‘We want our children in a Catholic school’

Through changes and challenges, Lauren Little’s commitment to quality Catholic education has never wavered.

In 2017, when St. Mary of the Assumption School in Glenshaw merged with two other parish schools to form Blessed Trinity Academy, “it was a positive experience for us,” she recalled. “The whole family made friends. We can’t imagine our lives today without them.”

When the coronavirus pandemic struck last March, requiring students to learn online from home, Little said the teachers were “phenomenal.” Their dedication and creativity helped her daughter, Allison, and sons Connor and Collin, continue to grow in knowledge and faith.

“We would rather be in the classroom, but the kids didn’t miss a beat,” she said. “I was so impressed with our teachers.”

Little’s lifelong love of Catholic schools began with her days at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Pittsburgh, continuing at Oakland Catholic High School and then at St. Vincent College. She returned later to teach kindergarten at Sacred Heart, and last year served as a preschool aide at Blessed Trinity Academy.

“I couldn’t do my job without the strong support of parents like Lauren,” said principal Moira Regan Edmiston. “She says, ‘I’m with you, what can I do to help?’ It’s priceless.”

Edmiston sees the value of Catholic education in the kindness and caring that teachers and students show for others. “It’s at the core of our faith, to love one another,” she said. “I see it every day.”

Allison Little, who is about to enter seventh grade at Blessed Trinity Academy, loves the enrichment classes, especially cooking and learning how to make videos. Connor, entering fourth grade, enjoys art class and science experiments. Their brother Collin, who will be a first grader, likes reading and attending Mass with his 8th grade “Bulldog Buddy” mentor.

As the family gets ready for the upcoming school year, Lauren remains dedicated to Catholic education regardless of the teaching methods.

Above: The Little family, (front) Collin & Connor, (back) Allison, Lauren and Matthew
Right: Collin Little in 2019, getting ready for kindergarten at Blessed Trinity Academy


“Now more than ever, we want our children in a Catholic school,” she said. “We are with families who share the same beliefs and core values, and our faith continues to grow.”