Deeply Rooted Academy
Beginning on Monday, August 4, Saint Philip’s will host Deeply Rooted Academy twice a week through May, 2026.
What is Deeply Rooted Academy?
It is a hybrid approach to school that provides students the opportunity to learn with their peers under the guidance of trained, compassionate mentors while providing ample time at home with their families to explore their passions (aka home schooling).
The Academy is affiliated with the Charlotte Mason Institute, is CMI accredited, and has several locations in and around Tucson.
The partnership
Fr Robert’s children have attended Deeply Rooted Academy (on the east side of Tucson) for several years. He sees this partnership as an opportunity to support an educational model that honors the whole child and their committed, Christian parents while introducing them to life at Saint Philip’s in the Hills.
Between Deeply Rooted Academy and Catalina Hills, more than 100 children and their families are invited daily to explore Saint Philip’s and spread the word that the parish welcomes families of all kinds.
The school’s schedule
Sara Peterson, the founder and co-director, has enrolled 67 students ages 5-17 for the 2025-2026 school year. The school will be on campus from 8:00am-3:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes will be held in La Parroquia, and drop-offs and pick-ups, as well as meals and recess (in the hotter months), will be in the Murphey Gallery.
How will this affect 12-step meetings in La Parroquia?
Only two groups that currently meet in La Parroquia will have to gather elsewhere on campus. One group has already begun meeting in La Paz, and the second will use the new Saint James room. Everyone involved with the new arrangements is pleased.
Change in campus access
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30am until 3:00pm, entrance to the campus from the one-way street off River (just east of La Parroquia) and from the entrance off Campbell just south of the church’s front doors will be closed.
A sign will direct drivers to enter the campus via the north entrance off Campbell.
Safety measures
The Vestry approved the lease between Saint Philip’s and Deeply Rooted Academy at its July meeting. The lease requires that the school have adult supervision present in each area where children are gathered, and that all adults who engage with children complete the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona’s Safeguarding program prior to when the school begins.
Questions?
Please contact Kiki Cheney, Parish Administrator, with any questions you might have. Her email address is kiki.cheney@stphilipstucson.org and her phone number is 520-704-2010.
