A Snapshot of Lasallian Education
St. John Baptist de La Salle founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools in the late 17th century. In the 300 years since his death in 1719, Lasallian schools have been founded in over 80 countries around the world and presently educate over one million students. These schools include elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, schools for troubled youth, universities, graduate schools and alternative education centers.
Christian Brothers Academy is one of approximately 50 secondary schools in the Lasallian network nationwide. While some are diocesan or parish-owned, CBA is sponsored directly by the Brothers of the Christian Schools and governed by a Board of Trustees composed of Brothers and lay persons. CBA is accountable to the Diocese of Trenton for the authentic way it educates students in the Catholic faith, but otherwise, its governance allows a unique educational vision to find expression.
In the Rule of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the Institute states its ultimate mission as follows:
The purpose of this Institute is to give a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, according to the ministry which the Church has entrusted to it.
The following four principles represent core Lasallian values as lived out at Christian Brothers Academy:
A Lasallian school is committed to faith which is expressed through service.
A Lasallian education stresses the responsibility of all students to attend to the development of a spiritual life and personal relationship with God. Frequent prayer and periodic liturgical celebrations invite the students to enter into rhythms of life appropriate for an adult believer. One of the most important dimensions of that life is service, which students are required to participate in each year. Their commitment to these service activities, as seen in community outreach, service immersion trips and numerous charitable drives, goes far beyond requirements. This commitment encapsulates the distinctive spirit of the Brothers’ Institute and the Lasallian family worldwide.
A Lasallian school is an educational environment committed to excellence.
Though each Lasallian school will define excellence differently based on their context, each of the Brothers’ schools pursue it. As a selective college preparatory school, CBA is committed to rigorous academic inquiry, an atmosphere which promotes self-discipline, and a competitive ethos that fosters a quest for that “personal best.” CBA is a high school where students expect to personally perform well, but also greet others’ achievements with excitement and support.
A Lasallian school is a community of teachers and learners.
All Lasallian schools respect the needs of the individual learner and inspire programs designed to meet those needs. This spirit of respect for the individual is contagious. The halls of CBA can be characterized by “high-spirited good order.” While students respect the seriousness of learning, they also display a warmth and enthusiasm that is palpable. The Academy is a place where young men are conscious of each other’s needs and achievements, leading to a community of helpfulness.
A Lasallian school is an inclusive community.
The Lasallian tradition of Catholic education welcomes students of all backgrounds. The young men at CBA come from three counties, over 70 sending schools, and many different places of Catholic and other worship. Though Lasallian schools proudly serve many different worship populations around the world, the preponderance of students at CBA are Catholic. Students of all faiths, however, are welcome to share in this total educational experience. Likewise, Lasallian schools recognizes the difficult realities of family life in our contemporary society. It supports students from families constituted in every imaginable way. All parents can have a similar place in the life of the school. The Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools has described the Lasallian family as “the friendly face of the Church.” This non-judgmental and accepting face is the one we hope all our students and their families see when they join the Academy family.