Saint Bernard Prep begins new school year

Students from across the globe became residents or commuting students at St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman this past weekend.

President, Fr. Joel Martin said the school enrollment for 2013-14 remained basically the same with an increase of only one student over the ending enrollment of the previous year.  Twenty six of those students are international from six different countries.

Having travelled to four different countries in the past nine months, Fr. Joel said that his trips have been successful in recruiting students to Alabama and especially St. Bernard.  “There is a great deal of interest on the part of students to study here.  The students understand English is the language of the world for business, and they see American Universities as the best in the world and want to be well prepared for this experience.”

In the resident program at St. Bernard, there are 49 students enrolled, 21 girls and 28 boys.   There are seven boarding students in the Middle School and 42 in the high school.

Middle School principal, William Calvert was pleased with the numbers but added he has four spaces open for additional students.  “All of our Middle School students came to class in uniforms and were ready for the first day of school,” Calvert said.  “It’s a great indication of their willingness to get started on the right track. 

Calvert added that the seventh grade enrichment program would include a study of the seven habits of successful people in addition to study skills and current events.

On the high school level, Counselor Mary Mayo, also reported that the first day had gone very smoothly.  Mayo said she had to make a few schedule changes, and, in general the students were adjusting to the rhythm of academic life.

St. Bernard Prep is operated by the Benedictine Monks of St. Bernard Abbey.  For more information contact the school at www.stbernardprep.com or (256)739-6682.  Applications for the first semester will be accepted through Labor Day.