Every student gets the same religious instruction. The religion is infused into the entire day. From the announcements in the morning to the very end of the day. Seeking to bring many denominations together under one roof, Adderly occasionally describes her school as one based on Christian values. She says the emphasis is on social justice, nonviolence, and hard work.
Faith is the key.
While public educators struggle to find the scientific solutions to failing students, Adderly relies openly on faith in God to help kids learn. She says the power of prayer can raise children's self-esteem and test scores. Tuition at Ascension is heavily subsidized by the parish and costs about a third of what parents will pay in Eagan. More than 70 percent of Ascension students get some financial help. Officials with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis expect enrollment to keep growing.