When students walk into their new state-of-the-art elementary school building at The Loyola School in the Mount Vernon historic district in Baltimore, they’re learning more than reading and math — they learn that they are cared for by their community.
The Loyola School is a year-round private school rooted in Jesuit Catholic values, serving low- income students from 2 years of age to fourth grade. While a private school education can feel unattainable for low-income families, all 140 students attend the Loyola School tuition free and are residents of Baltimore.
The new building is a $10 million multi-year project made possible by fundraising by Rev. William J. Watters, founder of The Loyola School and of two other Jesuit schools for Baltimore students following the same model, allowing students to thrive in a modern space.
“I think for these children, it really helps them see that they are worth it, and they really – in a tangible way – have evidence that there are people in this world who believe in them and understand that they deserve wonderful, beautiful things and great education. It’s a subtle message, but it’s there,” said principal Greta Rutstein.
President James Fiore says that the new building combined with the educational model helps the school achieve its mission of giving students and families a strong start they might struggle to obtain otherwise.
“That’s the purpose, that’s the vision to give our students, give our families that foundation they need to be successful and really thrive,” he said.
Besides the commitment of enrollment, parents agree to pay $40 dollars a month, volunteer at least 10 hours per semester and attend monthly parenting workshops on topics such as screen time, children’s nutrition and mindfulness.
Preschool director Erica Meadows, who helped open the school in 2017 with only 18 students, said the new building has provided new opportunities for learning and connection such as schoolwide assemblies in their new auditorium, as well as using the reading room in the library.
The holistic approach given to families is what helps parents like Allen Newsome stay committed. “I love the teachers here,” said Newsome, whose son is in third grade. “They love my son, that’s why I love them.”
