Cardinal Newman Academy a high school option in Richmond
Cardinal Newman Academy (CNA), a high school in Richmond, recently became the newest private Catholic school to be officially recognized by the Diocese of Richmond. This recognition was the culmination of a five-year process to ensure that the school’s curriculum was properly in line with Catholic teachings.
In accordance with the policy of the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools, CNA submitted letters of recommendation, and had classes observed and teaching methods examined. Staff were VIRTUS-certified before Bishop Barry C. Knestout issued his approval.
“It is important for schools to go through this process for us to be able to determine that they are viable and have a commitment to providing a strong academic program rooted in Gospel values,” explained Kelly Lazzara, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Richmond.
CNA takes its name from St. John Henry Newman, who dedicated his life to faith and education, seeing them as deeply connected. He also emphasized the importance of the individual experience and active participation in the Catholic Church. He is known as “the absent father of Vatican II” because though he died long before the council, his many writings influenced it.
John O’Herron, founding president of CNA’s board of directors, is an ardent admirer of the saint.
“We chose St. John Henry Newman as our patron for two primary reasons. The first is his vision and life’s work in education. Like him, we believe education is a joyful and all-encompassing endeavor that brings us closer to Christ, makes us more fully human and serves us well regardless of career or vocation,” he said. “The second was his personal sanctity and spiritual charism. His motto of ‘cor ad cor loquitor’ (“heart speaks to heart”) is represented in our crest and signifies our belief that education is not simply about transferring information to students, but about hearts shaping hearts in community. Our curriculum and school culture reflects that.”
Opportunity to know, love faith
The school’s liberal arts curriculum offers students rigorous academic courses, hands-on field work and community service opportunities. The natural history program allows students to do research by collecting specimens, identifying birds and insects, and expanding their sense of wonder of the world.
Devin King, head of school, explained: “We encourage everyone to really see life and creation as what it is: a gift from God. He made mathematics; he made nature. The goal is to see that connection and be amazed by it, to be filled by the Holy Spirit just from everyday activities, just to look at a flower and see the wonderous nature God has designed.”
O’Herron hopes the bishop’s official acknowledgement of CNA as a private Catholic school increases awareness of the school in the community, strengthens relationships with other Catholic schools in the diocese, and provides more opportunities to serve students and the surrounding community.
CNA has 14 students in grades 9-12 who are taught by six faculty members.
King said the goal is to have a student population of around 300 in the next 10-15 years, along with bigger facilities and a larger athletics program.
Students are able to participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball and track and field because of the school’s tight-knit community, with parents and volunteers often running the athletic programs.
King said that CNA tries to offer many events throughout the academic year to strengthen the school family and keep parents involved in their children’s education. CNA also strives to make Catholic education affordable, with annual tuition of $9,250 along with the opportunity to apply for financial aid.
“Our mission is simply to provide a truly Catholic liberal arts education in the Richmond area and make it affordable so as many people as possible are able to get this level of education and give the students the opportunity to come out knowing their faith, loving their faith and being a complete human being,” said King.
Incorporating religion and community service into the curriculum at CNA is part of the strategy to achieve those goals.
Each grade level includes religion class, and time is set aside daily for students’ personal spiritual enrichment through reflection and prayer. Mass is attended weekly at either a local parish or at the school if celebrated by a visiting priest, and holy days are usually observed at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.
Mission includes community service
Community service is fundamental to CNA’s mission. It has partnered with St. Mary’s Hospital, Stop Hunger Now, St. Peter Pro-Cathedral and others to serve those in need. All juniors are required to complete a Service Learning course. This year, juniors are spending part of each week at St. Francis — Manchester, an assisted living community in Richmond, meeting one-on-one with residents.
“The Service Learning course has important cross-curricular components in the humanities and social sciences, but at its heart is about human relationships and encounters,” said King. “An end-of-course requirement is a reflective essay that asks the students to consider how their faith and understanding formed and has been formed by this experience.”
Monica Churchwell became attracted to Catholic schools after being left unimpressed by public schools in the area. Her son, Taiheem, now 19, completed elementary school in the public school system before turning to All Saints School, Richmond, for middle school, where he flourished.
When planning for high school, Churchwell recalled, “I knew we had to choose a high school that would not have him lost in his work or falling behind because of the many distractions that go on. I believe it was the grace of God that guided us to take a chance on CNA.”
Taiheem graduated in 2021, the first student to complete all four years at Cardinal Newman Academy and graduate. He is in his second year at JMU.
In a letter to the school this past July, Bishop Knestout noted the work CNA had done to become recognized as a private Catholic school.
“The dedication and arduous work that has been demonstrated in reaching this goal is evident in all that has been accomplished in a relatively brief time,” he said. “The vision for the school, centered on Christ, is a public witness to our Catholic faith and culture, and it is vitally important in the lives of our young people. Their formation in faith and education will serve them well, and in so doing, hopefully will serve the diocese and the entire community.”
Editor’s note: More information about Cardinal Newman Academy can be found at https://cardinalnewmanacademy.org.