Virginia Devine, Head of SchoolHow does Rosarian Academy approach education beyond academics to support character development and personal growth?
For a century, Rosarian Academy has carried this belief forward through its Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community and service. These values define its culture and shape how learning and daily interactions occur.
“We deliver a comprehensive academic program while also guiding students in ways that advance their intellectual development and personal values,” says Virginia Devine, head of school.
What educational model allows Rosarian Academy to foster independence, purpose and holistic student development?
Rosarian Academy stands out for its exceptional educational model. Children learn in an environment designed to foster independence and purpose. It combines core academic subjects with enrichment programs, including arts, physical development and community engagement.
Its dedicated Montessori program defines early childhood foundation, setting the tone for students’ growth. Classrooms often run with quiet independence, where students move confidently between learning stations that build early literacy and numeracy. Teachers guide them through hands-on learning that builds confidence, enhances problem-solving abilities and supports the development of clear communication.
Children exercise independence in selecting activities and collaborating with peers, building responsibility and purposeful engagement. It also promotes social and emotional development by encouraging respectful interaction with others. By the time they enter kindergarten, students carry a level of readiness that strengthens their overall experience.
The curriculum in lower school includes core subjects like math, science, arts, social studies, foreign languages and religion. Many alumni credit their success to the strong foundation established during their time at the academy.
In what ways does Rosarian Academy integrate enrichment programs to support physical, artistic and academic growth?
Rosarian Academy’s enrichment programs offer students steady exposure to a range of learning experiences. Physical education classes foster coordination and structured movement, helping children establish habits that lead to active, healthy lives.
Its art program provides a visible platform for creative expression through campus displays, an annual exhibition and regional showcases. Student artwork is displayed campus-wide, with nine students recently selected for the ArtiGras regional festival.
Music programs are designed to include vocal coaching in the early grades and instrumental study in the middle school. Instruments like ukulele are taught as part of the curriculum, strengthening rhythm, coordination and musical literacy. The program is designed to support musical growth and critical thinking, giving a broader foundation for cognitive development.
Dramatics remains a strong tradition, with two annual plays—a fall play for grades 4–8 and a spring musical for grades 2–8—giving students opportunities to build confidence in speaking and working collaboratively with their peers.
What role do service learning and community engagement play throughout student life at Rosarian Academy?
STEM instruction begins in kindergarten, supported by a dedicated science and technology lab. Students engage with hands-on work, participate in STEM clubs and join teams that compete with other schools. The teaching approach is adapted to meet students at their level, including those who transfer into the academy, facilitating steady progress without pressure.
Community service is a consistent part of student life. From the lower grades onward, students take part in initiatives that include food drives, toys for tots, beach cleanups and gleaning crops in local fields for distribution to families in need. A recent after-school initiative brought 28 students together to make bracelets for children in foster care.
Younger children often take part in social activities with their families, reinforcing the academy’s culture of giving back. With parents actively supporting and driving students to service sites, civic engagement becomes a shared responsibility across the community.
To ensure students receive the best learning experience, Rosarian Academy collaborates with the Carnegie Science Center. This partnership enhances its science program by equipping teachers with advanced instructional methods and supporting regular use of the academy’s science lab for hands-on work. These practices help build an interest in the subject that continues into the upper grades.
At its core, Rosarian Academy offers an educational experience shaped by values, clarity and meaningful opportunities. Its mission remains deeply rooted in Catholic identity, guiding students academically and in the formation of their hearts and souls.
