By Elizabeth Wulfhorst
RUMSON – When Holy Cross School opens its doors in September it will have a new name and a renewed focus on modern, Catholic education.
Now called Holy Cross Academy, the school has implemented an entirely new math curriculum with new textbooks for all kindergarten through eighth-grade students. A Project Lead the Way S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum will add additional weekly S.T.E.M. classes to the already daily science and weekly technology classes. Project Lead The Way is a nonprofit organization that develops S.T.E.M. curricula for schools.
“We’re seeing a lot of change in education on the whole and even more in Catholic education,” said Teresa Makin, Holy Cross Academy’s marketing director. “Renaming the school gave us a chance to reset and refocus and make changes in a positive way.”
Also being introduced is a new virtue-based Catholic approach to discipline and conflict resolution.
“Everyone is very excited about the positive changes taking place in the Academy to ensure a Catholic education at Holy Cross parish remains a mainstay of our parish,” said the Rev. Michael Manning, pastor for Holy Cross Church.
In addition to the changes in name and curriculum, the school has established the Holy Cross Rumson Education Foundation “to support the current and future needs of Catholic education in Rumson,” according to a press release.
Makin explained the importance of the foundation as a fundraising body. “The school is still a parish school and still part of the diocese of Trenton,” Makin said, but the foundation will be used to “build up a nest egg and support Catholic education in the Rumson community.” That fund would be used for long-term projects like facilities improvements and scholarships or financial aid for students.
As in the past, the school’s PTA will raise supplemental funds for specific projects or purchases, Makin said, but those funds must be used within the school year. The foundation allows the school to focus on long-term giving and fundraising in support of the Rumson community.
Manning said he hopes many more generations will be able to benefit from a Holy Cross Academy education.
“Enrollment is robust and sustainable for a selective Catholic grammar school,” said Manning, “and steps are being taken to position the school for measured growth in the years to come.” He said tuition will “likely increase slightly each year at a similar rate to that over the last decade,” citing “unpredictable” insurance costs as one thing challenging the budgets of many institutions.
Parents were made aware of all the changes to the school in a letter from the administration, followed by an open informational meeting.
“Above all we want to be an excellent Catholic school,” said Makin.
Holy Cross Academy will host its first open house from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11.
