The History of General de Jesus College
A place where dreams take root and futures are built.
Serving San Isidro, Nueva Ecija and beyond since June 1946.
Our story
For 80 Years, a Home for Learning
For 80 years, General de Jesus College has been a place where dreams take root and futures are built. From its small beginnings in a rented house to a thriving school serving the town and beyond, it has been a home for learning, growth, and hope.
Every student who walks its halls carries a piece of its story, and every success becomes part of the College’s proud legacy.
The founding
Born From a Post-War Need
After World War II, the youth of San Isidro had nowhere to continue their secondary education. It was this need that inspired a group of devoted citizens: Paz Policarpio-Mendez, Soledad Medina, Francisco Narciso, Teofilo Abello, and Ricardo Odulio—to establish General de Jesus Academy.
The school was named after General Simeon de Jesus, a local hero and distinguished graduate of the Philippine Constabulary Academy (now the Philippine Military Academy), who was executed by the Japanese in Fort Santiago. His courage and integrity set the tone for the values the academy would uphold.
In June 1946, General de Jesus Academy opened in a rented house that had once belonged to the Moreno family. The school began modestly, with seven teachers and 255 students from first to fourth year.
Growth
From Academy to College
For the next three decades, the academy focused on secondary education. But in 1978, responding to parents who could not send their children to Manila or Cabanatuan for college, the school launched its collegiate department, offering Liberal Arts as its first program.
General de Jesus College offers a wide range of programs, including Education, Business Administration, Accountancy, Hospitality Management, and Information Technology. The Pre-school and Elementary departments were also added in 1992, expanding the College’s service to the community.
In 1997, after 50 years of dedication to education, the academy was officially converted into a college when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the change in status. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a progressive institution recognized as one of the best in the province.
Recognition
A Record of Excellence
The College’s excellence has been repeatedly recognized. In 1992, it ranked 144th nationally and 24th regionally in the DECS Top 300 Performing Colleges and Universities for the Professional Board Examination for Teachers, placing second in Nueva Ecija.
Its high school department was named the Most Effective Private High School in the Division of Nueva Ecija in 1996, and the College has received five-year accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities – Accrediting Council, Inc. (ACSCU-ACI).
Through the years
Eight Decades of Progress
1946
General de Jesus Academy opened in a rented house with seven teachers and 255 students.
1978
The collegiate department launched, offering Liberal Arts as its first program.
1992
The Pre-school and Elementary departments were added.
1997
The academy was officially converted into a college when the SEC approved the change in status.
2018
The Francisco Narciso Building became a key part of the campus transition, first serving the Elementary Department and now the College Department.
2023
The General Simeon de Jesus Building was completed, with a function hall, canteen, science laboratories, and air-conditioned amenities.
See every building and campus milestone on our About Us page.
Today
General de Jesus College Today
Today, General de Jesus College is a non-sectarian institution governed by a nine-member board. The current Chairman is Mr. Angelo S. Mendez, and the President/School Head is Jeffrey P. Franco, CPA, PhDBA, continuing the vision of the founders: to provide quality education and inspire generations of learners.