History of St. John Neumann Regional Academy
St. John Neumann Regional Academy is the result of a rich and enduring tradition of Catholic education in Lycoming County—a tradition rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service to others.
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Early Foundations of Catholic Education
Catholic education has been an integral part of the Lycoming County community for over 100 years, with parish elementary schools serving generations of families. From Immaculate Conception to St. Joe's, these schools laid the foundation for faith formation and academic instruction long before the establishment of a regional Catholic high school. Saint John Neumann himself traveled through this area and was instrumental in the growth of Catholic schools locally and throughout the United States.
Bishop Neumann High School
Prior to the formation of a regional academy, Catholic secondary education in Williamsport was
provided by St. Mary’s High School and St. Joseph’s High School. Following their closure in the 1960s,
plans were made to consolidate Catholic high school education in the area. On September 8, 1969, Bishop Neumann High School opened as the first consolidated Catholic high school in the region, serving students in grades 9 through 12. In 1971, the school expanded to include grades 7 and 8. From 1969 to 2006, Bishop Neumann High School served as a cornerstone of Catholic secondary education in Lycoming County. Named in honor of Saint John Neumann, the first American bishop to be canonized and a tireless advocate for Catholic education, Bishop Neumann High School has formed generations of students spiritually, academically, and morally.
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Formation of St. John Neumann Regional Academy
In 2006, Catholic education in Lycoming County became fully regionalized. Bishop Neumann High School and the local parish elementary schools—St. Boniface, St. Ann’s, Immaculate Conception, and St. Joseph’s—were consolidated to form St. John Neumann Regional Academy (SJNRA), honoring the canonization of Bishop Neumann. This transition created a unified PreK–12 Catholic educational system, strengthening collaboration, unity, and mission across all grade levels.
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SJNRA Today
Today, St. John Neumann Regional Academy proudly continues the legacy of Catholic education in the region. Serving students from Lycoming County and surrounding areas, the Academy remains committed to providing a faith-centered, academically rigorous education grounded in values. Honoring the legacy and guided by the example of Saint John Neumann, SJNRA prepares students for lifelong learning, service, and leadership in the Church and the world.
Prayer to Saint John Neumann
Saint John Neumann, Servant of God and Man,
your desire to bring all souls to Christ
inspired you to leave your family, home and your country.
Ask for us the grace to live worthily in the spirit of our Baptism
so that all our thoughts, words and actions of every day
will bring God our Father greater honor and glory.
Ask for us the graces necessary to help and to serve
the poor, the suffering and the oppressed.
May we live as you lived persevering in every difficulty
to know and to do God's will.
In this life, may we share your intercession,
the protection of Mary and the grace
of Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer.
Saint John Neumann, Pray for Us.
Amen.
