Royalmont Academy in Mason Announces Leadership Program and Skilled Trades Expansion for 2027

MASON, OH — Royalmont Academy is preparing to introduce a new approach to high school education that combines traditional academics with Christian leadership development, skilled trades training and entrepreneurship opportunities beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

The private Catholic school, located at 200 Northcrest Drive in Mason, announced that its Board of Directors approved the initiative Oct. 22. The expansion will also include a dedicated high school space and additional room for middle and elementary school programs.

A central part of the initiative is a four-year Christian leadership program designed to give every high school student opportunities to develop leadership skills, regardless of whether they hold an elected position or participate in athletics.

Students will begin with self-discovery and personal development before progressing through logic, rhetoric, mentorship, hands-on projects and increasing leadership responsibilities. By their senior year, students will participate in advanced leadership experiences intended to prepare them for responsibilities beyond graduation.

"If we're serious about forming leaders, we have to give students opportunities to actually lead," said Josh Ater, Royalmont's head of school. "That means real responsibility, real challenges, and opportunities to discover what they're capable of accomplishing."

The program will build on the school's Catholic mission and its affiliation with the international Regnum Christi network of schools, which emphasizes intellectual, personal, spiritual and faith-based development.

Skilled Trades and Entrepreneurship Added to Curriculum

In addition to leadership training, Royalmont plans to expand its curriculum to include skilled trades, beginning with construction-related coursework. The school is also developing opportunities in culinary arts, electrical work and plumbing, along with entrepreneurship education.

Students will have opportunities to participate in hands-on projects, practical problem-solving activities and mentorship experiences with industry professionals.

School officials say the expansion is intended to complement Royalmont's college-preparatory curriculum while providing students with exposure to careers that may not require a traditional four-year college degree.

Campus Changes Planned

Royalmont also plans to reclaim more than 20 existing classrooms and related spaces currently leased to an outside organization. The additional space will allow the school to establish a dedicated high school environment, separate its middle school facilities and expand space available for elementary programs.

The school has hired MSA Architects to develop a long-term campus plan that could include future athletic facilities, a chapel and gathering spaces for school and community activities.

High School Open House Scheduled for Nov. 12

Families interested in learning more about the changes are invited to attend Royalmont Academy's High School Open House on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade.

Additional information about the open house is available at Royalmont Academy's website.

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