Mission
It is the mission of Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School to create a unique educational environment in which learning and practicing the truths of the Catholic faith are central to the development of each child. While providing superior academic instruction, the school maintains the primacy of faith development that it simultaneously furnishes. In partnership with its families, the School strives to produce well-rounded individuals rooted in the truths of the Catholic faith and the educational scholarship needed to prosper in the worldwide community.
Philosophy and Objectives
In order to accomplish this mission:
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School exists primarily for the purpose of assisting families with the education of their children in the context of the truths of the Catholic faith and to nourish both families and students in the Eucharistic life and Rich spirituality of the Church. To accomplish this end, the School is supported by outstanding Catholic lay and religious faculty and staff. We are committed to the Magisterium of the Church and strive to apply and live out the Catholic Faith regarding its sacraments, prayers, and devotions and, in particular, to the Eucharist and devotion to Mary.
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School is committed to the belief that each child has a personal dignity and worth, because he is created in the image of God and loved by Him. Recognized as a unique individual, the child's talents and gifts are challenged and developed according to his capacity, so that he might fulfill his duty to live in the grace of God and strive for holiness. He is taught to use his gifts for the honor and glory of God, for his own spiritual and temporal good, and for the good of his neighbor.
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School realizes that children learn best by what they see. Therefore, the example of the teachers, which the school sets before the children daily, is of utmost importance. Teachers provide the outstanding witness of lives based on Christian moral principles and the teachings of the Church lived daily in charity and truth. Teachers should collaborate closely with parents in the instruction of their children.
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School makes use of a traditional instruction approach with a curriculum, which stresses basic academic skills of reading, writing, and computation as well as the critical analysis skills. Our guiding principles are proclaimed in the doctrinal, moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church as set forth in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and rooted in Sacred Scripture.
The curriculum of the Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School shall provide for its graduates:
- A strong academic background that will enable them to take full advantage of all educational opportunities offered them at the next level. This includes, but shall not be limited to, the following:
- A thorough comprehension of the mechanics of English language and usage, demonstrated in a clear ability to write well;
- Exposure to and development of the ability to appreciate different types of literature;
- An understanding of mathematics commensurate with their ability and age level;
- A grasp of scientific principles and procedures and the ethics that should guide those principles;
- An accurate perception of the world and its political, cultural, and religious dynamics;
- An exposure to the basics of a foreign language and culture;
- An appreciation for the different expressions of art, music, and other cultural experiences;
- A recognition of the values of good health and physical fitness; and
- The acquisition of skills for the proficient use of current technological tools.
- Strong communication skills enabling them to interact at the highest level with others in and beyond their community.
- A well-grounded knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith through the following:
- A deeper understanding and reverence for Sacred Scripture;
- An understanding of the Eucharist as the center of the Christian faith and a love for the celebration of the liturgy;
- An appreciation for the Gospel, significance of the Rosary and a devotion to its practice;
- A respect for objective truths as revealed by God in Scripture and in Sacred Tradition, and a corresponding sense of the students' Catholic identity; and
- A love for the virtue and example of the Saints.
- An understanding of their place in the world and their mission as followers of Christ.
Affiliations and Governance
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School is 501C3 charitable organization licensed by the State of Florida and owned and operated by an independent Board of Directors.
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School is a private school operating the Catholic tradition. We are not governed by the Diocese of Venice or its Catholic School office, although we look forward to working closely with Bishop Dewane, the diocesan schools office, and other area Catholic schools.
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School 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/
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School 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 community of nuns in the United States. They are young, dynamic, talented and faithful. The Sisters have help staff the schools with the approval of the Bishop. Information on the Sisters is available at http://www.sistersofmary.org/
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School 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/
Ave Maria Grammar and Preparatory School 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 them. More information on Ave Maria Missions and how to sponsor a child is available at http://avemariamissions.com/