“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-5

On June 29, Saint Brigid Academy celebrated its grand opening as an inclusive, Catholic micro-school to serve neurotypical and neurodivergent students. With smaller class sizes, the school can ensure each student gets the specific help they need to succeed.

The ceremony began in the schoolyard with an introduction by the Head of School, Megan Rabbitt, who also served as a Resource Specialist Program (RSP) Coordinator at Archbishop Riordan from 2020 to 2023. She welcomed the attendees and gave a brief overview of the school, originally founded in 1888.

Rabbitt explained that the academy incorporates Catholic teachings into the curriculum, saying, “Ultimately, the goal continues to be to educate the whole child and for each student to reach their full potential as a child of God.” 

She then introduced the new Superintendent for the Department of Catholic Schools, Christopher Fisher, who expressed great gratitude and pride for the academy.

He stressed the importance of education for all and explained, “Saint Brigid Academy is designed to offer an intimate and nurturing environment where neurodiverse children can flourish academically, socially, and spiritually. By maintaining smaller class sizes, the academy can ensure that each child receives personalized attention and support, and learn at their own pace and in ways that best suit their individual learning styles,” before quoting Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone blessed the school before being given the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the school, which officially became Saint Brigid Academy on July 1. 

The academy incorporates project-based learning, which allows students who struggle with typical exams to show what they have learned through different means. During a tour of the  school, Rabbitt proudly presented several dioramas in the hallway, which displayed what students had learned without them filling in bubbles or writing essays.

Classes such as music, art, and physical education will take place in the afternoon while math, religion, and English will be in the morning. Rabbitt explained that students often have a more difficult time focusing later in the day, so classes with a lower need for critical thinking will happen when they have the most energy. 

There are plenty of other examples of the academy catering to its students’ needs. Classes rotate through small groups to keep focus, and small robotic kits are available for students to explore their education further. Also, if a 5th grader qualifies for a 6th-grade math class, they can take it, and vice versa.

Riordan’s RSP Coordinator Stephanie Lundin explained, “It’s proven that earlier intervention for struggling students can help decrease behavior issues, learning challenges and anxiety later in school.”

Saint Brigid Academy is a stepping stone for the future of education for neurodivergent children, which will give help to those who need it during the most influential years of their lives. 

As Archbishop Cordileone said in his speech, “We’re starting something very positive here; something that is very needed, and I couldn’t be prouder of you or more grateful to you.”