Archdiocese celebrates opening of Saint Brigid Academy
First Catholic “micro” school in Northern California serving students with learning differences
By Christina Gray
Like a trophy, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone held a pair of oversized scissors over his head with a jubilant smile after cutting the grand opening ribbon at Saint Brigid Academy on June 29.
The official transition of the 136-year-old school from St. Brigid School to Saint Brigid Academy is indeed a victory for the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Department of Catholic Schools (DCS) and the families it serves. It’s Northern California’s first Catholic “micro school” for K-8 students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia, comprehension challenges, and those who struggle with attention and focus.
“We are starting something very positive here, something that is very needed,” said Archbishop Cordileone after blessing the school. “I couldn’t be prouder of you and more grateful.”
Micro schooling has been described as a modern incarnation of the one-room schoolhouse, where class size is typically smaller than that of most schools with a small teacher-student ratio.
“Today marks a special day for many Catholic families in the Bay Area, including my own,” said Head of School Megan Rabbitt to the 40 or so people gathered in the Franklin St. school courtyard. The crowd included parents, students, teachers, administrators, Archbishop Cordileone and the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Chris Fisher.
Rabbitt emphasized that the school’s long tradition of Catholic education that began in 1888 with the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has not unchanged. Despite the name change, the school will continue to serve “neurotypical” students.
“First and foremost, we are a school rooted in the Catholic faith that integrates Catholic values throughout all facets of learning,” she said. “What sets us apart? We can now support a diverse array of learners with intentional smaller class sizes with a 7:1 teacher-student ratio.”
The school will be better able to help all students reach their full potential, whether that child has a neurodiversity or needs to be challenged beyond their age or grade level, she said.
“Our program is set up so that each student will learn at their own pace while meeting California state standards under the supervision of highly trained teachers and staff members.
Enrollment for the Academy’s first academic year, which begins Aug. 19, is underway, said Rabbitt.
In a 2019 survey, K-8 Catholic school leaders in the Archdiocese of San Francisco overwhelmingly indicated a desire to better serve students with diverse learning needs. Inspired by this, the DCS created a cohesive approach to serving and supporting students with learning differences across the K-8 school system, identifying the need for more resources, training and tools. In the summer of 2023, the Archdiocese formalized a plan to pursue equitable access to federal grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The grand opening of Saint Brigid Academy was Fisher’s first official school event as superintendent. He said the opening of Saint Brigid Academy represents “a real need within our Catholic community and a fulfillment of that need.”
“Today we open the doors to a place where every child is valued, understood and given the resources to thrive,” he said. “At the very heart of St. Brigid Academy is the philosophy of our Catholic faith, which calls us to love every individual as a reflection of God’s infinite love.”
He asked students to consider the school, “your home.”
“You are not alone here,” he said. “You are part of a family who celebrates your uniqueness.”
Visit saintbrigidsf.org to learn more about St. Brigid Academy.
Photos: Luci Valentine
