ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For the first time in its ten year existence, Nativity Preparatory Academy in Rochester's South Wedge will offer free tuition to the students it serves in grades five through eight. 

"It does cost almost $10,000 to educate students per year here," Academy president John Mattia said. "And that's because of the incredible generosity of our donors; 75 percent of that money is raised through individual donations."

McQuaid Jesuit and the Sisters of St. Joseph provide support for Nativity Preparatory. The Rochester middle school is an affiliate of a national parochial school effort that provides extended day schooling for students. 

"And we're also able to, not just teach them math, science, social studies, ELA, but how to be a citizen of the world," social studies teacher Amy Stell said.

Those extended learning weeks include ten hour days Monday through Thursday, and a regular school day on Friday. Students also receive two meals each day from the school. 

"We offer students enrichment programming four days a week. including sports, activities, clubs, arts and music," said Academy counselor Meredith Smith "We offer students community service opportunities, other enrichment opportunities and additional student support."

"Before school was short and I didn't get a chance to get my homework done," eighth grader Gina DeJesus said. "But now that the hours are longer here, I get to do a larger amount of my homework here. "

Community service is also extended by students during their enrichment opportunities. 

"We get to go out to different facilities and help them," said student Solomon Haynesworth. "We learn to help others."

Eighty students are served by the Rochester school; 20 in each grade. All are introduced to opportunities in private and parochial high school education and, eventually, college.

Nativity leaders say they still have room in their classrooms for families from all faiths who are interested in the experience.