The Academy Of Saint Matthias The Apostle

I just recently graduated from St. Matthias, and I believe I had the best education possible! Small classes, two libraries, a computer lab, a soccer field, a baseball diamond, a basketball court, play equipment, a school band, and more add to the wonderful experience at St. Matthias. So many schools say they are like a family or a home, but at St. Matthias, this couldn't be more true. It's a small school, so everybody knows each other. The older students are always stopping to give a younger kid a hug or high five and a "buddy system" helps support this friendship. In the system, the fourth graders are paired with the Pre-K students, the fifth graders are buddies with those in Kindergarten, and so on. Each student has a "buddy" they partner with in a variety of activities. In my time at St. Matthias, these included creating homemade ice cream and blowing bubbles to celebrate the planting of a "Friendship Tree." The teachers, too, know each student individually and look after every child. When I was in third grade, for example, my mom became sick and had to stay at the hospital for a long stretch of time. Her name was spoken in prayer every day during the morning announcements. The teachers took it upon themselves to make the time as easy as possible for my family. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, a teacher would prepare a meal for us. My younger brother turned five during the time my mom was hospitalized, and the staff at St. Matthias did their best to make it special. We celebrated his birthday that year beside my mom's hospital bed with the school contributing presents, a balloon, and even a cake. Not just any place would do that much for one family, but a school did. That school was and always will be my school: St. Matthias.

As a recent graduate, I believe that St. Matthias is a FANTASTIC school! In the graduating class of 2011, (which consisted of only 26 people) the students earned a full-tuition academic ride, a band scholarship, a visual arts scholarship, two partial-tuition academic scholarships, two Knights of Columbus scholarships, and a Catholic Business Network scholarship. The class of 2012 also pulled in many awards, including another full ride to Catholic High school and vocal/band and Knights of Columbus scholarships.
These excellent results attest to the excellent and committed teachers and staff, as well as the resources available. The school boasts a full computer lab, two libraries (for the upper and lower grades), a music and art room, and a band program. For recess and PE class, the campus includes a basketball court, full baseball and soccer fields, and two play equipment areas. The school is also affiliated with Washington Archdiocese CYO leagues, offering soccer, basketball, t-ball, softball, and baseball teams from intramural to varsity. Other extra curricular activities include an elected student council (from grades four through eight), a newspaper, a chess club, and boy and girl scouting.
I loved my time from kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Matthias. It gave me a quality education in a wonderful atmosphere and I highly recommend it.