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Our Mission Statement
We, at St. Joseph Academy, strive to model a true Catholic life through embracing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, to help our students grow spiritually, academically and socially.
Our Philosophy of Education
A Catholic school has one primary reason for existence: to instruct students in the truths of our faith, so that, accepting these truths, they may so live, that God “through Jesus Christ may carry out in them all that which is pleasing to Him.” (Heb. 13:21) Hence, basic to our philosophy as Catholic educators at St. Joseph Academy is instruction in the principles of Christian faith and morals – principles which may serve our students as guidelines in worthy earthly living in attainment of eternal beatitude.
Secondly, Catholic education aims to give students an excellent academic education. St. Joseph Academy accepts this second purpose and endeavors to provide its students with a thorough instruction in the basics of scholarly learning.
Thirdly, since children are social beings living in a social milieu, St. Joseph Academy strives to inculcate in its students principles of regard and courtesy: a respect for their own human dignity and for that of all other people. Finally, St. Joseph Academy accepts the trust of instilling in its students a sense of true patriotism with its responsibilities of good citizenship.
Our History
On November 1, 1974, the first group of Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker moved to Walton to establish their Motherhouse. The following summer, the Sisters organized a summer Bible school for the children of All Saints parish. At the end of the program, the parishioners asked the Sisters if they would reopen All Saints School, which had closed in 1966. After discussing the plan with Fr. Joseph Collins, the pastor of All Saints, the Sisters agreed to reopen the school and assumed all financial responsibility. All Saints Parish leased the existing four-room school building to the Sisters and St. Joseph Academy opened its doors on August 30, 1976, with an enrollment of 49 students.
The Academy outgrew its facility in less than a decade, reaching an enrollment of 135 students. On August 15, 1985, with the support of All Saints parish, ground was broken for the construction of six additional classrooms, larger restrooms with handicap accessibility, an office, faculty room, and a school hall.
In 1995, it again became clear that SJA had outgrown its physical plant. At this point, the cafeteria was converted into two classrooms, moving the children to the hall for lunch. Continued growth necessitated the lease of office spaces under an adjoining medical building in 1997, 1998, and 2001. These were converted into classrooms. In 2009, the medical building was acquired by the Academy following the retirement of Dr. William Waller, who owned the facility. The building was named Waller Hall in his honor. Together with housing our middle school, Waller Hall accommodates our Art and Music programs as well as providing some much needed storage space.
In addition to the increasing physical growth of the campus, St. Joseph Academy’s educational programs have greatly expanded over the years. We opened a kindergarten in 1998, the success of which prompted the initiation of our preschool program for 3 and 4 year olds in 2005. In 2007, we realized the need for after-school care services, which were expanded to year-round Day Care in 2011. Our growing sports program began in 2008.
Catholic Identity
We are a Catholic school, but we welcome students of all faiths. Twenty-three percent of our student body are non-Catholic. Students come from several different counties including: Boone, Kenton, Gallatin, Grant, Pendleton and Owen.
Our Catholic identity is the solid foundation of all we do. Our faith and religious practices permeate the school day. As Christians, we are reminded by St. Paul in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” The mind needs to be filled with the words of Jesus found in the daily reading of Sacred Scripture. Then our thoughts can rise to God throughout the day in praise, thanks, adoration, contrition, and supplication. We strive to achieve this at St. Joseph Academy.
Parents, as the first teachers of their children, teach them moral values that will benefit them throughout their lives. At St. Joseph Academy, we nourish these moral values in a Christian environment that encourages the students to openly profess their faith in God.
Non-Catholic students participate in the established religious curriculum and programs offered during the school day.
