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History

For over a century and a half, from the island of Cuba to the United States, Belen Jesuit has survived and prospered. Let's take a journey through the school's history.
1854Her Majesty Isabel II, Queen of Spain, issues a royal charter founding the Colegio de Belén (Belen School) in Havana, Cuba. Belen School begins its educational work in the building formerly occupied by the convent and convalescent hospital of Our Lady of Belen, hence the name of the school.
1925Sixty acres of new land and several buildings are donated to Belen School. The complex is later known as "The Palace of Education."
1961Belen Jesuit School is established in the United States. The fourth floor of the Gesu Elementary School, located in what is now the parking lot of Gesu Church in downtown Miami, becomes the first site of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. The actual building no longer exists.
1962Belen Jesuit Preparatory School acquires its own building and moves to a new site on the corner of S.W. 8th Street and 7th Avenue in Miami.
1980Ground-breaking ceremony is held for a new building on a 30 acre-site located in west Dade County.
1981The school year 1981-82 begins in the new facilities with an enrollment of 598 students.
1992A language laboratory, two computer laboratories and four new classrooms are installed. The library is remodeled. A new track and a parking lot are added.
1995The Roberto C. Goizueta Athletic Center is inaugurated. Two more classrooms are added. Computers are updated in the computer labs.
1996 Belen Jesuit receives accreditation from SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), a prestigious and recognized association devoted to recognizing elite institutions.
1998Belen Jesuit inaugurates the new Vincam wing, providing a larger cafeteria, eight new classrooms, and a guest dining room.
2002Belen inaugurates the additions of Villa Javier the Jesuit residence and the Raul and Nidia Rodriguez Science Pavilion. Work is also completed on the new outdoor basketball courts and tennis courts.
2004The Ignatian Center for the Arts is completed. The art center consists of the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Theater, Olga & Carlos Saladrigas Art Gallery, 7 classrooms, a music rehearsal hall. Belen now includes a theater, art museum, and new classrooms. The athletic complex is also renovated.
2008The Administration Building is completed. The administration building houses the President, Principal, Admissions, Registrars, Technology Director, Business Office and the Cosculluela Dining Hall.
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500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184 305.223.8600 Fax: 305.227.2565