CNA Staff, Aug 19, 2024 / 16:50 pm
A Catholic school for low-income and agricultural migrant families opened its doors in a Miami suburb on Monday for its first-ever day of school.
"The Little School," the first Catholic school within 15 miles of the suburb, is run by the De La Salle "Lasallian" Brothers, also known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools, in the La Salle Education Center.
Homestead - a growing city in the south of Florida nestled between the Everglades and Biscayne National Park - is almost 70% Hispanic or Latino, according to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Catholic education is becoming increasingly accessible in Florida due to school choice policies like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarships. More than half of Catholic school students are using a school choice program, according to the latest National Catholic Educational Association growth report.
The Little School is the fourth Catholic school to open within the archdiocese in the past three years.
The La Salle Educational Center is working with Florida's Step Up scholarship program, a state-approved nonprofit that helps administer the school choice programs. All applicants are required to apply for the scholarship program.
The school's new beginning has been celebrated by local Catholic leaders. Superintendent of Catholic schools in Miami, Jim Rigg, called its opening "heartening," while Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami came by to bless the new school building and celebrate Mass there on Sunday.
"One of the ways to succeed is to get a good education, and the LaSalle Brothers are noted for that. For centuries they have given solid educations especially to the neediest population," Wenski said. "In today's culture, our children have a difficult road to travel. Which is why we invest in Catholic schools, and this new school is a great opportunity for these kids."
The Little School is an outgrowth of a decades-long mission in the La Salle Educational Center, which began as an arts and crafts center in 1989. The center grew into an after-school program in 1991, and the Lasallian brothers became responsible for its operation in 2020.
In 2023, the Lasallian brothers felt called to address the educational needs of the children of Homestead as part of their chapter's call to reach out to the periphery. The brothers moved to hire a new president and found the Little School.
"The first day has been truly blessed, with a full class of students ready to embark on their educational journey," La Salle Eduction Center President Michael Scaramuzzo told CNA. "The energy and excitement among the students, parents, and staff have been incredible, and it's clear that the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle is alive and well in our community."
Rooted in the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle, Lasallian education emphasizes the presence of God, concern for the poor, and respect for all persons and "prioritizes individualized attention, holistic development, and social responsibility," according to the La Salle website.
"What excites us the most about the Little School's opening is the opportunity to instill the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community from the very beginning of the education of our students," Scaramuzzo said.
"We are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where each student is known, loved, and challenged to reach their fullest potential, both academically and spiritually," he continued. "Our goal is to inspire our students to become not only successful learners but also Lasallian leaders who live out the Gospel in their daily lives."
The Little School will feature classes in computer science and fine arts, among other subjects.
The Little School is part of the De La Salle Brothers' initiative to serve the local community by expanding the school to a K-12 school over the next few years. The brothers hope to expand the school into a Brother Victorino School in August 2025 - named for a venerable member of their order.
(Story continues below)
"The continued growth of our Catholic schools in south Florida is enormously heartening," Superintendent Rigg said in a press release. "We are thrilled to welcome new families."
Article reprinted with permission.
