St. Mary Academy celebrates new beginning

The former Dreams Are Free Catholic School at Bishop Nevins Academy is now officially known as St. Mary Academy. 

Students from St. Mary Academy and St. Martha Catholic School gathered for morning mass and ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Bishop Frank Dewane. During the assembly Dewane described the meaning behind choosing St. Mary and her biblical relationship with St. Martha during a school assembly. 

“They were two sisters who complimented each other,” Dewan said.

The schools share a campus connected by hallways. Now the name will reflect the partnership as well. About a year ago Principal Rebecca Reynolds met with Venice Diocese Bishop Frank Dewane about changing the name in response to the growing enrollment. 

The school which was established in 2000, addresses students with special learning needs from Kindergarten to eighth grade. When it was created it became the first school in the Diocese of Venice that addressed students with learning disabilities. 

According to Director of Development Connie Taft enrollment had increased by 40% in the last two years. 

“The new name shows the Catholic identity of the school,” Taft said. “It’s also a better representation of the tie with our sister school St. Martha.”

The school which was established in 2000, addresses students with special learning needs. When it was created it became the first school in the Diocese of Venice that addressed students with learning disabilities.