Ann Arbor, Michigan
Saint Joseph the Worker Academy Classical in Content, Monastic in Method
A Catholic Boys High School in Ann Arbor Michigan.
We believe a boy becomes a man not by age, but by passage — through the forge of real work, the discipline of rigorous academics, and the light of the sacraments. At St. Joseph the Worker Academy, we offer that passage: forming boys into men marked by
fraternity, gentility, sagacity, and piety.
Fraternity
True brotherhood is formed by boys who work together, learn together, and compete with each other. In a world that constantly disparages masculinity and effeminates boys, we nurture authentic masculinity — not superficial bravado, but the true masculinity that comes from striving toward arduous goods and seeing the fruits of one’s labor.
Learn More →Gentility
St. John Henry Newman speaks of the purpose of classical education as the formation of the Gentleman — a man of honor. A boy must be polished and formed to be beautiful of soul: handsome, decent, manly, and pleasant. Interior formation of character is enhanced by exterior gentility: how he speaks, writes, dresses, and maintains order.
Learn More →Sagacity
To be sagacious is to be like a sage: keenly perceptive, with acute mental discernment and shrewd wisdom. It is not enough to learn formulas and facts; a boy must have the mental habits and abilities to use these tools in novel situations — bringing his whole self into contact with what Daniel Kerr calls “the sharp edges of reality.”
Learn More →Piety
As a Monastic Academy, we are committed to both parts of the Benedictine dictum — ora et labora. The Liturgy is at the heart of school life. Students attend Mass, pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and have the liturgical calendar woven into every school day, building the sustained attentiveness needed to hear the still, small voice of God.
Learn More →A Formation Unlike Any Other
Gymnopoetic
Following Dr. John Senior, we begin with wonder, not abstraction. Before a boy analyzes, he must first see and love.
All Boys
An all-boys school guided by male mentors meets young men where they are — in their hunger for adventure, fraternity, and meaningful work.
Classical Curriculum
Theology, Literature, History, Latin, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Fine Arts — taught through the great books and Socratic discussion.
Monastic Daily Rhythm
Daily Mass and the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary are woven into every school day.
The Bosco Trades Program
Carpentry and craftsmanship taught hands-on. Our students have built tool benches, additions, and full barns.
House System & Brotherhood
Each house under the patronage of a great saint, with shared feasts, competitions, and mentorship.
Tech-Free School Day
Phones and personal devices are not permitted, restoring focus, presence, and real conversation to the classroom.
Prefect Mentorship
Older students lead younger ones in the virtues, modeling responsibility and forming a culture of fraternal care.
Voices from Our Community
"I previously attended a public school, and since I transferred I can already feel the impact this school has had on me. My prayer life has gotten stronger, and I have grown in my kindness and perseverance."A StudentRecent Transfer
"We have prayed like monks…and are presently being prepared to begin the next step in our lives as fathers and priests, ready to do God’s will."A StudentSJWA Senior
"I have been able to dive more deeply into my prayer life with having Mass and praying the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day. Definitely coming back next year."A StudentReturning Family
"SJWA is shaping me into the man I’m called to be like no other school has even come close to. I love the format, and I can say what I never thought I could — that I genuinely enjoy all my classes. It sometimes doesn’t even feel like school, and yet I’m learning so much so fast."A StudentSJWA Junior
"Even Math is fun!"A StudentSJWA Freshman
"This school has brought me so much joy and happiness. At my old school, I would go home angry at my teachers and peers. Now when I go home, I am happy and excited to go back the next day."A StudentRecent Transfer
"He has way more control over his temper, cares more about school and pursuing sanctity, and I have enjoyed his company infinitely more now that I see him becoming a man…I wish I could say more, but if you gave me the entire school day, I couldn’t do a day’s experience justice."A ParentSJWA Family
"I previously attended a public school, and since I transferred I can already feel the impact this school has had on me. My prayer life has gotten stronger, and I have grown in my kindness and perseverance."A StudentRecent Transfer
"We have prayed like monks…and are presently being prepared to begin the next step in our lives as fathers and priests, ready to do God’s will."A StudentSJWA Senior
"I have been able to dive more deeply into my prayer life with having Mass and praying the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day. Definitely coming back next year."A StudentReturning Family
"SJWA is shaping me into the man I’m called to be like no other school has even come close to. I love the format, and I can say what I never thought I could — that I genuinely enjoy all my classes. It sometimes doesn’t even feel like school, and yet I’m learning so much so fast."A StudentSJWA Junior
"Even Math is fun!"A StudentSJWA Freshman
"This school has brought me so much joy and happiness. At my old school, I would go home angry at my teachers and peers. Now when I go home, I am happy and excited to go back the next day."A StudentRecent Transfer
"He has way more control over his temper, cares more about school and pursuing sanctity, and I have enjoyed his company infinitely more now that I see him becoming a man…I wish I could say more, but if you gave me the entire school day, I couldn’t do a day’s experience justice."A ParentSJWA Family
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Calendar & Events
Upcoming Events
Friday, October 16 · 8:00 AM — The Academy
Student Shadow Day Oct. 16th
Give your son the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a St. Joseph the Worker Academy student. He’ll join our young men in class, meet other…
Tuesday, October 27 · 7:00 PM — The Academy
Parent Info Night Oct. 27th
Q&A/Information Session for families considering enrolling their son(s) in the program.
Thursday, November 12 · 7:00 PM — The Academy
Parent Info Night Nov. 12th
Q&A/Information Session for families considering enrolling their son(s) in the program.
School Calendar
Contact or Hear From Us
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