In the News
City Journal: Faith and the City
The streets of the South Bronx reveal the decay affecting parts of modern American cities, resembling those of Mumbai more than gentrified Manhattan. Amidst this bleak landscape, faith-inspired efforts like the Brilla Public Charter Schools offer hope and rejuvenation. Founded at the suggestion of New York’s Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Brilla schools provide a classical Catholic education model, which has become increasingly popular. Since 2019, Brilla’s four Bronx-based schools have doubled their enrollments, even as public school enrollments have declined by 23 percent. Two more schools are planned, reflecting their distinct approach and strong community support.
The Good Newsroom: Meet Deacon Vincent Castaldi Who Will be Ordained a Priest on May 25 by Cardinal Dolan
Deacon Vincent Castaldi, one of the seminarians Cardinal Dolan will ordain to the priesthood on May 25, sat down to talk about the way God has worked in his life, setting him on a journey that led him to the priesthood. During this discussion at St. Joseph’s Seminary ahead of his ordination, he talked about hearing God’s call and what he is looking forward to the most in his life as a priest.
North Jersey: We are failing our students. To develop a responsible citizenry, return to the classics
Young Americans are increasingly disengaged from politics, with fewer than half of 18-to-24-year-olds planning to vote in the upcoming election, according to a Harvard Kennedy School poll. This alarming trend underscores the failure of current educational systems to instill responsible citizenship and critical thinking. To combat this, schools must emphasize liberal arts education, which fosters ideals like truth, beauty, and goodness, helping students develop the qualities needed for self-governance. The Brilla network of charter schools is addressing this gap by offering a classically inspired education to underserved students, integrating math and science with the rich history, literature, and art of Western Civilization, thereby deepening students’ understanding of justice, courage, and eternal truths.
Aleteia: Growth in classical education a sign of great hope, say teachers
Classical education enhances students’ connection to their faith and families, with two-thirds of classical schools reporting increased engagement in these areas, according to a study by the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education. Teachers have witnessed these changes firsthand. Merritt Vaughn, who taught in the Seton Fellows program, observed significant transformations in students from underserved communities in the Bronx, including leading many to seek baptism.
The New Yorker: Have the Liberal Arts Gone Conservative?
Upon entering the middle-school classrooms at Brilla, a charter school network in the South Bronx, a sense of calm prevails. Students are engaged in various activities such as art projects, debates, and music lessons. This tranquility and engagement are indicative of the classical-education movement, which emphasizes traditional liberal arts education, focusing on the Western canon and the study of citizenship.
New Geography: Feudal Future Podcast: Exploring the Impact of Catholic Schools on Underserved Communities
Unlock the secrets of a holistic education that goes beyond academics as we engage with Stephannie Saroki de Garcia, Soledad Ursua, and Tony Lemus, dissecting the profound effects of Catholic school environments on underserved communities in California. Discover how these institutions foster discipline, character development, and purpose, equipping students with the tools to succeed in life. Our conversation with these insightful guests reveals personal success stories and the critical role of parental involvement, along with an educational approach that safeguards against the pitfalls that often undermine public schooling.
Texas Border Business: Seton’s Aaron Brenner to be honored by Teach For America with the Alumni Leadership Award
Texas Border Business featured Aaron Brenner, general partner, chief of charter school growth, and founding superintendent for Brillante Academy, who will receive this year’s Alumni Leadership award at Teach For America’s Honor Roll Gala on April 4, 2024 . The Alumni Leadership award is given to an alumnus of TFA who has positively impacted students in the Rio Grande Valley, where Aaron began his nearly three-decade career in education as a TFA corps member and second-grade teacher in 1995. This article
KRGV News: New Charter School Breaks Ground in Mission
Brillante Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on December 9th. KRGV News gives a first look into the action that occurred that Friday in Mission, Texas.
published on December 14, 2022
NorthJersey.com: Paterson’s newest charter school picks its first students
The Paterson Press section on NorthJersey.com reacts to the city’s newest charter school, Brilla New Jersey, who started registering its first students on Monday, part of an ongoing expansion that officials say will ease overcrowding in schools run by the Paterson Board of Education.
published on December 5, 2022
Philanthropy Roundtable: Highlighting Hispanic Americans Who Are Strengthening Communities Through Private Philanthropy
The Philanthropy Roundtable highlighted how many Hispanic American organizations especially the Brilla Schools Network, seek to improve their surrounding communities by endorsing access to opportunity and creating tailored programs to aid in the success of future generations.