Roadmap to the Future

10/30/2026
Teresa Martínez | Director of Communications

(This article was initially published in The President's Report | 2025-2026. Click here to read the publication.)

The 2025–2026 academic year opened with a theme from Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” As Fr. Willie, S.J. ’87 reminded us, God designed us to grow in community. At Belen Jesuit, that growth happens through the support & challenge shared among students, faculty, coaches, parents, & alumni. 

Guided by extraordinary educators, our Wolverines rose to the challenge, striving for the Magis in academics, athletics, & service. Here are key highlights from 2025–2026 & a look at where our strategic roadmap leads next. 

Our Students 

In 2025–2026, Belen Jesuit educated 1,361 students, including 187 seniors in the Class of 2026. Maintaining our intentional, small class sizes directly advances our strategic objective to deepen brotherhood & ensure Cura Personalis for every student.

Academic Distinction & College Placements

• #1 All-Boys High School in Florida: On September 26, 2025, Niche awarded Belen Jesuit this premier ranking, a testament to the dedication of our Jesuits, faculty, staff, & families in pursuing academic & spiritual excellence.
• National Honors: 109 students earned College Board National Recognition, 12 students received Commended status, & 6 seniors were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists.
• Silver Knight Awards: Nine seniors were nominated for this coveted award. Matthew Vila ’26 won the Silver Knight in Music & Dance, & Joaquín Otero ’26 earned Honorable Mention in Speech.
• College Acceptance & Scholarships: The Class of 2026 earned nearly $21 million in scholarships (excluding Florida Bright Futures), received acceptances to 144 distinct universities, & saw 12 student-athletes commit to collegiate sports programs.
   

Athletic Excellence & Academic Rigor 

Wolverine athletics continued their storied legacy, led by the Cross Country team’s 9th consecutive state championship (17th title overall). Individual state titles were earned in cross country, swimming, & track & field. Exemplifying true balance, five varsity teams earned FHSAA Academic Team Championships: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, & track & field. 

Intellectual & Ignatian Formation 

Academic Teams, including Chess, Model UN, DECA, History, Geography, & Thespians, demonstrated that dedicated effort yields extraordinary growth. Many brought back national recognition, along with several state & county accolades. True to our mission of forming “Men for Others,” our service organizations embodied Ignatian values in action:

• Catholic Identity: Over 180 students received the sacrament of Confirmation, 20 received their First Communion, & 7 were baptized. Additionally, the Eucharistic Procession welcomed hundreds of Belen community members on campus for adoration.
• Mission & Evangelization: The Marian Society engaged in missionary work in downtown Miami, while Faith Break expanded our gospel outreach & advocacy through digital media.

Campus Transformation: Construction Progress 

Last school year, we enthusiastically marked the opening of Maury Park & Game Day Plaza. These reimagined spaces not only enhance opportunities for our student-athletes & fans, but also elevate the visual aesthetic of our 34- acre campus. 

As we prepare for the transformative Student Center construction, several strategic campus relocations took place:

• Kadre Counseling Center: Temporarily relocated to the I-Section, keeping our college & academic counselors centrally available to support students’ holistic growth (Cura Personalis).
• Tech Center: Relocated to the Shanley Family Administration Building. 

In late April 2026, demolition began on Phase 1 of the Student Center. Throughout the summer & into the school year, construction crews worked tirelessly to unite & transform this core section of campus.

A major milestone was reached in mid- October with the opening of the newly renovated Jessica & Carlos Bonzón Wing. This 19,084-square-foot space enhances both our campus footprint & functionality, featuring: 

• 17 modern classrooms designed for innovative & collaborative teaching (adding three classrooms to the school).
• 2 administrative offices & a conference room.
• An Extended Learning Area & Contemplation Area, which can be used for meetings, studying, & for seniors to gather.

Every block laid & wall moved aligns directly with Belen Jesuit’s Strategic Plan, ensuring our facilities reflect our unwavering commitment to academic excellence & Catholic-Jesuit formation.

Looking Ahead: Phase 2 & Beyond

With Phase 1 successfully completed, focus shifts to Phase 2 of the Student Center. Construction continues seamlessly, concentrating on: 

• The front entrance facade of the main school.
• The former counseling area.
• The Ramón Guiteras Memorial Library, transforming it into a modern, student-centered learning environment. 

Construction efforts will ramp up in summer 2027 after the academic year ends. Overall, the Student Center project is scheduled for completion within an 18-month timeline.

Get Involved: Shape Our Future

Every member of our Belen family—parents, alumni, grandparents, & friends—plays a vital role in advancing our mission. Through The Fund for Belen, your generosity turns strategic vision into reality. 

• Impact at Every Level: Gifts of any size directly fuel campus improvements & student opportunities.
• Naming & Dedication Opportunities: Extraordinary gift opportunities are available for donors wishing to leave a lasting legacy on campus. 

To make a gift or to learn more, please contact our Executive Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations, Phil Fernández ’94, at ffernandez@belenjesuit.org.