JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Basilica of St. James and St. John’s Academy are pleased to announce that the Academy will offer middle school education beginning in the fall of 2021.

Originally a boarding school, St. John’s Academy opened in 1890 and offered education through high school for 75 years until the closure of the middle and high school after the 1965-66 school year. With the announcement made this past weekend at services at the Basilica of St. James, the school will resume offering Catholic- Christian middle school education beginning in the fall of 2021 with the addition of 7th grade and with 8th grade in the fall of 2022.

A proposal was approved by the Academy’s school board, the Basilica of St. James Parish Finance Council and future pastor Rev. Neil Pfeifer. “Adding 7th and 8th grade was a part of the vision that Monsignor Wald had for this parish and for St. John’s Academy. Furthermore, it supports the mission of the Basilica of St. James and Academy,” stated Reverend Pfeifer.

The decision comes with encouragement and support of the Bishop of Fargo Diocese, John T. Folda, who holds a deep belief in the importance and value of Catholic-Christian education.

“I’m very pleased that St. John’s Academy will add 7th and 8th grades in the next two years. This will be a great blessing for our students and their families, who already trust St. John’s to pass on an excellent education and formation in the Catholic faith,” stated Bishop Folda.

“Since 1890, the mission of St. John’s Academy has been to educate and spiritually form the children of this community through rigorous academics built on the firm foundation of Catholic-Christian faith. The decision to proceed with the addition of 7th and 8th grade was made with a firm belief that education within a Catholic-Christian school is both valuable and necessary for passing on the faith to the next generation. In other words, it is impossible to educate a child fully and properly without bringing Christ into the conversation,” said Rev. Pfeifer.

School Principal, Jeff Trumbauer, commented “Educating middle school students here at the Academy will not only enhance the academic experience for our children but will greatly contribute to the formation and development of the whole child. The ability to present Christ to middle school children during their formative years is very important. We understand that there will be challenges to face, but through Christ all things are possible, and it is in Him we put our faith. We are excited to offer this incredible, faith-based education that has become the standard at St. John’s Academy to 7th and 8th grade students. We appreciate the input and support of our stakeholders and ask for the prayers of this community as we embark on the next chapter at St. John’s Academy.”

For more details and enrollment information, visit the Academy’s website: www.stjohnsacademynd.org