PETOSKEY – September 21, 2020 – St. Michael Academy (SMA), Northern Michigan’s only Classical Catholic high school, announced today that it begins the 2020-21 academic year with the largest freshman class in its 8-year history.

“Our return to school is off to a tremendous start, thanks to our stellar faculty and staff!”, proclaimed SMA Headmaster Dr. Richard Brake.  “We’re committed to remaining open for on-site instruction, nurturing and elevating a new generation of joyful leaders, educated in the Classical Tradition and the truth of the Catholic Faith.  It isn’t too late to join us for the most dynamic year in our history!”

In conjunction with a return to the classroom, the Fall Sports season is underway!  SMA is pleased to announce that it has revived its Girls Volleyball program, under the leadership of experienced coach and teacher, Mr. David Peck.  The school’s first-ever Girls Basketball program is expected to take shape later this fall.  Meanwhile, the SMA Boys Cross Country team is once again a contender, currently ranked 7th in Division-4, aspiring to improve on its 5th place finish at last year’s State Finals.

SMA is also pleased to announce that its pilot project to deliver hybrid “in-person/distance learning” is underway, as it offers Theology instruction in partnership with All Saints Catholic School in Alpena.  SMA is seeking more opportunities to reach nearby communities that currently lack a Catholic high school, while simultaneously refining its ability to deliver on-line content in case of future shutdowns.

Dr. Brake concluded, “We are ESSENTIAL!  As we put our faith into action with trust, intention, and zeal, performing our mission both effectively and prudently amidst the current health crisis, we prepare students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture!  We invite you to join us!”

SMA is enrolling 7th through 12th grade students for the 2020-21 academic year.  Please contact Dr. Brake at drbrake@stmichaelpetoskey.org for more information.  SMA offers tuition assistance to qualifying families.  No student is denied enrollment because of financial reasons.

Established in 2013, St. Michael Academy is the first Catholic high school in the Little Traverse area since 1972, and the region’s only Classical high school.  SMA strives to develop the next generation of American leaders by promoting a culture of excellence and instilling its students with the classical virtues of wisdom, temperance, courage, and justice, along with the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love.

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