Archbishop Thomas Wenski blesses the school building in Homestead FL.
"Not All Missions are Overseas"
Brothers Open the “Little School” in Homestead Florida
By definition, a “mission” is a ministry commissioned by a religious organization to propagate its faith or carry on humanitarian work. Three hundred and forty-four years ago, St. John Baptist de La Salle felt that the only way to bring youth out of poverty was through education. Thus, with his newly formed band of Brothers, he began his mission of creating schools for poor boys. These modest institutions, affectionately known as “little schools,” laid the foundation for a revolutionary approach to education, one that prioritized accessibility, compassion, and holistic development. These spread throughout France, then Europe, and eventually to the eighty countries that the Christian Brothers are in today. When the Brothers began their first school in the United States in 1845, it is probable that they referred to their work here as a mission.
Br. Peter Nguyen, FSC, principal of the Little School, helps a student.
Mrs. Brenda Blanton teaches class at the Little School.
In 1991, a group of alumni from Lasallian schools in Cuba, who had been exiled under Castro, founded La Salle Educational Center (LEC) in Homestead, FL. This after-school and summer program was to serve the needs of low-income families who work in the agricultural fields. Homestead, a city to the south of Miami, FL—located between the Everglades and Biscayne National Park—is almost 70% Latino.
In 2020, the District of Eastern North America (DENA) assumed the covenant relationship to oversee and steward the work of La Salle Educational Center. By 2023, the Brothers felt called to further address the educational needs of these children, as part of their renewed call to reach out to the periphery. This “mission” school would meet the needs of an impoverished and underserved area, where the closest existing Catholic school is more than fifteen miles away.
The Little School opened its doors for kindergarten to fourth graders in August 2024. The year kicked off on August 18th with a day that included welcoming comments from Brother Visitor, Robert Schaefer, FSC, Mass with a blessing of the buildings by Archbishop of Miami, Thomas Wenski, tours, food, and fun. The event was attended by the District of Eastern North America Leadership team, Archdiocesan representatives, the Cuban-American founders of LEC, and local residents who will benefit from the new school.
While the initial school curriculum includes classes up to grade four, the plan is to incrementally expand over the next several years until the school serves a full K through 12 student population. Concurrently, plans are also underway to build upon the physical structure and facilities to accommodate the increased student body.
Mr. Michael Scaramuzzo, President of La Salle Educational Center, gives some perspective to the unique name:
“Our Little School is not just a nod to history; it is a living embodiment of Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s vision adapted to contemporary needs. De La Salle’s little schools were more than just educational institutions; they were beacons of hope and transformation. He aimed to provide free, quality education to the children of artisans and the poor, breaking barriers and fostering hope within underserved communities. By calling our institution the Little School, we honor this legacy.”
“What excites us the most about the Little School’s opening is the opportunity to instill the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community from the very beginning of the education of our students,” Scaramuzzo said.
“We are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where each student is known, loved, and challenged to reach his or her fullest potential, both academically and spiritually. Our goal is to inspire our students to become not only successful learners but also Lasallian leaders who live out the Gospel in their daily lives.”
The Little School at the southern tip of Florida is truly a mission, reaching across the Everglades to bring God’s hope through education to those in need.
President Michael Scaramuzzo greets one of the families who will be served by the Little School.
Br. Robert Schaefer, FSC, Visitor, (second from right) and Rev. José Joaquin Espino (left), founder & Board member, with honored guests.
