The Pilot Profile: Bellesini Academy, Lawrence, MA

"Located in the heart of Lawrence, one of the poorest cities in America, is a small school with very big aspirations. Bellesini Academy, a tuition-free Catholic middle school for grades 5 through 8, aims to 'build bridges for a brighter future,' as its motto explains. So far, it has accomplished its mission.

"According to Julie DiFilippo, head of school, when the school first opened its doors in the former St. Francis Lithuanian Church in 2002, the graduation rate for male Lawrence high school students was an 'appalling' 29 percent.

In the 14 years since the school opened, she has seen her students break that cycle.

"'Our graduation rate is 100 percent,' she said with pride. '99 percent of our students go on to a private high school. 87 percent go on to college; 10 percent go on to a trade school. Not one of our students has ever dropped out of high school.'"

A recent article in the Archdiocese of Boston newspaper, The Pilot, profiled Bellesini Academy.

To access the complete report, please visit:

The Pilot: Forming the Future: Bellesini Academy (18 MAR 16)

Background information:

Bellesini Academy