VENERINI ACADEMY
Mission Statement
Venerini Academy is a private Catholic school educating students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. We welcome students of various religious, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
Venerini Academy’s nurturing environment embraces the Gospel message through religious and academic instruction of its dedicated staff. Through the inspiration of the educational belief of Saint Rosa Venerini, “To educate is to liberate,” we foster the spiritual, moral, physical, intellectual, and social development of the child. We provide a solid foundation which allows each student to make a positive impact in the community.
History
The Order of the Venerini Sisters derives its name from its foundress, Saint Rosa Venerini (February 9, 1656 – May 7, 1728), who established the first school for girls in the 17th century in Italy. The order came to America at the turn of the century in 1909.
In September 1945, under the leadership of Bishop O’Leary, Mother Esther, and Sister Maria Antoinette, Venerini Academy opened. Originally housed in three buildings, it began as a private Catholic boarding and day school for girls with classes from elementary to high school level.
Venerini Academy continued to expand and a new building was constructed in 1954 at the present site on Edward Street. In 1968, Venerini became co-educational, and a modified Montessori Kindergarten was introduced. Venerini Academy graduated its last high school class in 1970.
Philosophy
Venerini Academy is dedicated and committed to its students and their families. The educational system at Venerini Academy, based on the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, provides academic challenge within an active Christian setting. The school is structured so as to foster the spiritual, physical, intellectual, psychological, and social development of the child and adapts itself to the needs of the child. This aim is supported by the staff through instruction and by example.
Community, an outgrowth of a Christian education, is a reality to be lived. The many varied backgrounds of students at Venerini Academy enable us to accept and appreciate one another’s cultures as we strive to grow as members of a Christian community.
Our goal as Christian educators is to give service through prayer, teaching, and participation in the cause of social justice. We encourage students to reach out to those who are in need of assistance. Children also participate in the special liturgical and Para liturgical services held during the year.
In light of our aim, we seek to provide for parental support in the child’s life at school in order that the school and home may mutually reinforce the values of Christ in the home.
