St. Teresa’s Academy

A few blocks from our home in Kansas City is St. Teresa’s Academy (STA). This premier private all-girls high school was founded in 1866 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. It is located on a parklike 20-acre campus.

6 years ago, our then 5^th grade granddaughter, Delaney, told Christine that she hoped to attend St. Teresa’s in high school. Her resolve was such that Grandmother Christine interceded with the administration on Delaney’s behalf to arrange for her to participate in the annual “shadow day” as a 6^th grader. Normally reserved for 8^th graders, Delaney was welcomed again in the 7^th and finally the 8^th grade. Her determination, good grades, and community service resulted in her admission to the Freshman class at STA in 2023.

Last week Christine and I joined Delaney, and her friend Phoebe, for Grandparents Day at STA.

Hundreds of grandparents enjoyed coffee and sweets before joining their granddaughters for Mass and a campus tour. We were proud to be Phoebe’s “grandparents for a day”.

550 young women attend St. Teresa’s Academy. Strong in academics, the school features over 125 course offerings which include advance placement (AP) classes through Rockhurst University, St. Louis University, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Over 98% of STA students proceed directly on to 4-year college and university studies.

The student body and faculty are diverse and inclusive, originating from varied cultural, racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Although a school guided by Catholic faith and social principles, girls from all faith traditions are welcomed.

STA is equally strong in athletics. The campus features a state-of-the-art gymnasium and outdoor track/sports complex. STA girls compete at the highest level in basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball, track, golf, softball, swimming, tennis, dance, lacrosse, and most recently wrestling.

As a 5^th grader Delaney declared her intention to someday become a “pediatric orthopedic surgeon”. Perhaps that ambition was driven by her frequent contact with health care professionals in her early years. Delaney is one of three surviving quadruplets. She and her siblings were born very early and very tiny. To look at Delaney, Britton and Simon today one would never suspect their struggles to survive their first year.

It is all too common for people of my generation to criticize today’s youth. The misdeeds of some young people make for sensational fodder in the news cycle. However, the real story too often untold, is that the future will be in good hands with these leaders of tomorrow… if the leaders of today don’t trash it all first.

Peace Everyone. Pete