Malvern Preparatory School: A Comprehensive Overview

Malvern Preparatory School, often called Malvern Prep, is an independent, all-boys Catholic middle and college preparatory high school located in Malvern, Pennsylvania, within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The school, situated at 418 S Warren Ave in Malvern, serves students in grades 6-12.

Historical Context

Malvern Preparatory School was initially founded as a preparatory academy on the campus of Villanova University in 1842 at the Belle-Aire farm, which the Augustinian order had acquired in January 1842. The academy was originally named "St. Thomas of Villanova Academy." However, in 1922, due to the expansion of Villanova's college program and increasing distinctions between the academy and college attendees, a decision was made to relocate the academy from Villanova's campus.

The Rosengarten family of Malvern played a crucial role in this transition by selling 143 acres (58 ha) of their old farm, located between Warren Avenue and Paoli Pike, to the Augustinians. This land became the new home of Malvern Preparatory School. Notably, the property included the site of the Paoli Massacre, a Revolutionary War battlefield that Malvern Prep owned until 2000, when the Borough of Malvern purchased it for preservation purposes.

Upon relocation, only two original buildings were suitable for classes and have been preserved: Austin Hall (the original farmhouse) and Alber's Hall (the Friary). In 1924, three new buildings were constructed to accommodate the school's growing needs. By 1953, Malvern Prep had reached 200 students, leading to another construction phase that saw the erection of six new buildings over the next eight years. Over time, the number of boarders decreased, eventually to zero, making Malvern Prep an entirely day school.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw further expansion with the addition of a new indoor sports center (O'Neill Sports Center), a dining hall (Stewart Hall, formerly Villanova Hall), and several athletic fields. Recent constructions include a new art center named in honor of the former president, Reverend David J. Duffy, O.S.A.

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Augustinian Order

The North American Augustinian order was founded in 1796 when Irish friars arrived in Philadelphia. Michael Hurley became the first American to join the order the following year. The friars established schools, Villanova University, and Merrimack College, among other works throughout the Americas.

Academic Profile

Malvern Preparatory School aims to support each young man in realizing his potential and encourages them to try new things rather than quickly labeling them for a specific track. The school offers a broad range of academics, athletics, and activities.

The school has a total enrollment of 652 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. The annual tuition is $42,120. Malvern Preparatory School has received a Niche grade of A+. The average GPA is 3.8, the graduation rate is 100%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1300 and an ACT score of 31.

College Enrollment

Students who attended Malvern Preparatory School have enrolled in various colleges and universities, including:

The University of Alabama
Auburn University
Bates College
Belmont University
Bentley University
Bloomsburg University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Bryant University
Bucknell University
Cabrini University
Cal Poly
UC at Davis
UC at Irvine
UC at Los Angeles
UC at San Diego
UC Santa Barbara
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western University
Catholic University of America
Chapman University
College of Charleston
University of Chicago
Christopher Newport University
University of Cincinnati
Clarkson University
Clarion University of PA
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colby College
Colgate University
Univ. Naval Academy
Ursinus College
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
University of Virginia
Wake Forest University
Washington College
West Chester University
Wesleyan University
University of Wyoming

Athletics

Malvern, a member of the Inter-Ac League, participates in sixteen varsity sports:

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Baseball
Basketball
Crew
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Ice Hockey
Indoor Track
Lacrosse
Soccer
Squash
Swimming & Diving
Tennis
Water Polo
Wrestling
Rugby
Sailing

Malvern competes for the Heyward Cup with Germantown Academy, Haverford School, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, William Penn Charter, and Episcopal Academy.

Malvern Prep's football and basketball programs are frequently ranked in the "Inquirer's Top Ten" by The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Ice Hockey team holds the most titles in the Varsity AAA Flyers Cup. Malvern won the Varsity AAA Flyers Cup five consecutive seasons from 2001 to 2005 (and eight times in total: 1987, 1990, and 1997). Malvern has also won the Pennsylvania Varsity AAA State Championship twice (1990 & 2004).

Other Sports Achievements

Rugby: Malvern started a rugby team in the spring of 2010, finishing 6-1 in its first season.
Lacrosse: In 2006, Malvern Prep's Lacrosse team won the Pennsylvania State Lacrosse Championship and boasts three All-Americans.
Baseball: Malvern Prep's baseball team won the Pennsylvania Independent School's tournament.
Cross Country: The Cross Country team has won the Inter-Ac Championships numerous times, including a perfect score in 2005.
Crew: Malvern's rowing program has achieved significant success, including multiple SRA National titles, USRowing National Youth Invitational Championships, and Stotesbury Cup victories.

School Culture and Environment

While some past parents express positive experiences with Malvern Preparatory School, others have voiced concerns about the school's culture and administration. Some perceive a disconnect between the administration and the students, with a lack of connection and a willful ignorance of problematic student behavior. There are concerns that the school may prioritize its image over the individual development of its students. However, others maintain that Malvern is an excellent school that encourages boys to try new things and provides ample opportunities for involvement.

Notable Alumni

Malvern Preparatory School boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network, including individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields:

Tim Cooney (Class of 2009): Former professional baseball player.
David Boreanaz: Actor.
Ben Davis: Former professional baseball player.
Joseph Beam: A Black gay activist, poet, essayist, and editor.
Fran Dunphy: Former college basketball coach.
Larry Farnese: Politician.
Ken Giles: Professional baseball player.
Sean Jones: Olympic Modern Pentathlete.
Carl Nassib: Professional football player.
Ryan Nassib: Professional football player.
Chris Newell: Professional baseball player.
Michael S. Steele: Politician.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The annual tuition for Malvern Preparatory School is $42,120. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.

Location and Contact Information

Malvern Preparatory School is located at 418 S Warren Ave, Malvern, PA.

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