Xavier Jesuit Academy

Sport brings people together. That is not a small thing.

Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for June invites us to see sports as more than competition, as an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue, and a path toward respect, solidarity, and personal growth.

At Xavier Jesuit Academy, our young men experience this every day, on the basketball court, the tennis court, the soccer field. They are learning what it means to compete with integrity, to lose gracefully, to celebrate together, and to show up for one another. Pray with us this June.

Roots run deep in Bond Hill. 🌱
The Bond Hill Learning Garden is growing strong this spring, thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. XJA is proud to be part of this community-rooted effort. The garden is one of three managed by the Zoo right here in the city.

A new tradition takes root at XJA. Every Friday in the final month of the school year, Ms. Helt welcomed a secret reader into her 3rd and 4th grade classroom. Ms. Jolie, Mrs. Duggins, Mr. Powell, and Miss Mari each brought their own stories, voices, and joy. Thank you for giving our students the gift of your time and a deeper love of reading.

Today, XJA faculty and staff gathered at the The Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford for a day of retreat before heading into two days of professional development at the school. As we close out a meaningful second year, we carry deep gratitude for everyone who has walked this journey with us. Please keep our team in your prayers as we prepare for the year ahead.

On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we rest in the truth at the heart of our faith: God's love is not distant. It reaches into the world, into our school, into every young man who walks through our doors. May that love shape you today.

Every day at XJA, our students are surrounded by people who show up for them, not because they have to, but because they choose to. This year, we are honored to present the St. Ignatius of Loyola Volunteer Award to two individuals whose service reflects the very heart of our mission.

Jim Barter helped build XJA’s volunteer program from the ground up, creating the onboarding structure, scheduling, and recruitment systems that make it possible for our community of volunteers to walk alongside our students every day. Jim, your dedication has multiplied the impact of everyone who comes through our doors.

Shahidah Akbar is a steady, loving presence in our cafeteria, bringing high expectations and genuine care to every interaction with our young men. Ms. Akbar, the students feel your investment in them, and so do we.

Thank you both for your generous service.