St. Michael the Archangel High School in Fredericksburg begins its first year as an independent Catholic school this week. The Diocese officially recognized St. Michael the Archangel in May.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the diocese and working with them to continue the outstanding Catholic and college preparatory education that our students so richly deserve,” said Principal Ann Lewis.

The school serves grades nine through 12 with about 60 enrolled students. Its pioneering Culture of Life curriculum focuses on the central Catholic concepts of human life, from conception to natural death. Seniors learn how to make a difference in their communities and advocate for Catholic moral values.

This year, St. Michael the Archangel offers 22 credits in dual enrollment courses with Germanna Community College, along with its traditional Advanced Placement courses. The dual enrollment classes include pre-calculus, calculus (several options), statistics, and two humanities courses. English now offers pre-AP classes for those who want to prepare for AP English as upperclassmen.

Two new teachers debut this year: Nicole Adams, who is currently working toward her master’s degree in English and will be teaching English this year, and Robert A. Lewis, Sr., with a master’s degree in mathematics, who retired from education after teaching and being an administrator for over 35 years and who has decided to return to the classroom — his first love.