St. Ann Classical Academy Shield
The Shield of St. Ann Classical Academy is made from many parts. It features a bulwark, fleur-de-lis, an open book, heart on fire, and the inscription, “Veritas est Libertas.” Each of these parts represents a part of our Catholic school and the classical education we offer.
Bulwark
A bulwark is a solid structure used to defend oneself against enemies. Some writers refer to classical education as a bulwark supporting a free and civilized society. The foundation of a classical approach to education is the search for goodness, beauty, and truth which protects us from the attacks of the Evil One. The bulwark also calls to mind the firm foundation of the faith which underpins our educational philosophy. St. Ann, herself, has been referred to as the bulwark in which the young Church was able to spotlessly and securely grow.
Fleur-de-Lis
A stylized lily, the fleur-de-lis has long been a symbol of our Blessed Lady. The lily, representing purity, has also long been associated with good St. Joseph.
Heart on Fire
The heart refers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the fount of all love and mercy. It is also taken from the coat of arms of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri. St. Philip Neri once stated regarding his love for young people: "They can chop wood on my back if it keeps them from sin."
Open Book
The book on our shield represents the education of our Blessed Mother given to her by her own mother, St. Ann. The scripture citation on the pages of the book, John 8:32, refers to our school motto: Veritas es Libertas (Truth is Freedom). The book also represents the importance of scripture in our lives.
Motto: Veritas est Libertas (Truth is Freedom)
Our Lord Jesus says in John 8:32: You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. All knowledge is rooted in the knowledge of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is in knowing Christ that we can truly know what authentic freedom is.
Hunter Green
Green is a color long associated with St. Ann. A symbol of rebirth, it calls to mind our patroness who bore Mary, the New Eve, who would bring to birth the Savior. Green is also the liturgical color representing hope.
The mission of St. Ann Classical Academy is to build a foundation for our students in the knowledge of the goodness, beauty, and truth of God’s creation, both visible and invisible; to cultivate an understanding of the true nature of the human person intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually; and to nurture them as Christian disciples leading them into a personal relationship with Jesus, the Source of all knowledge and wisdom.
St. Ann Classical Academy is a classical Catholic elementary school founded in Raritan, New Jersey. Offering co-education from pre-kindergarten through grade eight, SACA is under the general supervision of the Office of Schools of the Diocese of Metuchen. Locally, it is under the direction of the Pastor of St. Ann Parish and the Raritan Oratory of St. Philip Neri.