Fort Lee’s Christ the Teacher School awarded academy status
The Archdiocese of Newark has recognized Christ the Teacher School, a National Blue Ribbon School, as an Academy, a distinction held by nearly half of archdiocesan elementary schools across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties. This designation is awarded to schools that meet a specific set of guidelines in teaching, learning, school leadership, and the spiritual formation of students.
When evaluating requests to transition Academy status, the Office of the Superintendent of Schools considers each application by rigorously assessing the school in a number of areas including curriculum, instruction, teacher certification, achievement test scores, the availability of clubs and activities, early childhood offerings, religious formation, accreditation, enrollment, facilities, finances, and marketing.
Schools that successfully complete the transition process offer not just a robust academic program that meets archdiocesan curriculum standards, but also provides instruction in World Language, Art, and Music, as well as a comprehensive Mathematics program that culminates in Algebra I for qualifying students. These schools provide a Gifted and Talented program for students who excel academically, as well as STEM learning, group/project based and cooperative learning, and other instructional modalities that have been shown by research to increase student engagement and achievement.
Students attending archdiocesan Academies benefit from academically related activities, such as but not limited to, forensics, academic competitions and contests, Catholic Challenge, Science Fair, Academic Olympics, Math Contests, and participate in youth leadership programs, such as National Jr. Honor Society, Student Council, and The National Beta Club. As is the case across all archdiocesan schools, Academy students are exposed to high-quality religious education programs that strive to achieve the total-formation of students.
Archdiocesan schools seeking Academy status must also demonstrate strong multi-faceted leadership at the building level, with the principal working in concert with a School Advisory Board that assists in policy-setting in the areas of in the areas of finance, facilities, strategic planning, marketing and development. After initially earning the title of Academy, schools at this level must periodically undergo a status review to ensure the requirements of the title continue to be met.
Speaking of the Christ the Teacher’s recent transition, Principal Cynthia Schirm says, “I am thrilled that all of the hard work of the past few years in making noticeable changes and improvements has been recognized. The school has amazing staff and an incredible school community of parents and students. We strive everyday to give our students the best possible learning environment possible.”
Christ the Teacher Academy parent, Maria Epifania, adds, “As a parent of two students, who have attended Christ the Teacher since the age of three, I am very proud and excited about the School becoming an Academy. The changes to the school are noticeable and the level of education has exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the leadership of, Mrs. Cynthia Schirm, the Principal, Christ the Teacher has added a challenging curriculum, extended class hours to accommodate all the lessons, and added a STREAM program that teaches our children how to think and create. I am only mentioning a few of the many attributes the school has to offer. The teachers are not only well-rounded educators but are nurturing professionals that teach by example. I know my children are at an amazing school, and I know they will succeed later in life due to the foundation they have received from attending the Academy. I congratulate and thank everyone at Christ the Teacher Academy for achieving this honor and prestigious title.”
In his letter to the school community announcing the school’s change in status, Vicar for Education and Interim Superintendent of Schools, Monsignor Thomas McDade writes, “Great work has been accomplished in establishing an atmosphere where academic rigor and right relationships are clearly evident. Truly the hard work of the community has created an academy where students and teachers strive for excellence, where they build up one another through encouragement and challenge, and where all achieve as a result of the dynamic teaching/learning interaction.”
The Office of Catholic Schools together with the archdiocese congratulates the students, staff, and leadership of Christ the Teacher Academy on their commendable achievement. To learn more about the Academy, visit them online at christtheteacherschool.org.
