The Lasallian mission embodies the vision and innovative spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of all teachers and founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The mission centers on Catholic values, personal relationships and academic excellence. Since De La Salle founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Christian Brothers) in 17th century France, our mission has thrived on providing a human and Christian education to young people, especially the poor.
Lasallian education in the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) continues to innovate in responding to the needs of the disadvantaged, including offering services to troubled youth; providing scholarships, support, and specialized programs to students in need; and founding the San Miguel Schools, a model of non-tuition driven schools that serve students from families of limited financial means.
Many of the innovations De La Salle instituted are still present in today’s classrooms. A pioneer in education, De La Salle popularized teaching students practical subjects and religion in their native language instead of Latin, and doing it in classrooms rather than private instruction. One of his most unique innovations to education was establishing a community of educators.