Archdiocese of Washington Recognizes St. Jerome Institute!
Dear Saint Jerome Institute Families and Supporters,
I am happy to announce that Cardinal McElroy has recognized St. Jerome Institute as an independent Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Washington!
This is an important moment in the life of our school, and in the larger St. Jerome education project. The Cardinal’s recognition of our high school is a gesture of paternal unity that recognizes the place of St. Jerome Institute in the Archdiocese, affirming the important vitality of our work to renew Catholic liberal education.
In his letter, the Cardinal communicated his appreciation of our strong faith community and our distinctive approach to education. I would like to share with you some of the Cardinal’s thoughtful and generous comments. I believe they speak for themselves.
In reaching this decision, I have reflected on the distinctive history and mission of Saint Jerome Institute. The school emerged from the vision of families seeking to continue the classical Catholic formation begun at Saint Jerome Academy and has established itself as a community dedicated to intellectual excellence, discipleship, and fidelity to the Catholic tradition. Over the years, the Institute has demonstrated institutional stability through effective governance, prudent stewardship, committed leadership, and a growing educational community.
I am particularly encouraged by the school’s commitment to a classical approach to Catholic education that integrates theology, Sacred Scripture, philosophy, literature, history, and the broader Catholic intellectual tradition into a coherent and unified educational experience. Such an approach reflects an authentic desire to form the whole person in truth and virtue.
The Church is enriched by educational institutions that faithfully proclaim the Gospel while offering distinct approaches to forming young people as disciples of Jesus Christ. I believe that Saint Jerome Institute has demonstrated a sincere commitment to this mission, and I am hopeful that this recognition will strengthen its partnership with the Archdiocese and contribute to the vitality of Catholic education throughout our local Church.
As you can see, the Cardinal has taken the time to learn about our history and our approach to education. He not only encourages us to continue on our path of renewing Catholic education according to the St. Jerome vision of education, but even recognizes that we are a source of vitality for Catholic education in the Archdiocese.
It is important to recognize that this is the culmination of many years of hard work. I am deeply grateful to Kelly Branaman, the Secretary of Catholic Schools and Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese, for her kind support and assistance. Dr. Shivone and his staff have shown great fortitude and creativity throughout this long process. I am also grateful to our Curriculum Committee and our head of Theology, Dr. Higgins, for their tireless work to shape and communicate our curriculum clearly to the Cardinal and his staff. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the brilliant work of our teachers and students, who never fail to persuade visitors to our school that the bold vision of Saint Jerome Institute is not just a theoretical document, but joyfully alive in our schools.
Please join me in offering a prayer for the intentions of our Archbishop, along with a prayer of thanksgiving for all of the blessings that our Heavenly Father continues to pour out for us. May each new grace and gift inspire us to redouble our efforts for the good of our children, our community, and the Church!
St. Jerome, pray for us!
St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us!
Yours in Christ,
Dan Gibbons
President and Board Chair
Saint Jerome Institute
