Mission

  

Mission Statement

Christum Novisse-Virtutem Contendere

Encountering Christ and Pursuing Excellence in All Things.

  

Philosophy

Striving for a culture of excellence

Where students encounter Christ

And learn to see truths in relation to each other

So that they illuminate each other and reality

Leading to an appreciation for the unity of all truth.

  

Objective:

To Provide Classical Education in the Catholic Tradition.

Provide Classical Education which:

•·         Exposes the students to Truth, Beauty and Goodness.

•·         Is Structured and integrated, not only the transmission of knowledge but also the integration and synthesis of information.

•·         Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge through reading by focusing whenever possible on original texts and classics.

•·         Presents various academic disciplines in a sequence corresponding to a pupil's developing ability to think abstractly, and in an age and developmentally appropriate manner. 

•·         Studies not simply individual academic disciplines, but also specifically essential truths that transcend the disciplines- especially those truths  emphasizing human dignity and worth.

•·         Develops a sense of Wonder and a love for learning

•·         Trains the mind in the tools of learning using the Trivium:

1. The Grammar Stage (Grades K-4) which focuses on presenting information, the broad acquisition of facts and laying the foundation of knowledge.

2. The Logic Stage (Grades 5-8) which focuses on organizing information gathered in the Grammar Stage, making connections and learning to evaluate evidence.

3. The Rhetoric Stage (Grades 9-12) which focuses on synthesizing and learning to express increasingly complex insights with eloquence and precision.

 

 

In the Catholic Educational Tradition which:

Creates a Catholic Academic Community Where Students Encounter Christ


 



 

Affiliations and Governance

Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria is 501(c)3 charitable organization licensed by the State of Florida and owned and operated by an independent Board of Directors.

Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria is a private school operating in the Catholic tradition. We are not governed by the Diocese of Venice nor its Catholic School office.

Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria is not directly run by Ave Maria University, although we share a common vision with the University and benefit from its presence and support. Information on the University is available at http://www.avemaria.edu/

Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria is pleased to work closely with the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist (SOMME) based in Ann Arbor, MI. They are one of the fastest-growing communities of nuns in the United States. They are young, dynamic, talented, and faithful. The Sisters  help staff the schools with the approval of the Bishop. Information on the Sisters is available at http://www.sistersofmary.org/

Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria is actively pursuing accreditation through the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS). The NAPCIS national headquarters will be moving from California to be based out of Ave Maria. Information on NAPCIS is available at http://www.napcis.org/

Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria is a partner with Ave Maria Missions, a separate Florida non-profit organization which seeks to raise tuition funds for students both locally and abroad. Ave Maria Missions assists in the funding and operation of two elementary schools for the poor in the mountains of Honduras via a traditional "child sponsorship" program. We have a "sister school" relationship with these poor and humble schools called the "Espiritus Sanctus" Schools, and will seek, via letters, information sharing, and even trips to encourage interaction between our students and theirs. More information on Ave Maria Missions and how to sponsor a child is available at http://avemariamissions.com/