The Educational Tradition Behind Devon Prep
Devon Preparatory School carries forward the mission of the Piarist Order by preparing young men for the rigors of 21st century life.
That preparation is grounded in lived values:
- Charity
- Humility
- Patience
- Respect
- Simplicity
At Devon Prep, these values are modeled in word and in deed.
The Order of the Piarists
The Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools
(Latin: Ordo Clericorum Regularium Pauperum Matris Dei Scholarum Piarum)
Commonly known as The Piarists, the Order is the oldest Catholic educational order in the Church.
Abbreviation: Sch. P. or S. P.
Our Founder: St. Joseph Calasanctius
St. Joseph Calasanctius was born in 1557 in Peralta de la Sal, Spain. He was ordained a priest in 1583 and moved to Rome nine years later.
While serving in Rome, he encountered profound intellectual and moral poverty among the city’s children. He recognized that God was calling him to respond — not with charity alone, but with education.
In 1597, in the sacristy of the Church of St. Dorothy, he opened what became known as the First Popular Christian School.
- Education was completely free.
- The poorest children were welcomed first.
- The school was open to all children, regardless of religion.
This school is widely considered the world’s first modern elementary school.
The Pious Schools
As his mission expanded, St. Joseph gave his educational work a name:
The Pious Schools
Meaning: School for the Poor
He understood that educating young people especially the poor was not simply an act of service, but a lifelong calling.
A Religious Order Dedicated to Education
Recognizing the permanence of this mission, St. Joseph petitioned the Pope to elevate the congregation into a Religious Order.
In 1620, he wrote the Constitutions that continue to guide the life and mission of the Piarist Order. On August 8, 1622, Pope Gregory XV formally approved the Piarist Order.
From its founding until today, the Order continues its work of education and evangelization throughout the world.
The Four Vows of the Piarists
St. Joseph Calasanctius was born in 1557 in Peralta de la Like all religious orders, Piarists profess the traditional vows of:
- Poverty
- Chastity
- Obedience
In addition, following the wishes of St. Joseph Calasanctius, members take a fourth vow:
- To dedicate their lives to the education of the young
That fourth vow continues to define the Order’s identity today.
