St. Michael’s Academy is America's first "Catholic Immersion School."
What is a Catholic IMMERSION SCHOOL?

LICENSING AND STAFFING
Incorporated in 1976, St. Michael’s Academy was then federally certified and licensed by the State of Minnesota in 1982, having a non-profit tax exempt status. Applicants who wish to teach at the Academy are interviewed for an intensive two days to discover their abilities, aspirations, and competency. Each applicant takes a written subject matter competency test, and teaches two classes audited by administrators. Only those who prove their ability to teach and their dedication to the mission of the Catholic Church are hired by St. Michael’s

Academic Performance
SMA students perform at a higher academic level than many students coming from other public or parochial schools. This is proven regularly using SAT’s and other forms of testing. When compared with students in the same grades in math and reading, SMA students were often ranked in the 80th and 90th percentiles.

The Renewal of Catholic Culture
With the purpose of renewing our beautiful Catholic Culture in these modern times, SMA incorporates the Church’s Liturgical Year into daily living. Living the liturgical year guides the children to grow in love of the Liturgy and one day be able to make their homes a living witness to Jesus Christ and His Church. The Mass and the beauty of the Liturgical Year are the core of Catholic Culture.

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COURSEWORK

Religion
Religion Classes are taught using an apologetics approach to help prepare students not just to live the Faith, but to defend it. St. Michael’s students are carefully taught the holy Truths by teachers who use standard Catholic references to formulate their lectures: Holy Scripture, Church Council Documents, encyclicals, writings of Church Fathers and Doctors, as well as daily prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and instruction in the Church’s Liturgical life. SMA students are well grounded in the tenets and practices of the Faith.

Mathematics
A solid foundation in fundamental mathematics is imperative in order to excel in today’s highly technocratic society. To this end, St. Michael’s insists on memorization of basic math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) in the lower grades so that calculator-free students are empowered to pursue the challenges of more advanced math in the upper grades as well as high school Algebra in the 8th grade.

Literature/Phonics
To enjoy this rich heritage of Western Literature, a first tool is needed. The cornerstone to education at SMA is Phonics, reading’s only sure foundation. Without good reading skills, one can never hope to penetrate the wealth of excellent literary works.

Phonics is the underpinning of The Academy’s reading course. After second grade, students read from a collection of hundreds of classic books of English, American and Catholic literature. The Grade School reading program ties students into the beginning of our Literature Curriculum which asks students to read aloud daily from a treasury of the many classics. Great literature allows students to read with discernment and analytical thinking, and to grow in appreciation of goodness and beauty.

History
It is imperative for SMA students to know where the Church has been historically and to determine where we must go in the future. This is the purpose of studying History. The "why" of History is taught in conjunction with the "what" and the solutions to historical problems are presented in reference to the mission of the Church. Modern problems can be solved and understood only if one understands the lessons of History in the Light of Divine Revelation. In addition to Church History, course work includes American and European History.

Latin
Latin is the underpinning of the Romance languages and the most effective tool for achieving high caliber etymologically driven communication skills. To this day, Latin is also the official language of the Roman Catholic Church. Therefore an introduction to this language places the students in touch with their Catholic Heritage while developing language skills.

Grammar
English Grammar and Composition are skills needed to effectively communicate with others. Students must learn to express their ideas and beliefs in written and spoken form with clarity and conviction. It is not an outmoded discipline at SMA; grammar skills are effectively pursued.

Penmanship
One of the qualities of a civilized, cultured person is the ability to communicate his/her ideas in an organized manner with a legibly pleasing as well as personalized presentation. Penmanship class may be outmoded elsewhere, but at St. Michael’s it is taught without apology. For if an idea is worthy of consideration, it is worthy of an equally pleasing presentation. In our mechanized age it is important not to lose sight of the human person behind the idea. Beautiful penmanship portrays the individuality and worth of the human person.

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SCHOOL LIFE
Each morning faculty and students gather to begin the day with morning prayers. These include the reading of each day’s Epistle and Gospel as well as a short reading on the life of a Saint who’s feast is celebrated. Beginning the day with reflections on the Word of God and the life of a Saint, not only provides students with the message of the Gospel, but how it is to be lived in our lives as emulated by Saints. And since Saints are drawn from every country and nation in the world, the students learn that all men regardless of race or color, are all children of God. It also provides the students an opportunity to see Catholic virtues lived out by real people, and the struggles and adversities they (the Saints) overcame. Students and teachers also pray together before and after lunch, and at the close of the day.

A decade of the rosary is prayed daily. When fitting, novena’s are prayed for special intentions, and all requests for prayer are honored. Other special activities of the year include the Christmas Play, Student Retreat, First Holy Communion, May Crowing, and Graduation.

During recess, following the example of St. John Bosco who befriended his students to be able to mentor them, teachers and parents are asked to be involved with the students, walking among them as they play. They help students to develop good sportsmanship, a spirit of fair-play, and the camaraderie needed in any undertaking if the goal desired is to be reached.

Christmas and Spring Plays
The Academy presents an annual Christmas or Spring Play, in which all students participate, to teach effective communication skills as well as the ability to stand in a public arena to present a message with clarity and verve. Students memorize complete works, poems, and songs. The enjoyable art of Dramatics is a genuine aid in cultivating the poise and abilities needed to bring one’s own talents and values to bear in the everyday world.

What you will not find at St. Michael’s Academy
St. Michael’s accepts no public funding. If it did, it would have to follow certain government mandates which SMA considers detrimental to a sound educational experience. SMA does not advocate Outcome Based Education (OBE) and does not teach whole language, feminism, self-esteem building courses, drug, suicide, or classroom sex education. The Academy believes the academic coursework and Catholic life and formation, will in themselves induce a well-formed conscience and attitude with regard to these other concerns. Parents are expected to fulfill the Church’s command that they, as first teachers, provide a sound, healthy sexual education for their child.

The Catholic Church teaches that the school is an extension of the home. As parents are the primary educators of their children, parents and educators must be in harmony in working for the well-being of the child.

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TUITION AND ADMISSION POLICIES
To remain consistent with other private school tuition in this Archdiocese, St. Michael’s Academy has maintained a competitive and reasonable tuition for our students. Tuition for the 2007-2008 school year is as follows:

To maintain academic standards, the Academy does not accept new students past the fourth (4th) grade level. SMA strongly encourages parents to enroll their children in the Kindergarten or First Grade to start them out with the best foundation for academic and spiritual advantage. Parents of each new student are interviewed to acquaint them with the SMA scholastic program. All curriculum, policies, and methods of SMA are communicated. All parents sign an admission sheet attesting to their support of the curriculum, policies, and methods of SMA, so that home and school are not at odds with each other. The Catholic Church teaches that the school is an extension of the home. Parents and educators must be in harmony in working for the well-being of the child.

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 In Closing
St. Michael’s Academy is dedicated to helping each student achieve his or her fullest potential in terms of academic achievement and spiritual development. It uses many of the principles of Classical Education in this effort. By using these principles, St. Michael’s students will be capable of comprehending the Truth, as well as being capable of renewing Catholic Culture.

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