Hybrid Catholic classical school opening on campus of St. Joseph Cathedral

A new “hybrid Catholic classical” school will begin holding classes this fall on the campus of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in north Sioux Falls.

St. Joseph Academy will serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade, offering “a rich classical curriculum for those in elementary and middle grades,” according to a statement from the school. In addition, St. Joseph Montessori will provide classes for children age 3 to 6. 

“In a classical education, students study the tradition of Western civilization by reading primary sources and great works of literature. Students learn to think with the mind of the ancients and to contemplate with them the good, true and beautiful.”

Students will participate in the Cathedral’s sacred music children’s choir, classical art studio, poetry, Latin, daily Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and math and science “rooted in wonder and exploration.”

As a hybrid school, students will learn in the classroom with trained teachers on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday and Friday, the curriculum transfers home so that parents “can share in the learning process and grow together with their children,” according to the statement.

“St. Joseph Academy aims to support parents in raising virtuous, thriving children, to build a beautiful community of families and to lead all involved deeply into the heart of Jesus.”

Classes will be held in the former St. Joseph Elementary School on the Cathedral campus. This building also is used for a variety of Cathedral parish and community groups, including Harmony, an after-school music program serving 100 children.

While the school will be located on the church campus, it is a project initiated by lay people. Sara Hofflander will serve as the head of the school. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master’s degree in education from Creighton University. With support from the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota, she recently completed several courses in administration and classical pedagogy at the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.

“Interest in enrollment is strong, and we are anticipating a first year enrollment cap at 60 students,” she said. “This strong interest tracks with the remarkable increase in home-school registrations in the Sioux Falls area in recent years.”

In the first year, classroom instruction will be given to multi-age, dual-grade cohorts.

Tuition will be $3,000 per student, plus the cost of books. Montessori students age 3 to 6 can register for half-day sessions, starting at $1,000 for two half-days plus $500 for each additional half-day.

Interested parents are invited to attend upcoming information sessions at the St. Joseph Cathedral parish hall, 521 N. Duluth Ave. Sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Feb. 13.

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