The Academy In 2008, the school was officially approved by the Archdiocese of Newark to become an academy. The school administration, faculty, School Advisory Council and Home School Association all played a role in obtaining this honor and designation. The Archdiocese has set forth guidelines that encompass six areas: curriculum, instruction, accreditation, total formation, activities and governance. As a result, the school has been officially renamed to The Academy of Our Lady of Peace. WHAT MAKES AN ACADEMY In order to achieve Academy status, a school must meet stringent criteria including additional curriculum requirements, a gifted and talented program, academically related activities, an Early Childhood program, and religious education. The school must also be accredited by the Middle States Association and have an active advisory board to assist the pastor and principal. As part of the review process the Archdiocese visited with school representatives, teachers and students and took note of the school's excellent credentials. After a lengthy process, the Archdiocese of Newark informed Our Lady of Peace School that its application to become an Academy was approved. The Archdiocese congratulated the school, stating that "truly the hard work of this community has created an academy where students and teachers strive for excellence, where they build up one another through encouragement and challenge, and where all achieve as a result of the dynamic teaching/learning interaction." Brother Ralph Darmento, Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, states, "Academy designation implies that special skills and subjects are taught. It is not merely a merging of schools and inserting the word 'academy' into the school's new name. There are very specific academic standards and enrichment programs that academies must have in order to earn that name." Brother Darmento authored the guidelines for academy status in the archdiocese.
Click here to view the official letter of approval from the Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Newark.
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