As the old saying goes, patience is a virtue. Over time, a tiny seed can grow into a flourishing plant through care, hard work, and dedication. In the case of
The Welsh Academy, the seed was planted in 1990 by Rev. Robert J. Welsh S.J. ’54, the long-serving President of Saint Ignatius High School. Over the years, many individuals have worked tirelessly for the idea of the middle school to take root, and in 2019 the Welsh Academy blossomed into life.
Fr. Welsh was known for his bold visions concerning Saint Ignatius High School, including the ambitious idea of establishing a middle school to serve the Ohio City neighborhood. Now, in 2024, after five successful years of existence, there is much to celebrate.
The Welsh Academy serves middle school boys from across Cleveland and its inner-ring suburbs who might not otherwise have the opportunity for a private, Catholic education. The school is carefully designed to be a center of learning specifically for boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen.
Founding Principal, Dr. Mary Ann Vogel is honored to carry forward Fr. Welsh's dream. "Father Welsh had an idea in 1990. Now, we were able to bring it to reality. He is all around us."
His belief in providing access to high-quality education for all who are ready, willing, and able touches every aspect of education at The Welsh Academy. The academy team strives to prepare its 67 students through a teaching and learning plan based on Ignatian methods and best practices. The emphasis on cura personalis, or care of the whole person—particularly the pre-adolescent and young adolescent boy—demonstrates how the faculty and staff of thirteen go beyond the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic in their daily work with students.
Founding Math teacher, Kim Brandt, appreciates the personal aspects of her role. "It is great to find a community that values your opinion and offers the space to try new ideas.” We are bringing a strong curriculum and unique experiences to students who might not otherwise have had them."
One way of doing this is through using a Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum. One of Brandt's favorite PBL projects involves eighth-grade math students designing a putt-putt course while studying geometry and algebra. The students plan, measure, purchase materials, and assemble the course, which the sixth and seventh graders will eventually play.
This type of hands-on learning and attention to students has been a hallmark of The Welsh Academy from the start. This teaching style has paid off for the students. Three classes of Welsh Academy students are now alumni, with the oldest being juniors in high school. The majority of these alumni attend Saint Ignatius High School.
"I love seeing our alumni taking an active role in their high schools. From robotics to stage crew to athletics, I can see pride in our guys as they walk throughout campus. That connection, to see how the early work is coming alive in the present, is a connection that hits my heart in a way that I wasn’t expecting.” said Vogel.
The faculty and staff at The Welsh Academy are not the only tireless champions of the school. There is a vast community of people who make the school possible.
The connection with Saint Ignatius High School is special. "It is a symbiotic relationship. The Welsh Academy enriches the lives of those at Saint Ignatius with their perspective, and we can assist them in return," said Rev. Raymond P. Guiao S.J. ’82.
We see these relationships form in many ways. One is the partnership The Welsh Academy has with the Sophomore Service program, where high school boys work closely with middle school boys, including sharing lunch and being a part of recess with them.
Another is with the
Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership, which serves as the community outreach arm of Saint Ignatius High School. Arrupe Director John Gill ’97 noted, "We recognized the importance of middle school students feeling culturally accepted by high school students even before Welsh Academy was established. This helps them feel more comfortable." Each Wednesday, while the Welsh Academy team engages in professional learning and team meetings, the Arrupe staff runs three clubs for academy students: Cat Pack, an afterschool sports program, a 3D printing club, and a culinary arts club.
After a successful first five years, what does the future hold for the Welsh Academy? Currently, a group is working on a strategic plan to set the school's direction into its tenth year, ensuring that a strong foundation is established and the mission is sustainable.
Another way is to ensure more meaningful connections between the students of both schools. Fr. Guiao says, "The vision, the hope is, that Ignatius boys would be mentors, coaches, tutors, for the boys at The Welsh Academy."
We see this through the latest iteration of the Big Brother Program. Though COVID-19 disrupted the original program just after the school opened, it has restarted through the work of academy theology teacher Erin Conway and high school theology teacher Joe Betz ’01.
After five years of existence, the seed of inspiration that Fr. Welsh planted decades ago has roots that are growing deeper and branches growing wider. The Welsh Academy is moving into the phase of its development with a firm base and a spirited community of believers.
Join us for our
Welsh Academy Open House on Sunday, February 23rd.
Read the full issue of the Saint Ignatius Fall magazine
here!