Festival of the Huntress Moon

St. Brigid's Academy, conceived in 1995, stands as perhaps the only Pagan/Earth-centered private academic institution in the United States. With an ever growing student enrollment St. Brigid's chimes academic integrity, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the development of Spirituality and Balance.

The mission of St. Brigid's resides in a single concept: to teach, uphold, reinstitute, honor, and support through instruction and example the philosophies, ideologies, attitudes, and manifestations of Honor, Chivalry, Understanding, Wisdom, Respect, Discernment, Loyalty, Integrity, Love, Justice, Compassion, Fortitude, Tolerance, and Personal Spirituality.

The Ten Pillars

1. To honor and name as sacred the elemental energies of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit.
2. To honor the earth and all Her creatures and forms of life as sacred.
3. To work to heal and protect the environment within our community, throughout our nation, and across the world.
4. To encourage, promote, teach, uphold, and demonstrate, through instruction and example, Balance and a life which honors the Divine in its many names and aspects.
5. To create a safe and supportive environment for free spiritual and religious expression by people of all faiths and belief structures, embracing diversity through the discovery of various cultures, beliefs and values, traditions, skills, and history.
6. To instill a desire to both teach and learn within and outside of the classroom environment by stimulating the innate curiosity of both faculty and students.
7. To engage a sense civic responsibility and community awareness.
8. To embrace an interdisciplinary approach to learning by stressing the importance of continuous improvement.
9. To match traditional academic excellence with applicable life skills and cutting-edge technology.
10. To customize the classroom instruction to match the individual needs and learning styles of each student.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do I have to be Pagan to attend St. Brigid's?

Absolutely not! While we are a Pagan-centered organization, we are NOT Pagan-exclusive. In accordance with our structure and beliefs we embrace diversity in all its forms, most especially when it comes to spirituality, and recognize that there is value and truth in all paths and that by learning from and with each other we are all enriched. The only requirement is that the student agrees to abide by our guidelines of tolerance and acceptance and respect the right of students and faculty alike to follow their own spiritual paths and beliefs.

2) What is the school calendar like?

We operate on a year-round Old World/agricultural calendar. Our school year begins November 1st and ends October 31st in accordance with the Celtic New Year. The year is divided into 4 semesters, each comprising approximately 3 months. In order to allow faculty and students alike the opportunity to fully celebrate the 8 seasonal festivals (Samhain, Yule, Candlemas, Ostara, Beltane, Midsummer, Lammas, and Mabon) there will be a 1 to 2 week holiday surrounding these dates. To accommodate parents who are unable to take these holidays off, we offer students the opportunity to attend our Experiential Learning Labs during these breaks.

3) What grade levels are taught by St. Brigid's?

St. Brigid's accepts students for preschool through 11th grade (within a year St. Brigid's should receive its accreditation at which time we will accept 12th graders for a graduate program where they will receive not only a diploma, but college credit as well). Parents may begin enrolling their children at the age of 3, provided they are toilet trained. Children will be placed in a grade level determined by their personal assessment test scores as opposed to a placement system based on age or past grade history. As the school currently operates on a "one room schoolhouse" method, the division of grade levels is a minor point.

4) Are the instructors qualified to teach?

Yes, of course! All our faculty have gone through extensive and rigorous educational training. Our instructors teach not only subjects that they are well-qualified for but also subjects they excel in and enjoy, enabling them to pass their love of learning on to the students.

5) What are some of the subject areas covered by the curriculum?

According to grade level and ability, students are instructed in standard reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics as well as the following areas: languages, the physical and social sciences, fine arts (including art, theater, dance, and music), history, comparative religions and philosophies, public speaking, debate, classic and modern literature, government, economics, meditation, physical education, athletics, health, sexuality and reproduction, computer skills, typing, horticulture, astronomy/astrology, mythology, basic automotives, woodworking, life skills (basic budgeting, time management, cooking, sewing, laundry, simple home repair, etc.), first aid, herbalism, listening skills, interpersonal relations, stress and anger management, crisis intervention, counseling, community/global awareness, and social and business etiquette.

6) What makes St. Brigid's curriculum unique?

Aside from the variety of both traditional and non-standard subjects offered, St. Brigid's gears its superlative curriculum towards an all-encompassing learning experience. Theme units provide an opportunity for integrated subject learning, not only aiding retention of knowledge but allowing them to see how various subjects and information interconnects. Hands-on experiments and lab experiences are included in all subjects and aspects of the student education. For example, each student will be growing their own garden on school grounds. This not only allows students the opportunity to truly connect with the elements and the cycles of life and nature, but also to study, measure, and document the scientific principles behind the growth (including meteorology, geology, chemistry, history and agriculture, math-based charts, relevant literature selections, etc.). Students will be graded on their progress and achievements throughout the year as well as their contribution and interaction within the classroom environment. While students will be tested in the traditional manner, their overall grade does not depend solely upon test scores or memorized and parroted information. Creativity, critical thinking skills, and a questioning mind are encouraged and nurtured within and outside of the classroom. As long as students maintain the basic standards for their assessed level and a balanced course load they are encouraged to pursue whichever course of study they find most interesting and personally rewarding.

7) Does St. Brigid's accept boarding students?

Not yet. However, due to the numerous inquiries we have gotten from out-of-state, as soon as the funds for housing and transportation have been arranged boarders will be eagerly welcomed.

8) Is St. Brigid's accredited?

Not yet. We are in the process of becoming accredited and should receive our accreditation within a year. However, as a state-registered private school, accreditation is not required to be an officially recognized "period of schooling" for future records should your student not continue with St. Brigid's.

9) How can I get involved/help?

There are always opportunities for people to lend their knowledge and experiences to St. Brigid's, from overseeing and assisting with our constant curriculum improvements and teaching classes to financial support from private, business, and anonymous contributors. This being our first year as a state-registered school, funding is always needed and appreciated. Many have contributed already; recently we received almost \\$30,000 in donated school books and supplies. Please direct all inquiries to the St. Brigid's staff.

10) How do I find out more information?

If you have specific questions or would like more information about aspects of our program please feel free to e-mail us.