Catholic education alive and well in Rochester with launch of Seton Academy

The students of Seton Academy will begin the academic year in the parish of Holy Rosary Church on North Main Street in Rocheter (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - For those who feared the loss of St. Elizabeth Seton School would mean the end of a proud 100-year tradition of Catholic education in the Lilac City, fear not.

Seton Academy, which will be temporarily located within the parish of Holy Rosary Church on North Main Street, is set to launch its inaugural year this September, according to Mike Pelletier, president of the newly formed Seton Foundation.

The Seton Foundation's sole purpose is to establish and operate Seton Academy and will be responsible for all of its fiduciary, human resources and academic responsibilities, said Pelletier, who added that they are working closely with Superintendent Dave Thibault of the Diocese of Manchester.

While they have approval from the bishop to use Holy Rosary Church for classroom space this year, they are looking at various sites in the Rochester for a permanent home to the academy.

The mission of the academy is simple. "It is to provide a traditional, authentic Catholic educational experience for families in Rochester and the surrounding communities," Pelletier said.

The school has already hired two teachers and enrolled around 30 students with more coming on board every day.

He said teacher to student ratios are targeted at no more than 1-12, adding that there will be some mixed classrooms using in part, the Montessori model as well.

Pelletier said Seton Academy tuition is set at $6,000 for the 2022-2023 school year with several benefactors poised to assist with any support if necessary.

Our faculty has over 45 years of experience teaching in Catholic schools," Pelletier said. "Our Board and associated committees are working to secure licensing with the Department of Education, selecting curriculum, establishing our online presence and determining academy logistics at our initial location. "We are very excited to kick off 2022 at our new school."

To learn more call 603.833.1952, email info@seton.com or click here.