Our History

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." -- Barack Obama


In 2007, Cardinal Edward Egan helped to create history. In collaboration with Secretary of Education Dr. Catherine Hickey, the Cardinal resolved that there should be an independent Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York. The founders of the Academy of St. Joseph envisioned a school that would promote academic excellence in the humanities, the rich and varied traditions of the Church, and the wisdom of the ages.

Renovations soon began on a school building in Greenwich Village a few blocks from New York University and Washington Square. As the plans took shape, the newly-renovated school emerged with ten classrooms, a beautiful assembly hall, a dining hall, art studio, science lab, and a rooftop playground.

A school is more than the sum of its facilities. The Academy’s founding Head, Angela Coombs, brought her experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal to the new school. More than degrees and experience Ms. Coombs continues to bring her energy, collaborative spirit, and inspiration to school every day. She has brought an outstanding faculty and innovative programs to students in grades pre-K through 8. The Academy of St. Joseph has a supportive parent body and a strong spirit of community. Recent graduates have gone on to attend high schools as varied as Bronx High School of Science, Fordham Preparatory School, and the Horace Mann School.

The Academy of St. Joseph is the right school in the right place in New York city’s independent school community, at the right time as families understand the importance of strong community values, faith, citizenship, and individual respect and accomplishments. The Academy is a creator of change in honor of the legacy of Cardinal Egan.