Bishop Baraga Academy at Two Years

Just two years after opening its doors, Bishop Baraga Academy is transforming lives throughout Newaygo County, far beyond the walls of its classrooms.

As the county’s only Catholic school — and its first Montessori school — the Academy offers something families had long been seeking: a faith-filled education that nurtures the whole child. From the early childhood center and preschool opening in August 2024 to the lower elementary classroom (K-2) opening this school year, the Academy fosters in children a lifelong love of learning and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Success You Can Measure

Since the beginning, Bishop Baraga Academy has sought to honor the timeless mission of Catholic education while embracing innovative models that meet the realities of today’s families and their community. This led to the Montessori approach and microschool model — providing individualized learning and the flexibility needed to serve small rural communities where traditional school models have become increasingly difficult to sustain.

Families are responding because they see something distinctive: an education that forms disciples of Jesus Christ, partners with parents, and prepares children to flourish academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Dr. Shari McCarty, executive director/principal shared, “Through the creativity, faith, and dedication of our community, we have surpassed every enrollment and financial milestone — firmly establishing Bishop Baraga Academy as a shining example of faith-filled innovation and sustainable Catholic education.”

The numbers tell a story far greater than growth alone. They reflect lives being changed, families being strengthened, and a model of Catholic education that is both deeply rooted in faith and built for the future.

Families from diverse faith backgrounds are drawn to the Academy for its Montessori and nature-based curriculum, and through that doorway, they too encounter the beauty of the Catholic faith. Parents share stories of children eagerly participating at Sunday Mass, praying confidently at home, and growing in their love for Jesus. What begins in the classroom is quietly becoming a source of renewal and evangelization throughout the community.

The success is more than encouraging statistics. It’s evidence that God is blessing a mission that is changing lives.

In just two short years, Bishop Baraga Academy has experienced remarkable growth that far exceeds expectations for a new school.

• Childcare enrollment has grown by 43% from the first to the second year of operation.

• Preschool enrollment has increased an extraordinary 80% from the first to the second year of operation.

• 96.6% of families returned, demonstrating exceptional confidence in the Academy’s mission and quality

A Legacy That Looks Ahead

From the very beginning, supporters recognized that building something extraordinary requires both meeting today’s needs and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

That vision inspired Tom and Laura Madison to invest in future generations by establishing Bishop Baraga Academy’s first endowment.

Tom and Laura understood that the greatest ministries are built not only for today, but for decades to come. They shared,

“We believe Bishop Baraga Academy is planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations. An endowment is one way to ensure that long after we’re gone, children and families will continue to encounter Christ through an exceptional Catholic education. We hope others will join us in building that future together.”

— Tom and Laura Madison

To encourage others to help build that legacy, Tom and Laura have established a $25,000 matching opportunity to grow the Academy’s endowment through the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan and strengthen its future for generations to come.

An Invitation to Build the Future

Bishop Baraga Academy is still young.

Bishop Baraga Academy is still young, but it is already growing in remarkable ways. Classrooms are filling with children, parents are rediscovering their faith, and a community is being renewed.

The foundation is strong, but the opportunity is even greater.

With this matching opportunity, every gift made toward the Bishop Baraga Academy’s endowment will be doubled, helping secure a lasting legacy of faith, hope, and Catholic education for generations to come.