October '24 School Spotlight - St. Benedict Classical Academy in Natick, MA

Since its inception in 2013, St. Benedict Classical Academy (SBCA) in MetroWest Boston has dedicated itself to providing a Catholic education firmly rooted in the classical tradition. Recognizing parents as the primary educators of their children, SBCA endeavors to foster a deep connection to Truth, Beauty, and Goodness among its students. Committed to forming both Saints and Scholars, the Academy aims to nurture joyful hearts that reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The journey began when a small group of passionate Catholic parents convened in Wellesley, Massachusetts, driven by the urgent need for a truly Catholic primary school. Frustrated by limited options, they established St. Benedict Elementary, which initially welcomed just 24 eager students in a leased office space. Today, SBCA has grown into a thriving community serving over 322 students from Early Learning through Grade 7, with plans for an eighth grade on the horizon. At SBCA, students engage with a curriculum that artfully weaves together classical education principles and a robust Catholic foundation. The school offers a Montessori-inspired program for its youngest learners, complemented by a rigorous classical curriculum for older students. Subjects such as Singapore Math, hands-on science, and rich literature are integrated with theology and character formation, helping students understand the vital interplay between knowledge and virtue. Daily life at SBCA is imbued with spiritual depth, featuring regular opportunities for Mass, the Rosary, and character formation programs. Visits from clergy and spiritual retreats further enrich students' faith lives, cultivating a vibrant spiritual community. One of the standout initiatives at SBCA is the House of Faith program, which combines students from K-6 into mixed houses that participate in projects, lessons, and challenges each month. This program not only fosters collaboration among the community but also allows older students to thrive as they mentor their younger peers, reinforcing a sense of community and shared purpose. “Our mission is to unite Catholic faith with a classical curriculum, providing students with a foundation of wisdom and virtue that prepares them to bear witness to the Kingdom of God,” Jay Boren, Headmaster emphasizes. Community is central to SBCA’s ethos. Parental involvement is not just welcomed; it is essential, with families actively engaging in volunteer opportunities and school events that reinforce shared values and commitment to education. SBCA exemplifies a profound dedication to classical Catholic education that extends beyond academics, aiming to instill a lifelong love of learning and a deep-rooted faith in its students. Through a distinctive blend of rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and community engagement, SBCA is shaping a new generation of Saints and Scholars who embody Truth, Goodness and Beauty in their daily lives. From its humble beginnings, SBCA has gained recognition for its steadfast commitment to academic excellence and a strong Catholic identity. The Academy has earned multiple accolades, including a place on the National Catholic Education Honor Roll, and has attracted attention for its educational approach. Thanks to the generous support of donors, SBCA is proudly completing the construction of a new school building and chapel to meet the growing demand and accommodate continued growth In a poignant expression of hope and faith, on Saturday, October 19th over 300 people from their community participated in a beautiful Eucharistic procession from their current schoolhouse at 2 Pleasant Street to their soon-to-be new home at 89 Union Street. When they arrived at their new schoolhouse, their chaplain, Fr. Peter Stamm, celebrated Mass for their community on the front steps of the new school. It truly was a glorious event. This sacred journey symbolizes not only a physical transition but also a spiritual one, marking a new chapter in the school’s mission to cultivate a vibrant, faith-filled educational environment. As they walked together, carrying the presence of Christ, the community reflected on the blessings of the past and the promise of the future. This procession also embodies the renewal in Catholic education we have witnessed over the past two decades. In this context, SBCA stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring other institutions to reaffirm their commitments to Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. As SBCA moves forward, it remains steadfast in its mission to nurture students who will carry the light of their faith into the world. Looking ahead, SBCA envisions opportunities for growth, particularly in  faces challenges in keeping pace with demand, as increasing interest has resulted in an extensive waitlist. The need for specialized teaching and resources for both its youngest and oldest students remains an ongoing hurdle. This is the point where the St. John Henry Newman Institute steps in. Our mission is to support exemplary institutions like St. Benedict Classical Academy by addressing challenges in curriculum development, staffing, fundraising, and more. We aim to ensure that SBCA not only overcomes these obstacles but thrives, making a lasting impact in the realm of Catholic education.   For more information on St. Benedict Classical Academy, visit their website here.