Embracing All Faiths at St. Ann School: A Place for Every Child to Grow

Embracing All Faiths at St. Ann School: A Place for Every Child to Grow

Our mission is to provide a well-rounded education that fosters each student’s faith, academic growth, and sense of community. We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful atmosphere where children can thrive both academically and morally. While Catholic teachings are central to our school, they do not exclude families from other faiths. Whether Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, or from another faith entirely, your child will find a place at St. Ann School to explore, reflect, and grow in values like kindness, compassion, and respect.

A Family’s Journey: Finding Common Ground in Faith

The Braunschweig family, who recently joined our St. Ann community, shared: “We sought a school rooted in faith, and St. Ann’s surpassed our hopes. Despite not being Catholic ourselves, we appreciate how the school's Christian principles resonate with our own values and the integration of faith into daily activities.”

This sentiment reflects the heart of what makes St. Ann School so special. Our goal is not to change your family's faith but to nurture your child’s growth within an environment where values like kindness, compassion, and service are emphasized daily. The Gorshe family found their initial school tour helpful, stating, “Catholicism isn’t a prerequisite for admission, and the school embraces families from all religious backgrounds”—a point that highlights the inclusivity we strive to maintain in our community.

Additionally, Kelsey Braunschweig shared another valuable perspective, stating, “We were pleased to learn during our school tour that scholarships and financial aid made private education accessible for us. The after-school ‘Little Branches’ program was also an amazing option.” This reflects our commitment to making St. Ann School a viable choice for families, regardless of their financial background, while offering enriching opportunities for growth outside of regular school hours.

The Excellence of a Catholic Education

A Catholic education is widely recognized for its excellence because it blends academic rigor with a strong moral framework, helping to shape well-rounded individuals who excel both intellectually and in character. At St. Ann School, our approach ensures that students not only master core subjects but also develop critical life skills, a deep sense of responsibility, and a commitment to serving others.

Catholic schools are known for their emphasis on discipline, respect, and high academic standards. Research consistently shows that Catholic schools provide a safe, structured environment where students thrive. They benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized attention from dedicated teachers, and a values-based curriculum that shapes their character and prepares them for future success. These qualities contribute to why a Catholic education is one of the most sought-after educational experiences.

At St. Ann School, we build on this tradition of excellence by integrating faith and learning in a way that benefits all students—whether or not they are Catholic. Our focus is on nurturing the whole child: intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

Faith-Based Learning: A Benefit for All Students

All students at St. Ann School participate in Mass and religion classes, but these experiences go beyond religious instruction. Our faith-based curriculum instills moral values that are universally applicable—values that guide students not just through their school years, but throughout life. Concepts like honesty, empathy, community service, and personal responsibility are woven throughout our lessons and activities, helping to shape the character of all our students, regardless of their religious beliefs.

As Kelsey beautifully put it, “We are so grateful to have found a school that supports our daughter’s education, faith, and personal growth in such a welcoming and nurturing environment.” The integration of faith into daily activities benefits every child, offering them a strong moral foundation, no matter where they come from spiritually.

Participation in Mass and religion classes is not about converting students to Catholicism, but about providing a moral framework that promotes personal growth and strengthens their sense of community. We recognize that faith is a deeply personal journey, and our goal is to support each child’s path while fostering respect for the beliefs of others.

A Foundation to Grow and Thrive

At St. Ann School, our staff consists of dedicated Catholic and Christian educators committed to providing a strong, faith-centered education with Christ at the center of all we do. While we uphold Catholic values, we believe the lessons of kindness, compassion, and service that flow from our faith benefit all students. These core values are embedded in our academic, social, and emotional framework, helping students excel academically and develop a strong sense of moral responsibility. Students of all faiths can thrive in this environment, gaining a deeper understanding of integrity and how to serve others.

The nurturing atmosphere, smaller class sizes, and personalized attention are crucial to our educational approach. As another parent shared, “The nurturing atmosphere, smaller class sizes, and offerings such as Spanish lessons and regular counselor sessions solidified our decision.” The school’s focus on supporting every child, both academically and emotionally, creates an environment where students can truly flourish.

The Falk family also shared their experience, emphasizing the importance of community and connection: “We like the discipline and how close the kids can be to their teachers and peers. We also enjoy the smaller classrooms. Even though our son is not Catholic, the school is very welcoming of our non-denominational Christian faith. We really enjoyed that at Thanksgiving dinner, our son wanted to pray and he knew the whole Hail Mary by heart. My husband, Adam, and I both teared up.” This moment encapsulates the essence of St. Ann’s—where faith, discipline, and community come together to create meaningful experiences that resonate long after they’ve occurred.

Jessica Ritchie also reflected on her initial concerns and how she came to appreciate the school: “I was on the fence at first about my son attending, since I’m not Catholic. However, I soon realized that the school teaches such good values and a sense of community. That’s really important to me and my husband.” This speaks to the core of St. Ann's mission to create a warm, values-driven environment that welcomes families from all backgrounds.

Similarly, Ryan Steele shared how St. Ann’s became a place of connection and support for his family, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic: “We originally joined St. Ann’s school due to COVID school closures and the very hard time our girls were having with remote learning. I really had no reservations or concerns about signing the girls up due to our neighbor speaking so highly about the school. Since we joined, we have also become members of the parish and do attend church on occasion. The people we have met over the last 4 years are incredible and would do anything to help other families.” This highlights not only the school’s ability to adapt and support families during difficult times but also the deep sense of community that extends beyond the classroom.

The Takeaway: A Holistic Education for Every Child

At St. Ann School, we offer an educational experience that nurtures the whole child—intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Our faith-based approach is integral to who we are, but it is never about excluding anyone. Whether your child is Catholic, from another Christian denomination, or follows a different faith, we are committed to providing an environment where they can grow academically while developing strong moral character.

Kelsey summed it up perfectly: “We are so grateful to have found a school that supports our daughter’s education, faith, and personal growth in such a welcoming and nurturing environment.” This is the experience we want to offer every family that walks through our doors—an opportunity for their child to succeed and thrive in a safe, inclusive, and faith-filled environment.

In the end, we believe that our Catholic faith, values, and traditions can benefit all students. Our goal is not to change their religious identity, but to help them become compassionate, responsible, and ethical individuals who will make a positive impact on the world around them.

We invite you to explore St. Ann School, where faith, learning, and community come together to create an environment where every child can succeed—regardless of their background.