Devon Prep enters partnership with Villanova University

DEVON >> Devon Preparatory School has announced a partnership with Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies beginning in the 2017-18 academic year. Through this partnership, Devon Prep students will have the opportunity to complete undergraduate and professional studies courses at Villanova.

After reviewing Devon Prep’s curriculum, the university determined which courses in their catalog would enhance and supplement what the students are currently studying. Devon students will have the option to apply to all courses with open seats within the College of Professional Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and potentially within Villanova’s prestigious Business and Engineering programs with special permission from the deans.

According to Devon Prep Headmaster Rev. Francisco Aisa, Sch.P., taking Villanova courses – in any academic area, on the campus itself – allows students to become accustomed to the college environment now, not down the line.

“We couldn’t be happier to pair with Villanova,” Aisa said. “We are always looking to expand our course offerings, and recent, successful additions and improvements to the Devon curriculum have emboldened us to go further for our boys. Devon Prep is taking this significant step to ensure we’re doing all we can, and offering all we can, to prepare our students to tackle college from day one.”

In reviewing their options, Villanova’s proximity to Devon Prep made the partnership very attractive. But with the university’s growing popularity and longstanding reputation as a top-tier academic institution, combined with their commonality in mission, the choice was an easy one for the Devon administration.

“Villanova wants a community to live a Villanova lifestyle and to be immersed in what it means to be a Villanova student,” Aisa said. “We look for the same passion in all our applicants and students attending Devon Prep – academically, spiritually, athletically, and socially – that they want to be here and be an active, participating member in our Devon Prep community.”

Devon Prep students will have to fulfill specific criteria to be considered for the program, and the application process will run directly through Villanova. During the inaugural year only rising seniors can apply, but in future years qualified juniors will be eligible as well.

Although not the first high school to partner with a university, Devon Prep is the first to partner with Villanova in this fashion.

“This isn’t a program open to a select few - we want as many of our students as possible to be afforded this opportunity,” Aisa said. “We believe that partnering with Villanova to offer students this additional opportunity will help prepare them for their next steps, both at college and in life.”