Our Catholic Identity
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Our catholic identityAt St. Ann Classical Academy, Catholic identity is not an add-on—it is the foundation of all we are and all we do.
Forming Disciples. Pursuing Truth. Living the Faith.At St. Ann Classical Academy, faith is not a subject—it is the heart of everything we do. We are a joyfully Catholic school, rooted in the teachings of the Church and committed to helping each student grow in holiness, virtue, and love of Jesus Christ. Our goal is not only to educate—but to evangelize, forming students to know, love, and follow the Lord throughout their lives.
A Faith That Shapes the Whole Day
Our Catholic classical liberal arts curriculum is fully integrated with the truths of our faith. From literature and history to science and the arts, students are formed to see the world through the lens of salvation history—learning to recognize the hand of God in all that is good, true, and beautiful. Every subject becomes a path to deeper understanding of God’s plan and the person of Jesus Christ.
A life of prayer
At St. Ann Classical Academy, prayer is woven into the rhythm of each day, forming our students in a spirit of attentiveness, gratitude, and communion with God. Each school day begins and ends with prayer, and students are encouraged to lift their hearts to the Lord throughout the day—in the classroom, during transitions, and before meals.
As a school community, we gather regularly for school-wide Rosaries, entrusting our intentions to Our Lady and reflecting on the mysteries of Christ’s life. During Lent, students participate in the Stations of the Cross, meditating on Christ’s Passion and uniting their sacrifices with His. These communal acts of prayer cultivate reverence, stillness, and a deeper sense of the sacred.
In both spontaneous and structured ways, our students come to understand that prayer is not simply something we do—it is a way of life. A life directed toward God, grounded in tradition, and filled with the quiet confidence that He walks with us each day.
mass, adoration & benediction
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our school day. Students attend Mass twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, where their souls are nourished by the Word and Sacrament. Our students actively participate—serving as Altar Servers, proclaiming the readings, and lifting their voices in song through our student Schola, enriching our liturgy with beauty and reverence.
Each month, students also participate in Adoration and Benediction, learning to adore Christ in the Blessed Sacrament with quiet reverence and love.
Living the Liturgical Year
Our school hums in a liturgical rhythm, following the liturgical calendar and marking seasons and feast days with reverence and joy. From Marian processions to special celebrations on the feasts of All Saints, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and St. Nicholas, our students learn to keep time with the Church—experiencing the fullness of Catholic life through daily practices, liturgies, and schoolwide events.
Sacramental Preparation for All
Students prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation during the traditional years. For students who are out of step with their sacramental formation, we joyfully offer preparation through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) adapted for children, ensuring that all students have access to the grace of the sacraments.
Faithful Faculty and Living Witness
Our faculty and staff live the faith joyfully and authentically, offering a daily witness of prayer, service, and trust in God. Their vibrant faith sets the tone for our school culture, modeling for students what it means to be disciples of Christ in today’s world.
Retreats and Pilgrimages
Our students are invited to go deeper in their relationship with God through annual Advent and Lenten retreats, led by Sr. Ella Mae, as well as special pilgrimages. Most recently, our 6th–8th grade students journeyed through the parishes served by the Raritan Oratory of St. Philip Neri, including a visit to the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, a Jubilee Year pilgrimage site, and participated in a procession with a relic of the True Cross—an unforgettable encounter with the sacred.
Partnership with Religious and Parish Life
We are proud to partner with the priests of the Raritan Oratory of St. Philip Neri, who serve our school faithfully through sacraments, pastoral care, and theological support. We are also blessed by the joyful presence of the Religious Teachers Filippini, whose convent is on our campus and whose charism of teaching continues to inspire our mission.
Forming the Heart Through Service
Throughout the year, students participate in service projects in partnership with the Social Ministry Office of the Catholic Church of St. Ann, learning to share their gifts generously with those in need. These acts of charity foster compassion and help our students grow into men and women for others.
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discover the joy of a catholic classical educationWe invite you to discover a school where faith is fully alive, and students are formed not only for this life, but for the life to come.
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our shield
St. Ann Classical Academy Shield
The Shield of St. Ann Classical Academy is made from many parts. It features a bulwark, fleur-de-lis, an open book, heart on fire, and the inscription, “Veritas est Libertas.” Each of these parts represents a part of our Catholic school and the classical education we offer.
Bulwark
A bulwark is a solid structure used to defend oneself against enemies. Some writers refer to classical education as a bulwark supporting a free and civilized society. The foundation of a classical approach to education is the search for goodness, beauty, and truth which protects us from the attacks of the Evil One. The bulwark also calls to mind the firm foundation of the faith which underpins our educational philosophy. St. Ann, herself, has been referred to as the bulwark in which the young Church was able to spotlessly and securely grow.
Fleur-de-Lis
A stylized lily, the fleur-de-lis has long been a symbol of our Blessed Lady. The lily, representing purity, has also long been associated with good St. Joseph.
Heart on Fire
The heart refers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the fount of all love and mercy. It is also taken from the coat of arms of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri. St. Philip Neri once stated regarding his love for young people: "They can chop wood on my back if it keeps them from sin."
Open Book
The book on our shield represents the education of our Blessed Mother given to her by her own mother, St. Ann. The scripture citation on the pages of the book, John 8:32, refers to our school motto: Veritas es Libertas (Truth is Freedom). The book also represents the importance of scripture in our lives.
Motto: Veritas est Libertas (Truth is Freedom)
Our Lord Jesus says in John 8:32: You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. All knowledge is rooted in the knowledge of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is in knowing Christ that we can truly know what authentic freedom is.
Hunter Green
Green is a color long associated with St. Ann. A symbol of rebirth, it calls to mind our patroness who bore Mary, the New Eve, who would bring to birth the Savior. Green is also the liturgical color representing hope.