For years, the community of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and School, Haddon Heights, wanted to establish an early childhood education center – but lacked the space for such a program.
That space became available in 2014 through the parish merger with Saint Francis de Sales, Barrington, and the repurposing of that parish’s parochial school building. Following the creation of a business plan and collaboration with then-pastor Father Joseph Byerley, Rosebud Academy first opened its doors in fall 2015.
“Rosebud Academy is very much a part of Saint Rose of Lima School and is just the beginning of your experience as part of our family,” said Fran Watson, the school’s advancement director. “Students at Rosebud get a preschool experience that is truly like no other. Our teachers are qualified, loving and dedicated and are doing their jobs because they truly love early childhood education.”
At the beginning, Rosebud Academy supported 47 students with one classroom each for three-year-olds and four-year-olds, as well as a transitional kindergarten – the only program of its kind in the area, and one that is designed for children who are old enough to enter kindergarten, but could benefit from extra time to build confidence and independence skills. This fall, it will have 122 registered students with three classrooms each for three-year-olds and four-year-olds, along with the transitional kindergarten.
Adding to that milestone: Members of Saint Rose’s graduating eighth-grade class were the first students to attend the Academy.
“This year’s graduating class is just as important as any class that came before it or will come after it — but the significance of them being the first to graduate from Rosebud Academy is felt deeply by those who have worked with Rosebud since it first opened,” Watson said. “It is especially satisfying to see this class of children who have been nurtured in a Saint Rose program since preschool, because we can finally see the full cycle.”
The Academy offers its students a range of resources, including an art room, library, movement room, dramatic playroom and classroom spaces. Over the past decade, it has grown to include more than lessons in religion, language arts, math and other core subjects – now featuring STEM, yoga, Spanish and music education, along with extended before and aftercare.
‘When our little Rosebuds make their way to kindergarten over in ‘the big school’ building in Haddon Heights, their time at Rosebud has already made them feel like a part of our family,” Watson said.
“They are able to extend the love and safety they felt while at Rosebud Academy into their K-8 years, and their preschool teachers are even able to see them at events and keep in touch with them and watch them grow.”
Fern Love started with Rosebud Academy as a teacher in the transitional kindergarten program, and she now serves as the program’s director. She noted that the Academy’s instruction is deeply rooted in faith.
“The main goal of Rosebud is to build confidence in a faith-filled environment,” she said. “We have the blessing of Sister Joan Lorraine, who attends Rosebud daily, leading the staff in morning prayer, each class in daily prayer and weekly religion for every classroom as well.”
Students experience the Old Testament and liturgical year and build their faith even at a young age.
“I believe that has a great impact on the way they see the world and how they learn,” she said.
Love added that students at Rosebud spend time with eighth-graders and are currently participating in a shoe drive in memory of the late Pope Francis.
Deacon Joseph Rafferty, who retired from his role as principal in December, said that students who attend Rosebud Academy have been “encouraged, loved and appreciated.”
“Rosebud is a very special place. Fern Love created a unique environment that introduced spirituality to students and their families,” he said. “Academic foundations are a strength for all students, and Rosebud gives the students that foundation.”
With the tenth anniversary approaching, the school is working to commemorate the milestone and is working toward creating a new play space for students.
Father Dave Grover, pastor of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, said that Rosebud Academy also offers families the opportunity to explore their faith along with their children.
“Families entering Rosebud Academy with young children are beginning to explore our faith with their children, through their questions and lessons,” he said. “We accompany parents as they act on their Baptismal promises to raise their children in faith. This is a wonderful time for children to learn about Jesus, to pray to Jesus and His mother, Mary. It can be a renewing time for family faith, parish life and membership in our Catholic community.”
For Love, seeing the Class of 2025 brings the vision of Rosebud Academy full circle. “It has been a joy to watch our Buds bloom into eighth-grade Saint Rose graduates.”
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