Serviam seeks to combat the poverty and the accompanying educational inequities in our community by providing a safe and nurturing academic environment. Unfortunately, access to quality education -- an education that provides the skills needed to succeed in life, instills a desire for life-long learning, and empowers a child to find her passions and pursue her dreams -- is often not afforded to those who struggle economically. Serviam Girls Academy seeks to level the playing field, educating the whole child and providing access to opportunities that might otherwise not be available to our students, many of whom may be the first in their family to pursue higher education. An educated and empowered child grows into an informed and involved citizen and leader of her community.

Serviam Girls Academy is a tuition-free middle school steeped in the Ursuline tradition that provides a personalized, academically challenging education for low-income girls in northern Delaware. Based on the successful NativityMiguel model, SGA offers-a rigorous and relevant core curriculum, a comprehensive athletic and enrichment program, and a graduate support system that continues through high school and beyond. Dedicated teachers, administration, and staff foster a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere during the 10 hour extended school day that runs from September to June as well as during Serviam’s trademark summer program that completes its full 10. 5 month school year. Our programming and services nurture social, emotional, and physical health and well being. It empowers girls to become confident leaders. Within this model, classmates become sisters, teachers become mentors, and classroom materials become the roots of lifelong lessons, opening doors that may otherwise be unknown.

Serviam Girls Academy provides this exceptional education to New Castle County's underserved girls tuition-free. Serviam employs a dedicated, professional, mission-driven faculty and staff that work tirelessly to instill the high standards expected from our student body. We are governed by a highly skilled, professional board. We enjoy a dedicated and generous community who, since inception in 2008, has donated 98% of its operating budget, $9. 2 million in total to date. Almost 100% donor driven without a guaranteed funding stream -- without tuition, state or federal funding, or a parent or alumnae base to support the school -- Serviam raises over $1 million annually from individual donations (~52%), corporations and foundations (~28%), and events (~19%). Additionally, strong partnerships with local businesses and corporations provide much needed in-kind services and donations that extend these hard earned dollars even further.

Progress is best defined by the student achievement. On average, students enter Serviam scoring at or below grade level on standardized tests, and graduate scoring 1-2 grade levels above. Serviam measures student progress by rate of growth -- are students meeting their projected growth goals? Finally, progress is measured by the number of students who graduate from high school on time (99%), pursue higher education (80%) or training, and eventually, transition to the workforce. Less tangible but equally important indicators of progress, Serviam students and alumnae stand out for their drive, character, confidence and acumen, prepared to overcome obstacles knowing they are supported by a strong sisterhood. Finally progress can be measured by the breadth and depth of community support that donates over $1 million annually and dedicates thousands of hours of volunteer time.

Almost 12 years ago, Serviam founders had the audacity to believe that the larger community would be willing to provide for all children what they themselves provided for their own -- a quality education designed to prepare their children for high school, college and the workforce. They designed a school to operate almost exclusively on the largess of the community. Now celebrating our 10th anniversary, Serviam proudly educates 60+ middle school girls and supports 75 alums, 99% of whom have, or on track to graduate from high school on time, 80% of whom are enrolled in college. Serviam continues to raise $1 million each year from you, the community. The program continues to grow and inspire; the community continues to support an ideal where income will not interfere with access to an exceptional education. Serviam will continue to recruit new supporters in order to open its doors to educate and support new scholars that they may find their potential and bloom.