Dr. Richard A. Brake, Headmaster
In the fall of 2020, Saint Francis Academy was operating as an early education school after the main part of the grade school had been closed the previous spring. However, as more and more families became dissatisfied with the educational status quo in America at that time, it became clear that the Holy Spirit once again had big plans for Bally. A group of visionary MBS parishioners, along with their pastor Father Richard James, answered the call to re-found Saint Francis as a Classical Catholic Academy, a school that is unapologetically Christian, is committed to being intimate and nurturing, and inspires students to learn the founding principles of their country, which are told through the great works of Western civilization. The school is happy to report that in fewer than three years of operation, they have more than doubled enrollment and is set to have their first high school graduate this spring.
We who are charged with passing on the traditions of faith and reason to students must work together so that the lessons of the past can get through the din and cacophony of our distracted internet age.
Headmaster Dr. Richard A. Brake explains, “I believe it is safe to say that for many reasons, there is a growing dissatisfaction in our country with the educational status quo from families who just want a safe, sane, and serene school setting for their children. Those of us laboring in the vineyard of Classical Catholic education have been waiting for the dam to break, so to speak, in conventional education, and if Saint Francis Classical is any indication, I do think the holes in the levee are getting bigger.”
Tradition Reimagined
As the only independent and classical Catholic school in the Diocese of Allentown, SFCCA has a unique opportunity to combine the very best of the Catholic liberal arts with the same spirit of dynamism and innovation that has existed on its campus for centuries, sharing the wisdom of the past with today’s youth and making it relevant in this social media age. What was old has now become quite new at SFCCA. The school offers a full slate of courses in humanities, mathematics, and science, along with art, music, drama, and CYO athletics. They have recently started a guild program for the older students to help them recover some of the “lost arts” of cooking, gardening, and carpentry. Most importantly, they attend to the spiritual needs of their students with daily Mass, prayer throughout the day, and intentional character formation. As the school’s mission statement expresses, Saint Francis Classical Catholic Academy exists to partner with parents in forming their children in mind, body, and spirit, inspiring them with joy to embrace the truth of the Gospel, the goodness of the Golden Rule, and the beauty of God’s creation.
A Flourishing Fellowship
Saint Francis Classical’s success is founded on strong partnerships with the Allentown Diocese, Most Blessed Sacrament Church, and the school’s families and growing network of supporters, all who wish to see this leap of faith continue to bear fruit for the children and for the community at large.
“Whether you are talking about our students, our teachers, our parents, or our supportive Board and parishioners, we all long for a greater sense of community, one where friendships are forged, and mutual support is available when we all face the inevitable challenges of daily life,” remarks Brake. He goes on to say that “We who are charged with passing on the traditions of faith and reason to students must work together so that the lessons of the past can get through the din and cacophony of our distracted internet age.”
By reimagining centuries-old traditions and combining them with Christ-centered learning, Saint Francis Classical Catholic Academy preserves a rich legacy while creating a vibrant path forward. Students at SFCCA are equipped to thrive academically, act virtuously, and carry their faith into every aspect of their lives.
