Why Liguori Academy?
Liguori Academy is a non-profit, private high school located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Inspired by the teachings of Alphonsus Liguori, our school was founded on the motto of Boundless Love.
A Letter From Our Principal
In 2012, I met Michael Marrone and had the chance to hear his desire to open a school where all things were made possible for students, and no one was left without the resources necessary to be successful. I began serving on advisory boards with fellow educators to start exploring different options for the school and researching the best methodologies for a school that allowed students to be themselves and feel safe while reaching their full potential. As the concept evolved, I found that I truly believed in the mission and wanted to play an integral role in the school.
As the founding principal of Liguori Academy, I have had the opportunity to work in tandem with Mike to build the school from the ground up. This has given me a front row seat to work with families, students, educators, and paraprofessionals to determine what works and what doesn’t. After continuously evaluating what we are doing and receiving feedback from many stakeholders we believe that we have figured out the “Secret Sauce”. Our students are successful because we meet them where they are academically. We differentiate learning for all students so they can achieve their own potential and progress at their own rate.
Using an online platform, students have the opportunity to work on their hand-tailored courses with remediation and enrichment embedded into the content. All students are challenged and held to a high standard when completing their standards-based and rigorous courses. Classes are structured to allow time for the teacher to facilitate small group and individual instruction while the other students continue to progress through their lessons.
At Liguori Academy, we work to remove all barriers and “noise” that gets in the way of students focusing on academics and preparing for life after high school. Every student has the opportunity to define their success and we help devise a plan that will lead them to graduation and beyond.
Students begin developing their post-secondary plan starting freshman year and they continue to work with our Post-Secondary and Workforce Development Team to ensure that upon graduation the students are prepared to enter a college or university, trade school, workforce, or military.
Additionally, we offer a robust Social Emotional Learning program with the support of a full-time counselor on-site, two part-time counselors and a social worker. We recognize that we need to help the students develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally in order to become responsible adults. We have built a culture of acceptance for all and ensure that students feel that they can be their true selves at Liguori Academy. I believe in our mission. I believe in our students. I believe in our faculty and staff. And I truly believe that we are changing lives, one student at a time.
Rebecca White
Principal
Characteristics of a Liguorian Education
A Liguorian Education embodies the characteristics that are distinctly unique to Liguori Academy and describes how our faculty and staff teach with intention. In order to successfully carry out our mission, vision, and values our teachers implement the characteristics of a Liguorian Education in the teaching that happens every day at Liguori.
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The foundational principle of a Liguorian Education, it is what builds and motivates all members of the community to know that they are loved regardless of imperfection and provides one with boundless opportunities.
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Recognizing that all human beings possess a special value intrinsic to their humanity and as such are worthy of respect simply because they are human beings.
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The focus of meeting students at a promise and providing them with opportunities for individualized success.
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The ability to successfully adapt to the ever-changing world and day to day adversities that face members of our community so they can emerge stronger and ready to embrace boundless opportunities.
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Enriching one’s life by recognizing another who is in need so that the Liguori Community can flourish and provide an environment that is rooted in the characteristics of a Liguorian Education.
Our Mission
Inspired by the life of Alphonsus Liguori, our mission is to prepare our future leaders through individualized learning in a community that offers boundless opportunities.
To offer a transformative program based on boundless love that ensures every graduate is prepared for a career, or college, in order to have a successful and meaningful life.
Our Vision
Core Values
Ambition
We promote the practice of goal-setting, so students have a sense of direction, and the motivation to reach the finish line. Ambition drives success.
Curiosity
We encourage our students and staff to always have a desire to continue learning and questioning topics or ideas of interest.
Individuality
We embrace unique strengths and weaknesses. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to life. No two people are alike, and we celebrate each human being’s personal sense of self.
Integrity
We value the practice of being honest, and the ability to make decisions in a way that is equitable and responsible.
Resiliency
We empower our students to view setbacks and barriers as opportunities for growth as opposed to a reason to give up. We value a student’s ability to overcome.
Governance
The Board of Directors, chosen among their peers, are the governing body of Liguori Academy.