La Salle Academy

La Salle Academy is a private, Catholic school located in Providence, Rhode Island, founded by the Christian Brothers in 1871. The academy is part of the Lasallian network of schools, which includes institutions such as Saint Mary's College of California, Manhattan College, and La Salle University. La Salle Academy is known for its strong academic programs, including courses in mathematics, science, and English literature, as well as its commitment to community service and social justice, inspired by the teachings of John Baptist de La Salle and Pope Francis. The academy has a long history of producing successful graduates, including Rhode Island politicians, Brown University alumni, and Harvard University graduates.

● History

La Salle Academy was founded in 1871 by the Christian Brothers, a Catholic order dedicated to education and charity, with the support of Bishop Francis Patrick Kenrick and Archbishop John McCloskey. The academy's early years were marked by rapid growth, with the school expanding to include a high school and middle school program, modeled after the European schools of France and Ireland. During World War I, La Salle Academy played an important role in supporting the United States Army and the American Red Cross, with many alumni serving in the Allied Powers. In the 1950s and 1960s, the academy underwent significant changes, including the introduction of new academic programs and the construction of new facilities, inspired by the Second Vatican Council and the leadership of Pope John XXIII.

● Academics

La Salle Academy offers a rigorous academic program, with courses in mathematics, science, English literature, and foreign languages, such as Spanish, French, and Latin. The academy is known for its strong programs in STEM fields, including engineering, computer science, and biology, with partnerships with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Rhode Island. La Salle Academy also offers a range of elective courses, including art, music, and theater, with performances at the Providence Performing Arts Center and the Trinity Repertory Company. The academy's faculty includes experienced teachers and mentors, many of whom have graduated from top universities such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Brown University.

● Athletics

La Salle Academy has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and the Catholic Athletic League, against schools such as Bishop Hendricken High School and Mount Saint Charles Academy. The academy's teams have won numerous championships, including titles in football, basketball, and baseball, with alumni going on to play for University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and Boston College. La Salle Academy also offers a range of intramural sports and fitness programs, including soccer, lacrosse, and track and field, with facilities at the Providence College and the Rhode Island College.

● Campus

La Salle Academy's campus is located in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island, near the Providence College and the Rhode Island School of Design. The campus includes a range of facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, and athletic fields, as well as a chapel and a library, with resources from the Providence Public Library and the Rhode Island Historical Society. The academy's campus is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Old Main Building, which dates back to the 19th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

● Student Life

La Salle Academy offers a range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including debate team, drama club, and community service organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The academy also has a strong focus on spirituality and faith formation, with regular Mass and prayer services, led by the Catholic Diocese of Providence and the Christian Brothers. La Salle Academy's students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, with many going on to attend top universities such as University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, and Georgetown University.

● Notable Alumni

La Salle Academy has a long list of notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, and artists, such as John F. Kennedy Jr., Ted Kennedy, and Viola Davis. Other notable alumni include Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, United States Senator Jack Reed, and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, as well as Brown University President Christina Paxson and Harvard University Professor Lawrence Lessig. La Salle Academy's alumni have gone on to achieve great success in a range of fields, including law, medicine, and finance, with many giving back to their community through philanthropy and volunteer work, inspired by the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community.

Category:Private schools in Rhode Island