Xavier Jesuit Academy has partnered with Beech Acres Parenting Center, bringing The Character Effect program to our Bond Hill campus. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our commitment to cura personalis, care of the whole person, a cornerstone of Jesuit education.
Hannah Foley, The Character Effect Specialist at Beech Acres, is leading this initiative at XJA. "We are a social-emotional learning program under the Beech Acres umbrella," explains Foley, a former high school English teacher. "We offer tier one services, which means everyone in the school building is learning about their character strengths, using a strength-based language and perspective."
The program introduces students to three core pillars: character strengths discovery through tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey, mindfulness practices including prayer, meditation, and reflection, and intentional action to help students become their best selves.
"We're calling it a place-based partnership," Foley notes. "Beech Acres is bringing in all of their services: The Character Effect, Beyond the Classroom for mental health support, and Parent Connects program with parent academies. The idea is that we are wrapping around and bringing as many support systems into one place as possible."
This holistic model aligns perfectly with XJA's mission to serve not just our students, but their families and communities. The Character Effect approach emphasizes relationship and accompaniment. "When it comes to working with schools, I really love talking with teachers one-on-one or in groups, getting to know them and hearing more deeply about their celebrations and struggles, and just walking with them on that journey," Foley shares.
This philosophy resonates deeply with our Jesuit tradition of accompaniment and our commitment to forming men for others. The Character Effect program complements XJA's existing faith-filled formation practices, including daily prayer, midday Examen, and weekly Liturgy of the Word, creating a rich environment for spiritual and emotional growth.
As we continue this partnership, we're grateful to Beech Acres Parenting Center and Hannah Foley for their commitment to supporting the complete development of our students. This collaboration embodies our belief that education is about nurturing the whole person: intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually.
