St. Andre Scholars Program

Why St. André Scholars?

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9)

Brother André, born Alfred Bessette, came from a large family in Quebec. He was a frail baby, baptized just in case he didn’t survive. At the age of nine, he lost his dad in a lumber accident, and by twelve, he had lost his mother to tuberculosis. With no parents, he was taken in by a family who taught him his faith and, importantly, a deep devotion to St. Joseph.  Despite having little formal education and poor health, he felt a religious calling and joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross, where he was assigned as the doorman.  

It was in this humble role that the miracles began. He would tell sick people to “Go to Joseph!” and anoint them with oil from the lamps near St. Joseph’s altar. Many were miraculously healed. As word spread, crowds began flocking to see him. Eventually, André’s growing ministry led to the construction of  St. Joseph’s Oratory, now a popular pilgrimage site in Montreal.  

Brother André was beatified in 1982 and canonized in 2010. During his canonization, Pope Benedict XVI remarked that Saint Andre Bessette “lived the beatitude of the pure of heart.”

We are delighted to open the doors of Holy Family High School to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We are also keenly aware that we have much to learn together about holiness and grace. St. André Bessette, pray for us!

Features of the program

• Specially designed curriculum including vocational and daily living skills
• Participation in the liturgical life of the Church during the school day
• Small cohorts and small class size to promote individual attention
• Inclusion within traditional classrooms to benefit both the Scholars and traditional students, forming important bonds in our school community
• Participation in school activities, events and clubs to gain social and emotional benefits
• Culminates in a certificate of completion and participation in Holy Family’s graduation ceremony

Admissions criteria

• Diagnosed intellectual and/or developmental disability, or other diagnosis indicating a need for an integrated special education program for students seeking a high school certificate of completion
• A demonstrated history of academic achievement indicating past successes in learning environments
• Appropriate behavior patterns for school environment, supporting overall success
• The skills necessary to initiate simple written and verbal expression
• Willingness to interact socially
• Willingness to partake in the spiritual opportunities offered by the school
• Ability to perform all activities of daily living, including toileting, self-feeding, dressing and washing
• The ability to exhibit responsible and socially adaptive behavior without one-on-one support from an adult or aide
• The ability to function independently throughout the school day. This may include navigating passing periods, attending 60-to-80-minute classes, logging on to a computer independently, maintaining personal belongings, and managing individual needs and hygiene.