Members of San Miguel School, Washington DC eighth grade class wear school colors of the high schools they will attend next year.
“Take even more care of the education of the young people entrusted to you than if they were the children of a king.
– Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Following in the footsteps of our Founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Lasallian schools in our District have a long history of commitment to providing hope and creating opportunity for urban students, and especially those students in need.
In the early 1990s, Brother Lawrence Goyette, FSC, realized that many youths from these circumstances never make it to high school. This was not due to their own ineptitude or lack of trying, but rather to the overwhelming obstacles of their situation. He felt that strong academics and tuition assistance alone were not enough. They would need an extraordinary support system beginning in middle school. He created the Miguel School model with the creation of The San Miguel School of Providence RI in 1993.
The non-tuition-driven Miguel School model was developed for middle school grades, so as to foster and build the student’s God-given gifts so they will have the tools to excel in high school and beyond. The model is named for our canonized Ecuadorian Brother, Saint Miguel Febres Cordero, FSC. It includes many unique features including: direct service to the poor, faith-based, extended day and extended year programs, family involvement, and involvement with and support of alumni through high school and beyond.
As the overwhelming success of this new model of education became evident, Lasallians, and then other educators, from across the country began visiting and observing our first school. Eventually other Miguel Schools began opening from coast-to-coast. Other Catholic educational institutions across the country also began to incorporate aspects of the Miguel School model to improve the outcomes of their urban schools. Here in eastern North America, during the early 2000s, three additional schools opened, in Philadelphia (La Salle Academy); Freeport NY (The De La Salle School); and Washington DC (San Miguel School of Washington DC), that are continuing this strong mission today.
Knowing how significantly the home situation can impact student performance, our schools maintain strong bonds with the families, sometimes including: counseling, providing good nutrition, helping with holiday traditions, and more. In addition to being closely involved with the families and homelife of every student, each school has built local relationships with other secondary and higher education institutions, businesses, foundations, churches, civic groups, etc. These local entities recognize the immense positive impact the Miguel Schools are having, not only on students and their families, but on the community. They naturally want to support this transformative work.
The four District schools now serve approximately three hundred students annually, they are very involved with their three hundred graduates now in high school, and are connected with more than one thousand older alumni, a number of whom have returned as teachers, counselors, mentors, administrators, and even as Board members.
Gustavo Sanchez, Director of Finance & Operations for San Miguel School in Washington DC, who is also an alumnus of the school, comments, “It is an institution that believes in the potential of each student, just as it believed in mine when I was a student here. Today, as an alumnus and a staff member, I have the honor of giving back to the community that has given me so much.”
At The De La Salle School, Freeport NY, Mr. Vilca congratulates the MVP of the 7th grade winning team in the Math Wars competition.
Each of the members of Miguel Schools faculty and administration truly live that same spirit in everything they do for the students. They are mission-driven educators who form the backbone of this transformative program. They are highly qualified and dedicated to their craft, as well as deeply committed to the holistic development of our students. Many are bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English, and hold the Lasallian ideals regarding the life-saving importance of education.
At La Salle Academy, Philadelphia PA, music teacher, Mr. Williams, accompanies students as they practice singing.
San Miguel School of Washington DC students are excited to create personalized Mother’s Day cards.
Roxanna DePeña-Elder, Executive Director of The De La Salle School in Freeport NY, states, “While academic excellence is a key focus, we understand that education is about more than just preparing for college. We aim to inspire our students to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders. Our curriculum is designed to encourage intellectual curiosity, ethical decision-making, and a passion for making a positive impact in the world. We believe that true excellence is achieved through a combination of rigorous academics, character development, and a commitment to serving others.”
Students at The San Miguel School of Providence RI participate in the extended day “homework” session.
Given the intimate size of San Miguel schools and their modest budgets, teachers often wear multiple hats, showcasing their versatility and unwavering commitment to student success. These educators go above and beyond their traditional roles. They work nine-hour days and lead various extracurricular clubs, fostering strong, supportive relationships with students—a crucial factor in academic success.
The ideals of our Founder truly shine through in all who come together to make the Miguel School model work—to go that extra mile to transform the lives of our students, the outlook of their families, and the Godliness of our world
Lasalle Academy in Philadelphia is co-ed, and begins at grade three.
