 |
-
Established in 1997 as an alternative school for girls
-
Designed to break the cycle of poverty within families in Asbury Park by empowering the young women through value-based education
-
Students accepted without regard for race or creed
-
Based on the proven Jesuit "Nativity School" model
- Accepts academically capable students
- Limited class size of 15 students per grade
- Focus on middle school grades 5 - 8
- Provides highly structured learning and social environment
- Offers social counseling and mentoring support
- Emphasizes significant individual interaction with students
- Program requires parental or guardian involvement
-
Enrollment has grown from first class of 15 students in 1997 to its present-day potential roster of 60 students
-
More than 50 graduates are enrolled in local high schools with many returning to assist the Academy with after school activities such as fencing, music, physical education, basketball and tutoring
-
Originally established in abandoned parish youth center with the subsequent addition of two temporary trailers
In its tenth year, Sisters Academy has proven the value of this alternative school for Asbury Park's young women. Graduates have excelled in local high schools and are now role models in their colleges, communities and families.
While successful in its mission, Sisters Academy is becoming increasingly challenged by its space limitations. If the Academy is to further its commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty for young women in Asbury Park, it needs to grow from the original makeshift, temporary space to a permanent installation with appropriate facilities.
For these reasons, we are embarking on an ambitious effort to raise $3,500,000 to create a new home for Sisters Academy.