Wikipedia

Mother Seton Academy

Mother Seton Academy (MSA) is an independent, tuition-free Catholic middle school in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1993, it serves students in grades 6 to 8 from underserved, low-income families. Named after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the first free Catholic school in the United States, MSA was created through a collaboration of six religious congregations within the Archdiocese of Baltimore: School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Xaverian Brothers, and the Society of Mary (Marianists).[1][2]

Mother Seton Academy
Address
2215 Greenmount Avenue

Baltimore
,
(Baltimore City)
,
Maryland
21218

United States
Information
Religious affiliation(s)Roman Catholic
Patron saint(s)Elizabeth Ann Seton
Established1993
AuthorityArchdiocese of Baltimore
PresidentGeorge E. Andrews, Jr.
PrincipalDr. Gregory Sucre
Grades6 - 8
EnrollmentOver 80 (2024)
Websitewww.mothersetonacademy.org

Operating under the NativityMiguel model, the academy emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development in a multicultural environment. With a current enrollment of about 80 students, the academy maintains small class sizes and offers extracurricular activities such as art, music, sports, and community service. All students receive full scholarships. MSA's Graduate Support Program provides ongoing assistance to alumni, helping them succeed in high school and higher education.

History

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Early years

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Mother Seton Academy began in 1993 in a building at St. Patrick’s Church in East Baltimore. Initially, the school served 20 students with a staff of six and featured an extended school day and year.[1] In 1994, it relocated to a larger space at the former convent of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fell’s Point, adding a seventh grade and doubling its enrollment.[3] In 2003, trustees of MSA explored starting a capital fund to purchase the location on South Ann Street.[4]

Collaborations

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The school has benefited from collaborations with organizations and community members. The school has worked with AmeriCorps volunteers.[5][6] The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore has helped raise funding for the MSA.[7] In 1997, Rafael Alvarez and David Simon hosted readings of their books to benefit MSA.[8] In 1999, The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation provided a grant that allowed the school to set up a free band program.[9] In 1999, Corpus Christi Community Center worked with MSA to set up an after school tutoring program.[10]

Current location and expansion

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In 2006, Sister Charmaine Krohe became president of MSA.[11] Since 2009, the academy has been located at 2215 Greenmount Avenue after purchasing and renovating the former St. Ann School.[12][13][14] Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and other donors funded the purchase and renovation of the new location.[12]

In 2019, the school added a new gymnasium.[15] Jeremy Freeman, the director of men's basketball operations for Holy Cross Crusaders, coached basketball at MSA.[16]

Awards

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In 2002, MSA was awarded the Milch Award by Loyola University Maryland for its service to the community.[17]

References

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  1. ^ a b Somerville, Frank P. L. (1993-02-06). "New school will seek to rescue kids at risk Mother Seton Academy to be free". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  2. ^ Maushard, Mary (1993-11-03). "Archdiocesan school rolls climb by 3.2% Enrollment is up for 3rd straight year". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  3. ^ Somerville, Frank P. L. (1994-03-09). "Experimental Fells Point Catholic school to move 4 blocks, expand". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  4. ^ Linley, Linda (March 21, 2003). "A place that's more than just a school". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  5. ^ Alvarez, Rafael (1996-11-27). "'The desire to help people' Volunteers: The guiding philosophy of those who choose to go into AmeriCorps, President Clinton's domestic Peace Corps, is that to give of one's time and talent is a privilege". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  6. ^ "Md. nonprofits waiting for cuts to AmeriCorps volunteers". Baltimore Sun. 2013-04-19. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  7. ^ "$4 million for tuition assistance raised Archdiocesan funds will help students at 15 Catholic schools". Baltimore Sun. 1997-01-24. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  8. ^ "Literary Arts, Vagabond Theater". Baltimore Sun via Newspapers.com. Dec 18, 1997. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  9. ^ Oakes, Amy (1999-01-12). "Pupils get gift of music; Grant: Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation provided money that allowed Mother Seton Academy in Upper Fells Point to set up a free program". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  10. ^ Snyder, Ron (1999-04-18). "An alternative to hanging out; Opportunity: Center's once-a-week program serves tutoring, activities, meals to neighborhood children". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  11. ^ "Provincial Leader, Sister Charmaine Krohe | School Sisters of Notre Dame - Atlantic Midwest Province". dev.atlanticmidwest.org. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  12. ^ a b Kelly, Jacques (May 11, 2009). "A rebirth for an old school". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  13. ^ "Saint Ann's Catholic Church celebrates 150 changing years in East Baltimore". Baltimore Sun. 2023-10-14. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  14. ^ "St. Ann has been anchored in faith for 150 years". Catholic Review. 2023-06-15. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  15. ^ "Mother Seton Academy adds a new gym". Baltimore Sun. 2019-08-03. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  16. ^ "Jeremy Freeman Named Director Of Men's Basketball Operations". Holy Cross Athletics. 2018-06-20. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  17. ^ "Diplomat addresses Loyola grads". Baltimore Sun via Newspapers.com. May 19, 2002. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
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