Location: DeWitt, NY
Founded: 1900
Students: 750 boys and girls grades 7-12
Faculty & Staff: 80
Mascot: The Brothers

In 1900, John Baptist de La Salle was canonized the Patron Saint of Teachers. That same year, the Christian Brothers founded a high school in downtown Syracuse, New York. Four years later, the school moved to Willow Street where it quickly became a vibrant and visible part of city life—spiritually, academically, and culturally. The graduates, “Brothers’ Boys,” immersed themselves in their community as leaders in a multitude of arenas from law to politics to medicine.

Soon, the Willow Street school was filled far beyond capacity.  A new location was secured on 25 acres on Randall Road in the town of DeWitt and a new school was built which opened its doors in the fall of 1961. Much larger than the Willow Street building, and with space for outdoor athletic events on site, the new campus suited the needs of boys in grades 9-12.

Since then, CBA has taken great strides toward achieving its mission. Due to changing demographics—specifically a dwindling number of children from Baby Boomers—the school’s enrollment declined. So, in 1977, CBA added 7th and 8th grades to stabilize enrollment. In the late 1980’s, when the nearby Convent School/Franciscan Academy closed, Christian Brothers Academy for the first time opened its doors to young women, who have thrived at the school and added great value to CBA’s academically and spiritually rich environment.

In recent years, the number of lay teachers—fully committed to the Lasallian tradition—has also increased. CBA faculty members are a cut above, providing a challenging academic environment infused with strong discipline and character education.

Throughout its history, Christian Brothers Academy has triumphed over economic depression, major demographic and cultural shifts, and the daily challenge of molding generations of “Brothers’ Boys.” With resources infused from generous alumni and friends, the Randall Road campus has grown to include a state-of-the-art library and computer labs, fully-equipped science rooms, a fine arts wing, as well as renovated athletic facilities.

Every year, the Peer Ministers in Campus Ministry organize a drive to provide toys and clothes for underprivileged children in the city of Syracuse. For the last 3 years, they have teamed with the Salvation Army to provide a party and gifts for approximately 100 pre-school children who otherwise would not receive Christmas gifts. The Peer Ministers assign children’s names and gift requests (taken in advance on a trip to the Salvation Army center in November) and the whole school plays Santa. The gifts are delivered around December 20th to the center.

In addition to the Salvation Army, Peer Ministry will also provide much needed books and educational games to an after school program for refugee children at a Catholic Charities neighborhood center. Campus Ministry gives Christmas parties to elementary aged children at Syracuse city schools. Last year, CBA students also brought warm clothing to the children at the suggestion of their teachers, who noticed the children did not have warm coats or boots. Students also give of their time during the Christmas season. Students volunteer at soup kitchens and at the great Christmas Bureau give-a-way, which provides a food basket and toys for thousands of Syracuse residents. The day before Christmas vacation, CBA hosts an assembly with the chorus, band, and orchestra providing Christmas music. Santa always makes an appearance and kneels before the manger while Silent Night plays quietly in the background.

CBA continues to offer a rigorous curriculum and an intellectually-challenging environment. CBA stands apart because of its other, equally important priority: helping to shape moral, spiritual, and virtuous individuals. Catholic education is a vital component of CBA’s paradigm, where character and values are of primary significance.

To learn more about Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, click here >