Cat/10lic Educational Endeavors
307
Nazareth Academy had its elementary, intermediate and advanced de- partments. Art and the appreciation of the beautiful formed a basic part of the curriculum. Self experience was encouraged in drawing, artistic penmanship, painting and needlework. The exact sciences were not neg- lected. Mathematics, as well as astronomy, were taught; maps and globes were used consistently in the teaching of Geography. Latin formed a part of the regular program after 1877 and formal grammar, today the abomination of modern educators, who believe correct English can be learned by playing and wishful thinking, were stressed, and still are, in all the Academies of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament:" Otlzer Activities of the Victoria Co,mmmity. In 1880 the Community purchased what was then known as the Victoria Fairgrounds and built St. Joseph's Villa, a rest house for the sick members. Two Sisters have devoted a large portion of the grounds to truck farming, which takes care c,f their table needs. It is of interest to note that in 1874 Nazareth Academy became part of the "Community System," under which a number of parents could petition for a public school in their community. If the petition was granted, a portion of the public funds assigned for education was given to the school in accord with the number of scholastics. The teachers had to pass an examination conducted by a Board of Examiners appointed by the county judge to enable them to teach in the public school system. The entire staff of the Academy qualified for certification and received the corresponding state teachers' salary for four months a year. This proved a great help until 1895, when discontinued because of the insistence on secular dress. Under the system the Sisters opened a school for Negro children. It was discontinued shortly afterward at the protest of Colored Protestant ministers, who objected to it strenuously. 49 A commercial school was added by Mother Agnes in 1911 and full accreditation for the Academy was obtained in 1917. Valuable aid was given to the Sisters by the Catholic Daughters of America in purchasing the needed equipment to enable the school to meet the requirements to secure affiliation. After 1900, it became customary for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament to accept the charge of parochial
48 /bid., 43. 49 Sister M. Paul Regan, o'f,. cit., 1866-1941, p. 29.
Powered by FlippingBook