Growing up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I was part of a Catholic community, went to church, and received the Sacraments, all while attending public school. As a child, I remember enjoying my time at school each day. I liked my classes, learned a lot, had some of the best friends you could ask for, and spent plenty of time playing outside with my friends. After graduating high school and attending Bloomsburg University, I pursued the other part of my happy childhood equation and became a school teacher.  

My first job after graduating was as a fifth-grade teacher in a Fairfax County public school. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my first few years. I spent my hours doing everything I could to help my students succeed and tried to survive the daily grind of being a new teacher. The more I reflect, I think the term “ignorance is bliss” played a major part in my early years as an educator. As time went on, I began to realize how broken the system was and felt like the uphill battle of too little resources and too many standards would never end. I knew it was time to get out of public education, I just had no idea how to make this dream a reality. Through much reflection and prayer (and the grace of Divine Providence) I accepted the opportunity of a lifetime to move my family to New England and become the Dean of Students at a (then) small Catholic school in Natick, Massachusetts.

Fast forward three and a half years and I can honestly say this was the best decision my family and I have ever made. St. Benedict Classical Academy is a truly special place, and it’s hard to put into words how much being part of this community has taught me. But that is exactly what I’m going to try to do.

• Latin – Having attended public schools, I never had the opportunity to learn this beautiful language and I continue to be amazed by its beauty every day. 
• Morning Prayer – The entire school comes together for prayer every morning, and there is no better way to begin the day. 
• Joy – A group of people with shared values and beliefs working toward a common goal creates an atmosphere of joy and makes an ideal work environment. 
• Classical Education – When you teach children how to think rather than what to think, the conclusions they reach on their own are truly remarkable.
• Values-Based Learning and Teaching – In a world where values are often overlooked, SBCA ensures that love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice are woven into everyday life.
• Integrating Faith into Daily Life – I never had much opportunity for this in public school. Here, everything we do is grounded in the Catholic faith, emphasizing Christ’s love and respect for all.  
• Holistic Discipline – As a main part of my job, I am blessed to be able to use discipline as a tool for improvement and reflection, guided by Christian values throughout the process. 
• Community and Belonging – Being part of the SBCA community is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Every day, I’m inspired by those around me—colleagues and students who draw me closer to Christ and encourage me to be the best version of myself.

If you had asked me ten years ago where I saw myself in a decade, I probably would have mentioned administration, instructional coaching, or serving as an athletic director in the public school system. Never in a million years did I imagine living out all three of these dreams in a Catholic, Christ-centered environment that feels like a piece of Heaven on Earth.

AUTHOR: Alex Newsome, Dean of Students