The Future of Admissions at Belen Jesuit

7/13/2026

Dr. Thomas De Quesada ’94 | Executive Director of Enrollment and Community Outreach

This article was first published in the Traditions Magazine - Summer 2026 edition.

As I reflect on the conclusion of another extraordinary academic year, I am inspired by the incredible energy, collaboration, and dedication that define our community. At Belen Jesuit, our commitment to forming “men for others” begins long before a student first steps onto our campus as a Wolverine. It starts in the Admissions Office, where our team works tirelessly to walk with new families through the exciting and competitive admissions process.

This year, we were blessed to witness a near-record number of applicants for both our sixth and ninth grade classes, a testament to Belen’s brand and tradition. The Admissions team had the privilege of interviewing over 450 families, engaging each one with the patient, pastoral, and personal approach that remains the hallmark of our process. Even when navigating the challenging task of communicating with wait-listed or denied families, our commitment to sincere care for every individual guided our conversations. The result of these collective efforts is a stellar group of incoming students who are academically gifted and eager to leave their mark at Belen.

One of our most meaningful highlights was the successful launch of our on-campus relationship with Breakthrough Miami. Grounded in thorough planning to ensure its success, this partnership represents a vital part of our Jesuit mission. By intentionally investing more time and resources into our expanding Diversity Program, we are ensuring the Belen experience is accessible to a wider range of talented young men. Hosting Breakthrough Miami on our campus allows us to do more than just share our beautiful facilities; it enables us to foster a collaborative culture of mutual growth that enriches the Belen community.

As we look toward the upcoming academic year, our momentum continues to build. Our department is prepared to lead the way in data analysis and strategic implementation, poised to attract a record number of exceptional applicants by delivering an admissions experience deeply rooted in faith and cura personalis.

Moving forward, our active and creative focus will rely on key strategic drivers to engage our community. Our reimagined school website will be a driving force in our admissions process for years to come, enabling us to interact with prospective families in thoughtful and innovative ways. Our department is working intentionally to strengthen relationships with traditional parochial feeder schools, ensuring we continue to attract top-tier students and excellent families to our community.

The landscape of education is constantly evolving, but our ultimate goal remains constant and rooted in faith and mission: to provide a transformative experience that prepares our students for their futures. With an incredibly talented team at the helm and an unwavering commitment to the Magis, the future of Belen Jesuit Admissions has never looked brighter.

For more information regarding the admissions process, visit www.belenjesuit.org/admissions.