Besides the academy in Atchison, the sisters supply teachers for a large number of missions or parochial schools in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa, also one large school in Walsenburg, Colo. The institution in Atchison is the center or mother house of all these branch houses, and in vacation all the sisters from the missions assemble here for the annual retreat, and for the summer normal.
Mt. St. Scholastica’s Academy, Atchison, Kan.
The venerable Mother Evangelista, the first mother and foundress, was succeeded in office by Sister Theresa, who governed the community as Reverend mother for the next twelve years. Since that time Mother Aloysia has ably carried on the work of her predecessors.
The early days of Mt. St. Scholastica, like the early days of Kansas, were times of struggle and hardships. Yet, these brave pioneer sisters were of the true Kansas type, and tell us that they never for a moment regretted their mission to the Sunflower State. They tell us, too, that the sunflower itself had a strange power to cheer and encourage their early days. Its sturdy stalk and bright disk seem so fit a type of faith, labor and grateful content, that, even to the present day this rustic flower always finds a place in the convent garden.
The later history of Mt. St. Scholastica is too well known to need repetition. Its actual growth began with the purchase of Price villa in 1877, since which time progress has been steady and vigorous.
A most comprehensive plan of study is pursued at Mt. St. Scholastica. It includes all branches needful for a thorough, literal and refined education, the outcome of long years of experience and thoughtful consideration. That this fact is appreciated, not only by neighboring cities and towns, may be seen by consulting the academy roster, which records a long list of names from many and various sections of the country. Besides the academic or classical course, Mt. St. Scholastica furnishes a complete commercial course, together with special advantages for the study of music and art.
The home life of Mt. St. Scholastica is ideal. The association of fellow-students amid wholesome environments has the tendency to bring out and develop every noble and womanly quality, while the beneficient and judicious guidance of the sisters wisely leads to the attainment of those lofty principles so needful to right living.
Sacred Heart parochial school, in Atchison, is also controlled by the Benedictine sisters, and is supported by tuition. Its curriculum extends through the grades, and the school is under the direction of Sister Monica, O. S. B., and one assistant. Both boys and girls attend, and the enrollment in 1916 is seventy-four.
St. Louis College is another parochial school, offering work through the grades, and admitting both boys and girls. It is maintained by St. Benedict’s parish. Number of teachers employed is six, and the Rev. Gerard Heinz, O. S. B., is principal. Enrollment in 1916 is 293.