Education, Community, and a Bank That Shows Up

What is the mission of Liguori Academy?

Our mission is unique. We provide an education that prepares our students for both college and the workforce, equipping them with the proper 21st century skills and empowering them as future leaders through a program that is individualized and personalized according to their needs.

We are rooted in the teachings of Alphonsus Liguori, who was known for the work he did in Italy regarding social justice for the marginalized and letting people know of the boundless opportunities that exist for them in life.

What sets Liguori apart from other schools?

Boundless opportunity.

Boundless love is our motto. If you let kids know they are loved, all opportunities become possible. We provide our students with opportunities that rigorously prepare them for the workforce. Upon starting at Liguori Academy, each student selects a cohort: healthcare, arts, construction and trades, or technology. Every student graduates with three workforce, industry-recognized certifications, as well as many workforce skills and minor certifications. The certifications are selected by our Lift Team — a group of industry professionals who advise on certifications, curriculum and opportunities for our students.

What was the catalyst for starting the school, and how has it evolved over time?

I started Liguori Academy in 2016. Having previously been a teacher in Philadelphia, I was looking for an opportunity to create a school where we could engage students in a nontraditional way, but at the same time, make sure we are fulfilling the requirements for college, career and postsecondary life. I did not want it to be a one-size-fits-all education.

There are other ways to empower future leaders beyond the traditional education system, and it is by helping them be prepared for the workforce and providing boundless opportunities for our students.

Liguori Academy is two schools in one: a private high school with grades nine through 12, and an accelerated learning program called Fortis. Fortis is a credit recovery program for students ages 15–21 who experienced a disruption in their learning experience. Through the program, they are able to earn the credits they need to receive their high school diploma.

We started with maybe 24 students and three faculty members, meeting in an old warehouse owned by a community service organization. Today, we have 285 students and a staff of 33 great men and women who are dedicated to the mission of our school — including teachers, social workers, counselors, postsecondary planners and more supports.

Our students are diverse and come from all across Philadelphia. The cost of attendance per student is $20,000 per year, but none of our students pay anywhere close to that. Tuition is on a sliding scale based on the needs of the families.

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about Liguori Academy?

Most people don’t understand what makes Liguori Academy unique. First, our population is unique. Many of our students are the first generation to graduate from high school, let alone going on to college. We truly empower them and move them on the track to their future. And it’s such a community effort — the education is made possible by people who invest in the students in a special way, providing opportunities for the students and helping us sustain the school.

What are you most excited about for the future of Liguori?

We just obtained two old elementary school buildings that were generously donated to us by a foundation. I am looking forward to transforming these buildings into a state-of-the-art high school. The next phase will be turning Liguori Academy into a strong community partner. We don’t want our community support to stop at graduation. By providing services, programs and opportunities to the larger community, to other schools and to the people in our neighborhood, we will be able to keep support going beyond high school.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to other purpose-driven leaders?

Empower, don’t enable. That is a really difficult line sometimes. Also, remember that everything is a mission. You’re there to change and transform. We need to look at the smaller steps that get us to the bigger picture. Sometimes we go right away to the results we want to see, and we don’t pay attention to the small steps that will get us there.

And then I would tell them to bank with Customers Bank.

What impact has having the right banking partner had on the school?

We are a walking commercial for Customers Bank because we like to explain to people the incredible relationships we have. I think of Customers Bank as a concierge bank: The Bank never, ever fails on service. There’s no waiting hours for someone to call you back — it’s automatic, and that goes a long way in a relationship.

We love that Customers Bank invests in organizations such as ours. They invest in the tax credit program, they invest in our activities, they come speak to our students, and the biggest thing — they connect us to the community. Through Customers Bank, we have connected to other nonprofits and organizations. They really do serve the community.