August '24 School Spotlight - Divine Mercy Academy in Pasadena, MD

JHNI spotlights Divine Mercy Academy (DMA) as our first ever School Spotlight feature. Each month, JHNI highlights a school that exemplifies excellence in advancing the nationwide renaissance of Catholic Education.

Since its founding in 2019, Divine Mercy Academy (DMA) in Maryland has been on a mission to deliver a transformative educational experience deeply rooted in the Catholic Liberal Arts tradition. Emphasizing the role of parents as primary educators, DMA strives to cultivate a profound connection to Truth, Beauty, and Goodness among its students. Under the patronage of Our Lady, DMA is dedicated to forming Saints and Scholars who joyfully embody the teachings of the Catholic Church.

DMA was started

by Ali Ghaffari, a former atheist whose journey to Catholicism ignited a passion for providing his children—and others—with a spiritually enriching education. Frustrated by a lack of suitable options in existing schools, Ghaffari took matters into his own hands, starting DMA as a parent with no formal background in education. Today, over half of the academy’s faculty are dedicated parents, contributing to a vibrant community of shared values and educational goals. At DMA, students engage with a curriculum that integrates classical education principles with a Catholic foundation. Concepts like St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body are taught alongside the founding documents of our nation to provide a comprehensive understanding of authentic freedom and responsibility. Even their youngest students explore the first peoples of ancient civilizations and their rudimentary artwork, paralleling their own attempts at creating simple art. This approach ensures that students learn everything in an integrated manner, appreciating the interconnectedness of knowledge. The school’s daily routine includes Mass, the Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, fostering a deep spiritual life among students and faculty alike. Regular visits from clergy, spiritual retreats, and encounters with Catholic speakers enrich the educational experience, grounding it in faith and tradition.

From its modest beginnings with 19 students, the school has grown impressively, now serving 141 students from Kindergarten to 8th grade. The academy’s commitment

to Catholic Liberal Arts education has garnered attention beyond its community, with Bishop Thomas Daly visiting in recognition of its impact. The school has also been featured in several national and international media outlets, highlighting its unique impact on the Catholic educational landscape. Notable mentions include EWTN Living Divine Mercy,

EWTN News in Depth

, and

Fox and Friends

, all of which underscore DMA’s role in revitalizing Catholic education and its commitment to academic and spiritual excellence.

"Our mission is to partner with parents in their roles as the primary educators of their children, so as to foster a love for Truth, Beauty, Goodness and learning by providing students with a foundation of wisdom and virtue, so that they may bear witness to the kingdom of God"

Community is at the heart o

f DMA’s ethos. The school embrac

es a collaborative spirit where parental involvement is not just welcomed but essential, with families committing to annual volunteer hours and participating in monthly spiritual gatherings. Students actively engage with local traditions and celebrations, enhancing their education with experiences that strengthen their ties to faith and community.

DMA exemplifies a comm

itment to Catholic Liberal Arts education that transcends mere academics, aiming to instill a lifelong love for learning

and a profound faith in its students. Through its unique blend of rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and community engagement, DMA continues to shape a new generation of Saints and Scholars who embrace Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in their lives.

Looking forward, DMA sees opportunities to expand its offerings, potentially adding a Pre-K program. The school also envisions establishing similar Catholic schools across the country, spreading its mission to nurture future generations.

Operating as an independent school presents financial challenges typical of private institutions, further complica

ted by DMA’s decision to forgo government funding. Staffing is also a significant hurdle, as the academy seeks educators who are not only skilled in the Liberal Arts tradition, but also deeply committed Catholics aligned with the Magisterium.

This is where the St. John Henry Newman Institute plays a crucial role. Our mission is to support exemplary institutions like

Divine M

ercy Academy by addressing their challenges in curriculum developm

ent, staffing, training, fund

raising, and any other point of weakness, ensuring they

not only overc

ome obstacles but thrive and continue to make a profound impact in Catholic education.

Ali Ghaffari now applies his expertise gained from DMA to advance the renewal of Catholic education. In his role as Task Force Director for the St. John Henry Newman Institute, he engages with specialists to systematically capture and formalize the comprehensive elements of this educational renewal. Ali's methodical approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of educational institutions, support homeschooling networks, and bolster the broader Church community

For more information and to explore how you can support Divine Mercy Academy, visit their website here.