Consider an ethnically diverse world with individuals who respect one another and work together toward common goals. Saint Frances Cabrini Academy, an urban grade school in South Saint Louis City, is already a model for a diverse world. Cabrini is a kindergarten through 8th grade school, and it has become an anchor in the community. It is a special place with families from countries such as Eritrea, Ivory Coast, Burma, and Vietnam. Cabrini believes that providing a quality, affordable Catholic education is the most effective way to create opportunities for our children and their families.
A Brief History of the School
In September 1936, Saint Wenceslaus Church built its parish school, which featured 10 rooms with an adjoining convent to accommodate 10 religious sisters. By 1948, the school was occupied by 525 students, nine sisters and two lay teachers. By the end of 1954, the school was overcrowded, so classrooms and a complete cafeteria were added. In the 1960s, the number of parishioners and school-aged children started to decline due to people moving to the suburbs. In 1974, five parishes consolidated to form Notre Dame Elementary. In 2003, Notre Dame Elementary consolidated further, and the school became Saint Frances Cabrini Academy.
The eight parishes supporting Cabrini Academy today are:
Θ Saint Wenceslaus (served by the Missionaries of the Holy Family)
Θ Saint Pius V
Θ Saint Vincent de Paul
Θ Saints Peter and Paul
Θ Saint Anthony of Padua
Θ Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
Θ Basilica of Saint Louis, King
Θ Saint Agatha
Cabrini may be one of the most diverse Catholic schools in the city of Saint Louis. A walk into one of the classrooms reveals a dynamic mixture of African-American, African, Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic children. This patchwork of new immigrant families and born-and-raised Saint Louisans together create a vibrant urban community!
Cabrini provides religious instruction in all grade levels and offers an education in a dynamic and vibrant faith community. It is a unique place where children of all backgrounds can easily feel at home. Prayer is an integral part of Saint Frances Cabrini Academy, and is highlighted by the celebration of Mass for the entire student body every Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. in Saint Wenceslaus Church.
A Family Scenario
Adjoa is a 7th grader who began attending Cabrini in kindergarten. Her older brother, Komlan, started in 4th grade. Their family emigrated from Ghana not long before they began at Cabrini. Adjoa and Komlan both spoke little English when they arrived. However, they participated in our English Tutoring Project and became proficient in English as a result.
Thanks to the education and financial resources available, Komlan graduated 8th grade and was accepted at Saint Mary’s High School, and Adjoa is a top student. Adjoa continues to be a recipient of the Cabrini Scholarship Fund, enabling her to continue her education at Cabrini. Without the scholarship assistance, Adjoa and Komlan would not have been able to attend the school of their choice.
Sixty-four percent (64%) of families receive Cabrini scholarship monies, and many of them have stories similar to the family of Adjoa and Komlan.
The Saint Frances Cabrini faculty and staff believe that their students will make a difference in the world. The respect Cabrini students have for one another creates a faith-filled environment and prepares the students for a successful future.
Making a Difference
We cannot do all of this without your support! If you would like to contribute to the Cabrini Scholarship Fund, please call the Missionaries of the Holy Family toll-free at 1-888-484-9945. You can also make a gift through the school website. Thank you and God bless your family!
+JMJ+
[This article is written by the staff at Cabrini Academy, which is on the campus of Saint Wenceslaus Church.]
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