Why a non-Catholic family chose Catholic education at Stella Maris Academy

By Teresa Kenney

The Choice

With so many choices for families in education today, selecting a school can seem like a daunting decision. For parents Shar and Adam Riutta, the choice seemed clear. Growing up, Shar’s mother was a dedicated public school teacher. Because of this, when it came time to enroll their eldest child in kindergarten, the Riuttas were confident that their neighborhood public school was the best fit for their family. The couple had considered other school options and despite having enjoyed a tour of Holy Rosary Catholic School, decided to continue with their plan to enroll their daughter, Ella in the public school system at ISD 709.

“We had no reason not to try our local public school, especially because we are not a Catholic family,” she said.

Three years later, and with their second child, Hadley entering first grade, the Riuttas found themselves searching again for the right school for their family. According to Shar, their public school experience was adequate. They didn’t have any specific complaints, other than becoming increasingly concerned with large class sizes. Weeks before the start of a new school year, however, they felt a pull for something more. Their hearts and minds went back to the tour they made at Holy Rosary. Shar and Adam decided that this Catholic school was offering the experience they were looking for. This time, the opportunity to find something more for their family was worth overcoming any feelings of trepidation they had over trying something new.

On Being Non-Catholic

“My biggest concern was if my girls would feel left out since they aren’t Catholic,” explained Shar. “Would Adam and I feel left out, too? The biggest surprise is that we never felt left out.”

Angela Haas, a second-grade teacher, sums up this sentiment beautifully: “It's rare that I'm able to tell Catholic kids apart from non-Catholic kids in my room. I make it my goal to highlight the traditions and customs of different denominations in my room. It gives all the students a chance to shine.”

Shar would agree.

“There are differences in the way we practice our faith, but it opens the door for communication at home about these topics,” she said. “We learned that there is another way to practice faith. It teaches inclusion.”

At Holy Rosary, Shar and Adam quickly noticed this culture of inclusion also leads to cooperation, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. Any concerns they may have had quickly evaporated.

True Partnership

At their new school, the Riuttas discovered that partnerships and strong relationships are formed at all levels, and smaller class sizes did in fact make a big difference. Jodi Altonen, Hadley’s first-grade teacher, noticed very quickly that Hadley was not focused on her classwork. She partnered with Shar and Adam to improve Hadley’s habits, which led to some big changes.

“Hadley’s test scores skyrocketed,” she said.

Shar and Adam attended conferences that fall and found the kids were thriving. Extra attention and care didn’t stop at the classroom. Shar was slightly mortified when her eldest daughter, Ella came home one day and announced that she had invited her third-grade teacher, Ms. Zanardi, to attend her next basketball game. Shar said, “Ella, you can’t do that! You can’t expect that from your teacher.” Ms. Zanardi had other ideas though, and showed up at Ella’s game to cheer her on. Shar said she immediately went home afterwards and said, “Adam, I love this school!” The following year, when the Holy Rosary school combined with St. John’s and St. James schools to form Stella Maris Academy, the Riuttas were firmly on board with Catholic education.

Whole-Child Learning

Stella Maris Academy focuses not just on academics but on whole-child learning. Part of the mission of Stella Maris Academy is to prepare life-long learners who lead, love and serve. For Shar and Adam, life-long learning and academics are important. Both

Shar and Adam are college graduates. Adam is a physician currently practicing emergency medicine at Essentia Health. They have been pleased to find that while their girls have been at different levels academically, both have received the individualized care and attention they need. While one child needed and received additional time and care, the other has been challenged and motivated. Not only that, but the school’s focus on leading, loving and serving has provided many opportunities for personal growth throughout the year; whether it’s serving the community through Sentinel Service Day, learning to lead at a school Mass, or working together to organize an annual food drive. Shar loves that their confidence in public speaking has developed through leading Mass; “It’s what you do here at a very young age.” It was clear to Shar and Adam that the expectations Stella Maris Academy has for every student to find and become the very best versions of themselves are set confidently and encouragingly high.

Total Students

Finding a Family

From those first days as a brand new family until today, Stella Maris Academy has felt like a family to the Riuttas.

“Teachers know the whole family. They care deeply about one another’s well-being,” said Shar. “When my children have been sick and have been well-cared for, when I get a thank you card from our president for helping out, when the school principal says he can drop our daughter off at home from her after-school activity, and from the time when the entire class prayed for an injured classmate, it has felt like a family.”

Shar notes how the school has been just as good for her as a mom. Shar says with a laugh, “I’ve made friends, too!”

*Number reflects results from Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a national standardized exam

Grades PreK – 8

Stella Maris Academy offers Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. All are welcome. Parents and prospective families can call at any time to schedule a tour at St. James, Holy Rosary or St. John’s campus. For more information, contact Admissions Director Sarah Pennings at sma.admissions@stellamaris.academy or 218-623-6253.