History of Don Bosco Prep High School

"I Exhort The Students To Use Earthly Knowledge As A Stepping Stone To Heavenly Things – Virtue And Its Practice." - St. John Bosco

Don Bosco Institute, 1915

Don Bosco Prep High School was founded on April 3, 1915, with the arrival of the first students, who transferred from Columbus Institute in Hawthorne, NY.  The Ramsey school, initially known as Don Bosco Institute, was a college preparatory boarding school for Polish boys taught by Polish Salesian priests. St. John Bosco's educational methodology, employing reason, religion, and kindness to reach the hearts of the young, was immediately employed by the Salesian priests and brothers.

Immaculata Hall, 1954

The school grew so quickly that a second classroom building, Immaculata Hall, was built in 1954. This building provided many new classrooms, a large cafeteria as well as a spacious gymnasium, weight room, trainers' room and a school store. The doors were now open to all boys college prep high school applicants.

DeSales Hall, 1969

Over the years, the school solidified its reputation as a quality Salesian college preparatory educational institution.  The third academic building, De Sales Hall, was built in 1969. 

It still provides a beautiful auditorium for theater and assemblies, extensive classrooms, lecture halls, science laboratories, as well as administrative and guidance offices for the school.
“The school was not the end; it was rather the instrumental means for improving the way of life.”

Granatell Stadium, 1972

By 1972, the last boarding students had graduated, and the student body from that time forward was comprised entirely of day students. A generous donation from the Granatell Family allowed the school to build the Charles I. Granatell Athletic Stadium in 1972.

Reconstruction of the athletic field with the installation of FieldTurf, a new track, and the addition of an Alumni Park further improved the Granatell Stadium complex in 2003. New FieldTurf athletic fields were installed in 2012 for baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer and track in the upper and lower athletic fields.

Savio Hall, 2017

In 2017, Savio Hall opened its doors showcasing a state-of-the-art Business Pathway board room, Engineering Pathway/Robotics lab, and Dining Hall, home to the students' daily breakfast and lunch as well as various receptions throughout the year.

Also constructed was the jewel of our campus, Sacred Heart Chapel, to Immaculata Hall, used for daily Mass, confession, and prayer for the school community. Dr. Scanlon Plaza lies adjacent to Immaculata Hall.

The Major Thomas Kennedy Memorial Park, was dedicated in 2018 in memory of those Ironmen who have lost their lives in service. Part of the Memorial Park is the much-loved pond, rich in history and fond memories for our alumni.

Fitness Center, 2019

With the construction of Savio Hall, which included a new Dining Hall for the students, the former cafeteria in Immaculata Hall was transformed into the Kelly Family Wellness Center. The fitness center, offers our teams and students state-of-the-art facilities for training, exercise, and better physical and mental health.

Contact Administration Department

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Joseph Azzolino

    Mr. Joseph Azzolino 

    President
    201-327-8003
  • Photo of Abraham Feliciano

    Fr. Abraham Feliciano 

    Director
    201-327-8003

Don Bosco Prep

492 N. Franklin Turnpike
Ramsey, NJ 07446
Phone: 201-327-8003 Fax: 201-327-3397
Together We Are Ironmen