Supporting Student Faith Traditions

One of the true gifts of our community is that students from many faith traditions and backgrounds can find connection and belonging here, learning from one another while growing in mind, body, and spirit.

As Moravian Academy’s School Chaplain, it is my privilege to help ensure that students and families are supported in practicing and honoring their faith as part of school life. In particular, I want to highlight three specific resources your family may want to access:

For Middle School students, designated prayer spaces are available during the school day in both 7 East and the Devey Building. If your child would like to use one of these spaces, please have them contact Dr. Hunt (dhunt@mamail.net) or Mrs. Economopoulos (jeconomopoulos@mamail.net). One of our school counselors will arrange a brief orientation to show your child the space, review the guidelines for its use, and provide a dedicated place to store personal prayer items so they do not need to carry them throughout the day.

For Lower School students who wish to pray during the school day, please contact your classroom teacher.

Moravian Academy recognizes religious holidays that fall on class days as excused absences. These are handled much like absences due to illness, with appropriate accommodations and extensions for work due on the holiday or the following day. Our hope is that no student will ever feel they must choose between honoring their faith tradition and meeting their academic responsibilities. Please submit an anticipated absence form before the holiday whenever possible so that teachers can help your child plan ahead.

Moravian Academy’s Dining Service provides special meal options during certain religious observances, including Lent and Passover. In addition, quiet spaces are available for students who are fasting during Ramadan. Additional information will be shared as these sacred seasons approach.

If you have questions, would like additional support, want to tell me more about your child’s faith practices, or are interested in partnering with us in chapel planning, I would be delighted to connect with you. You can reach me at jnichols@mamail.net.