St. Ann Classical Academy in Raritan, NJ: A Resurgence of Classical Education Ignites Academic Renaissance

Written By: Lauren Nemzek

RARITAN, NJ - In a quiet corner of Raritan, New Jersey, a transformative educational revival is taking place at St. Ann Classical Academy. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of contemporary educational trends, this institution is paving the way for a renaissance in learning, embracing the timeless principles of classical education to shape the minds of the future.

Originally established in 1965, St. Ann Classical Academy has been quietly but steadily gaining recognition since the Fall of 2019 for its commitment to instilling a love for learning and nurturing critical thinking through a preK-8 curriculum rooted in the Trivium - grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The school's success is evident in its profound impact on the intellectual and moral development of its students.

The mission of the Academy is to build a foundation for its students in the knowledge of the goodness, beauty, and truth of God’s creation, both visible and invisible, to cultivate in them an understanding of the true nature of the human person intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually, and to nurture them as Christian disciples leading to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Source of all knowledge and wisdom
Photo Credit: AJ Rose Media Agency

As word of its classical approach and mission focusing on the whole student, St. Ann Classical Academy grew in size, now boasting a diverse student body drawn from throughout the Diocese of Metuchen, reflecting the universal appeal of a classical education that transcends cultural and geographical borders.

Academic Rigor

At the heart of the Academy's educational philosophy is the belief that a classical education provides students with a solid foundation in language, mathematics, history, and science, tied together through our Catholic faith.

St. Ann Classical Academy’s curriculum and method of teaching is designed to awaken wonder and awe as its students learn about order, patterns, and natural laws found within math and the sciences. Students' hearts and minds are opened to the beauty and truth found in great literature and in the lives and events of historical heroes and saints. A strong language arts foundation enables students to express themselves clearly and effectively.

St. Ann returns to the roots of Catholic education. Low-technology learning – with an emphasis on books rather than computers – ensures that students learn via a model that has worked for hundreds of years. Here, students learn the lost arts of Latin and cursive writing. Small class sizes, a high teacher to student ratio, and a focused classical curriculum sets St. Ann Classical Academy apart from other schools.

The school is organized according to the classical model of a Lower School (Pre K – 3rd Grade) and an Upper School (4th-8th Grade), with a focus on the Trivium. In the Pre Grammar Stage (Pre K-Kindergarten), students work to master fundamental learning, social, and academic skills. As students grow in knowledge, they also grow in faith through daily recitation of common prayers. During the Grammar stage (~1st-4th), children's minds are like sponges! Classical education capitalizes on this phase, skillfully training students to absorb vast amounts of material. From math facts to historical events, phonics rules to Latin declensions, this stage sets the stage for a lifetime of learning. In the Logic stage (~5th-8th), students develop critical thinking by exploring cause-and-effect relationships and connecting various pieces of information. This phase equips them with essential analytical skills, preparing them for advanced stages of learning in high school and beyond.

Mrs. Marisa Day, Head of School and a fervent advocate for classical education, notes, "Our goal is not just to impart knowledge but to cultivate thinkers who can navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and discernment."

"I think that the classical approach... has been life-changing,” says Frank J. Graziano, grandparent of a current St. Ann student. “They are making sure that there is a true foundation that makes the students not only learn but also apply what they have learned.... I see how he has started to learn each skill not just for the moment, but as something he must truly master and build on every day."

Catholic Identity

Beyond the academic rigor, St. Ann Classical Academy places a strong emphasis on cultivating virtue, moral education, and Catholic identity. Its Catholic classical liberal arts curriculum operates on the premise that God has created all that is, for a purpose, and with a plan. Moreover, God has given humanity special gifts that enable us to learn and grow, to apply ourselves in seeking what is true, good, and beautiful. The gifts of intellect and free will, which God gave to the human person, enable humans to order their thinking with reason and to exercise virtue in their choosing. At St. Ann Classical Academy, children develop personal and academic confidence, know they are uniquely loved, and learn to respect the dignity of the human person, themselves, and that of others.

Fr. Tom Odorizzi, School Administrator and Pastor, Raritan Oratory of St. Philip Neri, is confident in St. Ann Classical Academy’s identity. In a letter to parents, he writes, “We are a Catholic school of faith — Christ our Redeemer and the loving creative plan of our God is recognized as central to understanding our humanity and all academic subjects. We believe that the promotion of objective truth, goodness, and beauty ought to be elements in the learning process of children. We want to help them to see that their lives have meaning and purpose, that character development and growth in virtue will enrich their lives, and that there is a destiny in communion with God to hope for and that calls out to them.”

Students actively put their faith into action. They attend Mass twice a week and adoration monthly, pray the rosary daily, and participate in classroom and school-wide activities infused with Church seasons and feast days, like All Saints Day, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Advent, and Lent Triduum retreats.

Mike Spille, parent of a current student, sees the impact of the dual focus on the whole student. He says, “St. Ann's has been key to transforming our daughter from a student who lacked confidence and was falling further and further behind her grade level into a confident young lady who is now performing to her true capabilities and grade level."

The smaller size of St. Ann Classical Academy provides the ideal situation to build a community of teachers, parents, and students who are passionate about classical education and the growth of students in academics and virtue.

Photo Credit: AJ Rose Media Agency

The Enduring Value of Classical Education

The classical approach through grade 8 prepares students well for the rigors of high school. “My children will be well prepared for high school” says Christina Tuma, parent of a current student. “Every school that we have interviewed with has complimented my son for his level of maturity and they have commented that it is obvious he is coming from an extensive background of private education.”

Photo Credit: A. Warger

St. Ann Classical Academy's success serves as a testament to the enduring value of classical education in a rapidly changing world. As the school continues to thrive, its impact is not confined to the academic realm, but resonates in the lives of students who are emerging as thoughtful, articulate, and principled individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.

Curious about Classical?

St. Ann Classical Academy, the only classical school in the Diocese of Metuchen, will host its annual Pancake Breakfast and Catholic Schools Week Open House for prospective families on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Pancake Breakfast will be served in the school cafeteria at 9:00am and Mass will take place at The Catholic Church of St. Ann, Raritan, at 10:30am, followed by the Open House and School Tours from 11:30am-2:00pm. Advance registration is preferred.

Ready to learn more about authentically Catholic, rigorously classical, and simply joyful education offered at St. Ann Classical Academy? Call 908-725-7787 or visit stannclassical.org/open-house to learn more, register for the Open House, or enroll today!

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