On 15 August 1983, The Solemnity of the Assumption, Archbishop Flores created this parish for eighteen converts (counting children!), newly arrived to communion with Rome from the Anglican tradition. That same day, as their young pastor, I declared that in ten years the new parish would be operating a Catholic school.

As it turns out, my brash promise was unfulfilled. It took eleven years. The Atonement Academy came into being on that same Marian feast, 15 August 1994. We had sixty-six students in grades Kindergarten through 3rd -- the exact number that our school’s cofounder and business manager, Deacon James Orr, said that we would need in order to break even. Those sixty-six students rattled around inside a brand new building big enough for ten classrooms -- more than we would ever need, or so we thought at the time.

The people of this parish are not wealthy, and the existence of this school cannot be explained by a single large example of philanthropy. The academy was a pay-as-you-go financial enterprise at its founding, and it remains so today, almost fifteen years and two facility expansions later, and with seven times the initial enrollment. Our school survives and thrives through the labors and the prayers of many devoted parishioners, parents, and teachers -- and, I am convinced, through the gracious intercession of our patroness, the Mother of God.

Our vision for the school today remains as it was at the founding: a daily sacramental life, a devotion to teaching the Truth that has always been taught by the Church, a solid education grounded in the classics and in the Catholic scholastic tradition, a choral music program rich in sacred musical traditions and high standards of musicianship, an orderly and studious environment for our students, and an affordable Catholic education for hard-working families.

Academically ambitious parents of very capable students are entrusting their children's education to us. We have been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and as one of the Nation’s Top 50 Catholic High Schools. We are accredited and taken seriously by the education community. Those of us who work and pray here know better than to claim personal credit for this progress. We would not have achieved it without God’s blessing upon our work. We are determined to continue offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily as a school community, to continue building up our curriculum, and to continue expanding our facilities, as we are able, to serve more families. 

Thank you for visiting our website, and for considering our academy for your children. There is a lot of information here concerning our curriculum and the way we operate the school. If that meets with your approval, then please call for an appointment so that you and your children can join us for Holy Mass on a school day morning, with a tour of the school to follow.

Sincerely yours in Christ, 

Father Christopher G. Phillips
Pastor

P.S. Even if you choose another school for your children, I invite your family to come and worship with us on Sunday. 

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