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LaSalle Academy

Danella Cares

LaSalle Academy Opportunity

Giving back and growing forward

Danella works to continue to support LaSalle academy in any way needed to promote each child’s learning experience.

Guided through the teaching of the Christian faith, LaSalle Academy opened its doors in 2003, in Old Kensington, Philadelphia, inspiring students in third through eighth grades to become life-long learners and to build each student’s confidence. Helmed by President, Sr. Jeanne McGowan, SSJ, and Principal, Teresa Diamond, LaSalle is a family. Each child is loved and nurtured in a small safe classroom environment to help them achieve success in the long run and to break the cycle of poverty. The team of teachers, support staff, social workers, and volunteers work to inspire hope and achieve success.

LaSalle Academy, unlike other Christian schools, is not run by the Catholic Diocese or Church, but 100% funded through donations and the support of a Board of Trustees. Jim Danella and Mary Jo Danella both serve on the board and hold an active role in the fundraising activities for the academy.

Additionally, unlike other schools LaSalle Academy has extended days and school year, going from 8 AM to 5 PM 225 days a year. This extended day and year format allow for children to further learning in a safe environment, resulting in an almost 100% High School Graduation rate of LaSalle Academy graduates.

Each of the students at LaSalle Academy are extremely thankful for the work that each trustee and Danella does to ensure their education. Danella is just one of many companies that volunteer to assist the school. Throughout the year Danella provides school supplies for each classroom, uniforms, gift cards, food, and paper products for the families. Both the food and paper products are mainly sourced through employee donations and help to ensure that the families can afford other necessities that may not be covered by government assistance programs.

Another large part of Danella’s involvement with LaSalle Academy is the Christmas Project. The project which supports both LaSalle Academy and Webster Elementary School result in donations of gifts to each school thanks to many Danella vendors and employees’ support. LaSalle students receive new gym uniforms, food, and sweaters, pullovers, and/or jackets (dependent on grade). Additionally, the eighth grade is gifted a trip to a Broadway Musical to further their music and performing arts learning. Each year the students look forward to the Danella Elves and Santa’s arrival to the school.