Inaugural School Accelerator – A Transformative Week for Catholic Schools
- Isabella Maciejewski
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
In October, the St. John Henry Newman Institute brought together committed leaders in Catholic education for our inaugural School Accelerator—an immersive, high-impact experience designed to invigorate mission-driven schools and deepen their capacity for renewal.
Immersion in Mission and Community
Over three days, participants—school heads, administrators, and pastors—came together to engage deeply with the principles of Perennial Catholic Education, network with peers, and chart actionable growth plans for their institutions. The energy and purpose in the room were palpable: conversations ranged from visionary shifts in curriculum to concrete strategies in governance, culture-formation, and donor stewardship.
Elevating Leadership and Practice
Our Accelerator featured a curated lineup of thought-leaders and practitioners who brought wisdom, inspiration, and practical takeaways. Sessions included topics such as:
Vision and mission articulation for Perennial Catholic schools
Building institutional health and renewal in a changing educational landscape
Tools and methods for operational excellence in both faculty formation and administrative life
Cultivating culture, community, and Catholic identity at the heart of school leadership
Beyond the flurry of sessions, we carved out meaningful time for networking, peer-to-peer learning, and community gatherings—because renewal happens not only in the lecture hall, but in the exchange of experience, ideas, and shared resolve.
Transforming Vision into Practice
One of our core goals was not simply to inform, but to transform: to see participants return to their schools with renewed clarity, momentum, and purpose. The feedback was compelling: participants showed readiness to embed new practices in staff formation, align mission and vision across faculty and board, and launch initiatives to strengthen school culture and governance.
This event marks a significant milestone for JHNI—it proves that our vision for supporting the renewal of Catholic classical education is not only needed, but thriving. The Accelerator has become a place where leaders leave not just inspired, but ready to lead.
Looking Ahead: Join the Movement
With this successful pilot behind us, we’re excited to announce that another Accelerator is on the horizon, taking place February 2nd-5th at the Augustine Institute near St. Louis, MO. We’re expanding our cohort, enriching our program, and building on the momentum created this October. Reserve your spot using this link.
If you’re a leader in a Catholic school looking to deepen your mission, sharpen your strategy, build your network, and join a growing movement of renewal, we invite you to be part of the next cohort.
Stay tuned for details and registration in the weeks ahead—together, we will continue to shape institutions that form joyful saints and thrive in mission.
