to lead with excellence—rooted in faith, guided by discernment, and bold in innovation." The endowment is intended to support infrastructure enhancements and broaden athletic and extracurricular offerings, particularly for the incoming female students.
Opposition to the envisioned co-educational structure has simmered within some pockets of the Jesuit High community, with over 100 donors rallying behind an opposing pledge that manifests through $1.7 million in conditional donations aimed at maintaining the school's all-boys status. However, the school's president, Chris Alling, expressed gratitude for the Downings' donation, highlighting their belief in "Jesuit's future" and their assurance in the school's resolution “to form men and women for others who think critically, act compassionately, and lead with integrity in every sphere of life,” as reported by ABC10.
Despite this discord, the school remains steadfast in its commitment to transition. Enrollment trends and feedback have been cited as key factors influencing the decision to move toward a model that accepts both genders, while retaining separate divisions for girls and boys. As per CBS News Sacramento, applications for the initial co-divisional class are slated to start in October of 2026, setting the stage for the first thematic integration of girls into the school system come the subsequent fall.
