“The purpose of our

I n the early 1990s, former Saint Ignatius High School President Rev. Robert J.
Welsh, S.J. ’54 had a dream: to create a school for urban middle school boys who
education is to give a
young man the tools
whereby he can answer
could be academically successful at a college-prep school like Saint Ignatius if
the question What does God
given the right opportunities. Fr. Welsh’s dream is now a reality and the academy
want from me?
is named in his honor. Saint Ignatius leadership knew that there was more their
school could offer young adolescent men of the City of Cleveland.
- Rev. Robert J. Welsh, S.J. ’54
The Welsh Academy is a school for 6th-8th grade boys from low-income, City
of Cleveland and inner-ring suburban families. With a total enrollment goal of
75, the academy is currently recruiting students for the 6th grade for a rigorous
and enriching educational experience. The academy will prepare those students
academically, socially, spiritually and culturally for the rigors of a college-prep
high school. The academy’s alumni will become men equipped for career success
who will affect systemic change as leaders dedicated to transforming their
neighborhoods, the City of Cleveland, and the world.

The Welsh Academy is tied directly to the mission of Saint Ignatius High School,
reflecting Jesuit spirituality, the service of faith and promotion of justice. This
work is a natural extension of who we are and what we do. We’ve been blessed
with grace and goodwill and are called to share the beauty of our faith.

“The Welsh Academy is our opportunity for encounter. Our lives are enriched when we come together with others from
different backgrounds. Academy students will enrich the life of our school, bringing their gifts along with new perspectives.”

- Rev. Raymond P. Guiao, S.J. ’82

President. Saint Ignatius High School

All learning begins with encounter

The educational model that emphasizes the importance of building relationships is one of encounter: that is, student to student,
student to teacher, teacher to student, teacher to teacher, teacher and families to each other, and The Welsh Academy and Saint
Ignatius High School to one another and to the larger community. The academy curriculum empowers all students with the
knowledge and skills they need to expand their educational opportunities and to become competent lifelong learners.
Flowing from the philosophy of encounter is caring. Through the intentionality of caring, we create an environment in which
relationships are built. The academy is fully grounded in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis – care for the whole person, respecting
the dignity of all.

The relationship with Saint Ignatius High School

As a component of Saint Ignatius High School, The Welsh Academy will focus on adolescent boys who have demonstrated academic
promise and are from City of Cleveland or inner-ring suburbs families of modest economic means. Academy students share some
faculty and the campus for an enriching educational experience for all. There are plans for a “big brother” program for Saint Ignatius
students to mentor the academy boys.

Aligning Jesuit identity and Catholic faith

Our Jesuit identity calls us to serve people on the margins of our community. Our Catholic faith propels us forward, as we constantly
ask ourselves, “What more can we do to help build the kingdom of God here in Cleveland?” We see both Saint Ignatius High School
and The Welsh Academy as ministries with the same purpose: aiding God in the work of forming young men for His greater glory, to
the benefit of our city and our world. By reaching out to Cleveland families on the margins, the academy seeks to leverage what Saint
Ignatius does best: educate young men.