St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was the founder of the Salesian Society of priests and brothers, the founders and administrators of Don Bosco Prep.
St. John Bosco (Don Bosco)
Born: August 16, 1815; Died: January 31, 1888; Beatified: June 2, 1929; Canonized: April 1, 1934
St. John Bosco was an exceptional educator. His acute intelligence, common sense and profound spirituality led him to create a system of education that developed the whole person - body, heart, mind and spirit. It enhanced growth and freedom while putting the child at the center of the whole educational enterprise.
To distinguish his method from the repressive system of education prevalent in 19th century Italy, he called his own method the ‘preventive’ system – because it sought to prevent the need for punishment by placing the student in an environment in which he was encouraged to be the best he could be.
A congenial, friendly and holistic approach to education, the preventive system creates a climate that ‘draws forth’ (educere) the best in the student, that encourages his complete and fullest self-expression, that assists him in acquiring habits that will lead him to opt in favor of what is good, healthy, joyful and life-enhancing.