Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of St. Joseph Academy,

Our inaugural school year is off to a thriving start. Our faithful teachers have confidently taken on the challenge of providing Catholic classical education in Sioux Falls. It has been beautiful to be part of this loving, intelligent, self-sacrificing team as we work to form children of virtue in the Catholic faith and Western tradition.

On a deeper level, it has been an even greater joy to witness the many graces blossoming in our students. Some of the more notable experiences have included:

• -- A middle school student sitting on a riverbank during nature study writing beautiful prose about the glory of God reflected in creation. After finishing his written reflection, he began a discussion with his teachers about discerning his vocation.

• -- A natural mentorship forming between the older and younger students during daily Mass. The older students have taken great joy in choosing a young student to sit by them and to help them participate reverently throughout the Mass. The younger students find this to be a great honor as well!

• -- High quality discussions. I have witnessed seminar discussions of students who seem wise beyond their years. One discussion between 4th and 5th graders dove into The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with a conversation on allegory, whether Mr. Tumnus was a virtuous character, and why the White Witch’s attempt to rule through coercion and fear was ineffective. It was an honor to witness their intelligent discussion.

• -- The pure and innocent joy of the Montessori students. They have been unabashed in sharing about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and their daily Adoration time. My favorite quote from a two-year old: “We go to Adoration in the chapel. We get to see Jesus! Jesus is in my heart!”

• -- The invaluable gift of new friendships. The children repeatedly express gratitude for getting to know one another and deepening friendships each day.

It is evident through these and many further graces that our work at SJA has just begun. There are numerous developing programs that are currently underway including our Montessori classroom, CGS program, new library, and sacred music program. There are also further ways that we hope to expand including adding grades, a drama program, and additional resources for a more robust gymnastic education. All of these works come with material and administrative costs.

As we approach the final days of 2024, we ask that you consider joining “The Carpenter’s Table,” a dedicated group of monthly givers committed to supporting the on-going works and development of St. Joseph Academy. Your monthly gift is an investment in the lives of our students and families. Our goal for the 2024-2025 school year is for 60 supporters to join “The Carpenter’s Table.” To register as a monthly giver, visit us online at stjosephclassicalacademy.org and click “Donate” in the top menu. When setting up your donation, choose “Monthly” to become a part of “The Carpenter’s Table.” Donors will receive quarterly newsletters to stay up-to-date with our on-going development as a school and community.

If you prefer a different method, you can also mail a donation to:

St. Joseph Academy
521 N. Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Thank you for your friendship and support of SJA. Please pray for this endeavor that we may remain rooted in the Heart of Jesus raising up young people in wisdom and virtue.

In Christ,

Sara Hofflander

Head of School

P.S. More than anything, we depend upon your prayers! Whether or not you are able to join The Carpenter’s Table, let us stay united in prayer as we journey together this year!

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