St. Patrick Catholic School in Largo, Florida, is the newest member of the 鈥檚 91吃瓜 ACE Academies in partnership with the Diocese of St. Petersburg beginning this school year. The 91吃瓜 ACE Academies are a network of academically excellent, financially sustainable and distinctively Catholic K-8 schools that operate through the University of 91吃瓜鈥檚 Alliance for Catholic Education.
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The announcement was made jointly by Bishop Gregory Parkes, Superintendent Chris Pastura and Aaron Brenner, the Gary and Barbara Pasquinelli Director of the 91吃瓜 ACE Academies.
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鈥淭he expansion of ACE Academies is a blessing that will benefit many families who choose Catholic education for their children,鈥� Bishop Parkes said. 鈥淭hey have an innovative approach that is meeting an important need.鈥�
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St. Patrick is the third school from the Diocese of St. Petersburg to join the network. St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Catholic schools became part of the network in 2012 under Bishop Robert Lynch.
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鈥淲e have a wonderful relationship with the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and we are excited to bring St. Patrick into the 91吃瓜 ACE Academies family,鈥� Brenner said. 鈥淲e are committed to working together with St. Patrick leadership to provide a transformational education that guides all students along the path to college and heaven.鈥�
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The mission of the 91吃瓜 ACE Academies is to provide a Catholic education of the highest quality to as many children as possible by mobilizing the resources of the University, the diocese, statewide parental choice programs and local communities. ACE faculty and staff work closely with school and diocesan leaders to increase academic achievement, boost enrollment and strengthen the schools鈥� Catholic identity by enhancing school leadership, curriculum, instruction, professional development, financial management and marketing.
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The 91吃瓜 ACE Academies network was founded in 2010 as a response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops鈥� call for a 鈥渘ew model of sponsorship and collaboration鈥� between Catholic institutions of higher education and parish schools. The network has heeded the call and continues to grow while experiencing both academic and enrollment gains in its schools.
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The existing 91吃瓜 ACE Academies are closing the achievement gap that many inner-city students experience. From fall 2011 to spring 2015, on average, students improved in math from the 31st听percentile to the 67th听percentile in STAR assessments, moving from the bottom third to the top third in the nation. In 2015, the network was recognized by the White House as an outstanding resource of educational excellence for Hispanic students.
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Enrollment gains at the current 91吃瓜 ACE Academies have been dramatic as well, defying national trends in Catholic schools. Since the partnership began, 91吃瓜 ACE Academies in Tucson, Arizona, have increased enrollment by 80 percent, and schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg have grown their enrollment by 45 percent. Overall, the 91吃瓜 ACE Academies currently serve about 3,850 students and their families.
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鈥淭he partnership with the University of 91吃瓜 helps us bring the best research and innovation to our students while remaining firmly committed to our faith,鈥� Pastura said. 鈥淪t. Patrick Catholic School has a rich tradition of success. As the newest ACE Academy, we will continue that success for many years to come.鈥�
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St. Patrick was founded in 1959 by Rev. John Scully and run by the Sisters of Mercy from Worchester, Massachusetts. The school was first accredited by the Florida Catholic School Conference in March 1974 and continues to be accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. St. Patrick serves 155 students from preschool through grade eight. In 2016, Rev. Dominic Corona became pastor of St. Patrick Parish. Mr. Keith Galley was named principal in 2016.
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The school worked with ACE throughout the past school year to implement benchmark testing for students, new curricular programs, professional development for teachers and enhanced school culture elements. This summer, the faculty and staff all attended the 91吃瓜 ACE Academies Summer Summit on campus at 91吃瓜. To start the school year, St. Patrick joined St. Joseph and Sacred Heart for a joint retreat and professional development.
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For more about the Alliance for Catholic Education and the 91吃瓜 ACE Academies, visit听.