Merged school makes an ecumenical point

Students at Doane Stuart School in Albany could serve as role models for people across the world trying to learn religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Doane Stuart is the only coeducational, interfaith pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade school in the country. As a result, its students find differences to be routine.

For example, Susannah Erwin, an eleventh grader and parishioner of St. Margaret Mary's Church in Albany, says of the school: "Differences aren't looked down upon here. You don't view people as different. It's good to be taught this lesson early on; it's hard to change when you're older."

Senior Katy Brady, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, also appreciates the ecumenical aspect of the school. Katy, who attended both public and Catholic schools before enrolling at Doane Stuart, said: "We take the interfaith aspect of the school for granted because it seems so natural. It adds to the community spirit."

Blending

Created in 1975 through the merger of Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school founded in 1852, and the Episcopal St. Agnes School founded in 1870, the school blends the two traditions. While the school does not teach doctrine of either religion, it does provide students with a religious education.

Dr. Edward Dougherty, head of school, noted: "We don't teach one doctrine, but we can give a good foundation. It's up to the parents and the parish to prepare them for the sacraments."

The school offers religion courses in a non-denominational, creative manner which, according to Dr. Dougherty, leads to an openness to all expressions of Christian faith. On the high school level, students study the Hebrew Scriptures, Church history, the New Testament, social ethics, bioethics, search for meaning and community service.

For Susannah, religion classes are greatly enhanced by the many traditions students and teachers bring to the classroom. "It influences religion class," she said. "We discuss the Bible from all perspectives. There are a lot of different perspectives."

Prayer together

Besides religion classes, the school community participates in weekly prayer experiences in the chapel. The services foster an understanding and appreciation of the aspects of the Christian experience that are shared across denominational boundaries. "Worship at Doane Stuart is faithful to the Roman Catholic and Episcopal heritage," Dr. Dougherty said, "but demonstrates a hospitality which welcomes those of other religious traditions, or no religious tradition, with respect. Worship services are designed to reflect the diversity of the school community without abandoning a heritage which is rich and important."

Students also have regular contact with the sisters in the Sacred Heart Retirement Center, which is located on the 80-acre campus south of Albany. This contact includes volunteering at the center, visits with the sisters and an inter-generational choir. Sisters also teach French, work in the library and volunteer at the school.

Informal learning

Besides religion classes and chapel services, students learn about religion informally as well.

According to freshman Tom Gorman, who has attended the school since first grade, he has learned a lot from the informal opportunities.

"It's given me an understanding," said the non-denominational student. "My eighth grade homeroom teacher was from India. She told us about her beliefs. Jewish students explained Hanukkah for us."

Special place

While Doane Stuart is unique in its approach to religion, the students are quick to point out other aspects of the school that are important.

For both the administration and the students, the size of the school is a key feature. There is an eight-to-one student/teacher ratio. Currently, the school's enrollment is 217. Not only does that lend itself to a feeling of community between students, teachers and parents, but according to students, it also provides them with an atmosphere that supports learning.

While students at other schools can experience cliques or be singled out for differences, the community at Doane Stuart supports all students. "I feel relaxed here," said Susannah. "I don't have to worry about impressing others."

Ecumenism in practice

But while the students do well academically and socially, it is the ecumenical nature of the school that separates it from other schools in this country, Dr. Dougherty said. The school serves as an example of what can happen when religious differences are appreciated.

Dr. Dougherty hopes the school can one day establish a center for religious understanding on the campus. "It would be a wonderful opportunity," he said. "It's our mission to teach religious understanding."

(Doane Stuart, located on Route 9W in Albany, is a member of the Sacred Heart School Network, a national alliance of schools staffed by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart.)

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