January 17, 2020

We offer our sincere congratulations to the Saint Gertrude and Benedictine College Preparatory communities on their recent announcement and partnership to form the newly established “Benedictine Schools of Richmond.”

Both schools’ administrators reviewed the plans of a unique coordinate program with Bishop Barry C. Knestout in January prior to today’s announcement. He supports them in their decision.

The new model and vision allow for their continued presence in our diocese and further encourage the values, mission and bonds both schools share.  It seems fitting that the collective, rich history between Saint Gertrude and Benedictine College Preparatory schools will endure for future generations and be further strengthened by this strategic move.

This change allows both schools to share state-of- the-art-facilities while maintaining their individual independence and tradition of single-sex Catholic education.  

Kelly Lazzara, diocesan superintendent of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, said, “We are supportive of this venture to preserve Catholic education in our diocese. It is admirable and inspiring that these two schools will continue the tradition of working side-by-side, yet, maintain their school’s distinctive educational programs and allow for the continued health of Catholic Schools education in the metro-Richmond area.”

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