St. John's College Profile

St. John’s College is a four-year, co-educational liberal arts institution that stands out in the landscape of higher education in the United States. Founded in 1696 as King William's School in Annapolis, Maryland, and chartered as St. John’s College in 1784, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest colleges in the nation. With its commitment to intellectual rigor, a distinctive educational philosophy, and a small, close-knit community, St. John’s College offers a unique experience to students seeking an education that is both intellectually stimulating and personally transformative.

The college's history begins with King William’s School, which was established to provide young men of the region with a classical education. Originally, the school was modeled after the educational traditions of England and focused primarily on training students for the clergy or other professional roles in society. However, by the time it was chartered as St. John’s College in 1784, the institution was already expanding its academic offerings to encompass a broader range of subjects, reflecting the intellectual currents of the time and the evolving needs of the young American republic. As the United States struggled to define itself as a new nation, St. John’s College began to adopt the ideals of liberty, self-reliance, and the pursuit of knowledge that would become hallmarks of American education.

Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, has remained a crucial location for the college. The campus, which lies within the Annapolis Historic District, is a National Historic Landmark. This designation highlights not only the historical significance of the college but also its connection to the broader cultural and historical landscape of the United States. The buildings on the Annapolis campus are a blend of architectural styles, with some dating back to the 18th century. The college’s setting, in the heart of a historic city, offers students a unique opportunity to study and live in an environment steeped in American history.

The academic philosophy at St. John’s College is centered on the study of the great books of the Western tradition. The college does not offer traditional majors or specialized programs. Instead, the curriculum is based on a shared core of texts that span disciplines such as philosophy, literature, history, science, mathematics, and the arts. Students read and engage directly with the works of ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, as well as with the writings of modern thinkers like Nietzsche, Descartes, and Darwin. The goal of this approach is not to cover a wide range of topics in a shallow way but to immerse students in a deep, sustained study of key texts that have shaped the course of human thought.

At St. John’s College, the educational experience is defined by its unique method of teaching, which is based on the Socratic dialogue. Rather than passively receiving information from lecturers, students are encouraged to engage with the material actively. Every class is structured around discussion, where students ask questions, offer interpretations, and debate the meaning of the texts they are studying. This approach ensures that students do not just memorize facts or repeat established ideas; instead, they develop the ability to think critically, to examine their assumptions, and to argue persuasively. The Socratic method also fosters a sense of intellectual community, as students and professors engage in collaborative inquiry rather than hierarchical instruction.

St. John’s College’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary education. Students do not specialize in one area of study but instead pursue a broad and integrated understanding of knowledge. The emphasis on the great books encourages them to explore connections across disciplines and to think about how various fields of study intersect. For example, students may consider how the scientific revolution influenced philosophical thought, or how literature can illuminate moral and ethical questions in ways that pure philosophy cannot. This interconnected approach to learning prepares students to think in a more holistic way about complex issues, equipping them to engage with the world in a thoughtful and informed manner.

The college’s two-campus structure—one in Annapolis, Maryland, and another in Santa Fe, New Mexico—ensures that its unique curriculum and educational philosophy are available to a wide range of students. The Santa Fe campus, which opened in 1967, houses the Graduate Institute in Liberal Education. This program is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate degrees and wish to continue their study of the great books. Graduate students at St. John’s are immersed in the same intellectual environment as undergraduates, engaging with the same core texts and participating in the same rigorous discussions. The graduate program builds on the foundational principles of the undergraduate curriculum, providing an opportunity for deeper engagement with philosophical and intellectual questions at an advanced level.

The Annapolis and Santa Fe campuses both reflect the college’s commitment to small class sizes and close faculty-student interaction. St. John’s College places a strong emphasis on teaching quality, and this is reflected in the high level of engagement between professors and students. According to The Princeton Review, St. John’s College (Santa Fe) ranked first in the nation for "accessibility of teachers" and "best class discussion." The college’s professors are not just experts in their fields; they are also dedicated mentors who guide students in their intellectual journeys. The Socratic method of teaching requires that students actively participate in discussions, and faculty members work closely with students to help them refine their thinking, challenge their ideas, and deepen their understanding of the material.

St. John’s College is widely recognized for the quality of its teaching. In The Princeton Review’s "Best 357 Colleges" (2005 edition), the Santa Fe campus was ranked No. 1 for "best teachers" and No. 1 for "best class discussion." In addition, the college received top rankings for "best overall quality of life" and "best overall academic experience." These rankings reflect the satisfaction of students with their education and the overall college experience. St. John’s College offers an academic environment that encourages intellectual exploration while also fostering a sense of community among students and faculty.

The college’s focus on intellectual development and community engagement is supported by its residential life program. St. John’s College is a small institution, and its residential housing is designed to foster close relationships among students. Dormitories are places of active learning and social interaction, where students often continue their discussions outside of class. St. John’s College encourages students to form lasting friendships, engage in extracurricular activities, and contribute to the cultural and social life of the campus. The emphasis on community and intellectual growth ensures that students are not only prepared for careers but also for meaningful lives as thoughtful, engaged citizens.

St. John’s College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the American Academy for Liberal Education. These accreditations ensure that the college meets high standards of academic quality and rigor. Furthermore, St. John’s College is recognized as one of the forty colleges featured in Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools You Should Know About Even If You’re Not a Straight-A Student. This recognition highlights the college’s ability to offer a transformative education that goes beyond grades and test scores, focusing instead on the development of the whole person.

The Princeton Review also recognizes St. John’s College for the happiness of its students. The Santa Fe campus was ranked 7th in the nation for "happiest students," while the Annapolis campus ranked 17th. These rankings suggest that St. John’s College students find a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their academic pursuits and social lives. The strong sense of community, combined with the intellectually stimulating environment, creates an atmosphere in which students thrive both academically and personally.

St. John’s College’s approach to higher education stands as a model of intellectual rigor, community engagement, and personal development. The college’s commitment to the liberal arts and its focus on the great books of the Western tradition provide students with the tools to think critically, engage with the world’s most pressing questions, and contribute meaningfully to society. St. John’s College is not just an institution of higher learning; it is a community of scholars dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and the development of thoughtful, engaged citizens. Through its unique curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive community, St. John’s College offers an educational experience that is intellectually enriching and personally transformative.