Rosarian Academy
Leading Catholic Education Through Faith, Purpose and Whole-Child Development

Sharon Morris-Lencheski, Head of School

As the mother of four daughters, I find that my girls inspire nearly everything I do. Education and advocacy for students have always been important to me. When my children attended Catholic schools, I saw firsthand the difference a faith-filled, whole-child approach can make in a child's life. I started out volunteering on endowment committees and parent organizations, but I knew my business and legal background gave me a broader perspective and more to offer. So I began teaching what I knew and I've been teaching…and learning…ever since.

Preserving Catholic School Values While Adapting to Change

I believe the greatest challenge facing private Catholic schools today is the rise of franchise and pop-up schools that offer more flash than substance. Rosarian Academy is 101 years young and for all of that time we have educated the whole child. We see ourselves as a Foundation for Life. Our administrative team, Board of Directors, faculty, staff and sponsor meet regularly to keep us relevant and forward-facing. We also make sure we never lose sight of our history, our Dominican charism or the community of learners that makes us who we are. Our tenets are rooted in tradition and Gospel values and they serve Catholic and non-Catholic students alike as we help each child grow spiritually, academically, athletically and socially.

Balancing Academic Excellence, Faith Formation and Student Well-Being

My decisions start with our mission: educating the whole child in the light of Gospel values, guided by the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community and service. I don't see academic excellence, faith formation and well-being as competing priorities. They strengthen one another. I believe in clear, consistent expectations, faculty who model what we teach and collaboration with our Board, staff, sponsor and families. When we invest in our teachers and partner with parents, every child can feel known, supported and challenged.

I believe private Catholic education will remain strong and even grow, over the next decade. Families have more choices than ever today and with so much at stake, they can't afford to gamble their children's education on schools that come and go. They need a trusted, proven program rooted in tradition and moral values, one that helps their child become the best person they can be. Florida's Step Up For Students scholarships and other scholarship programs have put private schools within reach for many more families. I see that expanded access as one of the trends that will have the greatest impact on our students and schools in the years ahead.

Keeping Students at the Center of Educational Leadership

My advice to aspiring educators and school leaders is simple: always put the children first. Politics, trends, social media and competition can easily cloud a teacher's or administrator's day. When decisions get difficult, ask what is truly best for the children in front of you. Stay focused on the mission, not the noise and you will make a lasting difference.