Benedictine Academy

Established in 1915 Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth New Jersey was a beacon for young women. It was a Catholic parochial college preparatory high school. The Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth Saint Walburga Monastery founded the academy. It operated under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. For over sixty years the academy thrived. It provided a strong education to countless students. The school’s motto was Listen Learn Love and Lead. This encapsulated the Benedictine way. A sisterhood built on mutual support was central to the school’s ethos. The school’s closing in 2020 was a sad moment. Declining enrollment led to this difficult decision. Despite its closure the legacy of Benedictine Academy endures. Many notable alumnae went on to achieve great things. Lauren H Carson a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives is one example. Arline M Friscia a former New Jersey Assemblywoman is another. Even Virginia Long a former justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court is among its distinguished graduates. Their accomplishments reflect the quality of education Benedictine provided. The school building was eventually purchased by the Elizabeth Public Schools. The sale price was $5.5 million. Benedictine Academy’s history is rich. It played a vital role in the community for generations. While the building may be gone the spirit of Benedictine Academy lives on in the lives of its alumnae. The school’s commitment to empowering young women remains a testament to its enduring legacy. The memory of its motto Listen Learn Love and Lead serves as a reminder of the values it instilled in its students. This created a lasting impact on the lives of so many.