When Students Belong — They Believe
Chaminade Julienne launched a new way of running school in the 2024–2025 school year with CJ United, a daily programming model designed to make all students feel more welcomed, valued, and included. Grounded in the educational traditions of the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, CJ United expands leadership and club opportunities, strengthens relationships and support systems, and helps students grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
“We really wanted all students to know that there is a place for them at CJ, and that the CJ experience belongs to each and every one of them,” said Greg Mueller, principal,
Through LEAD—Leadership, Engagement, Achievement, and Discipleship—students take part in activities that include faith exploration, academic support, and club participation. The program has also opened up enrichment and tutoring opportunities to students who previously could not participate because of after-school work or family commitments.
“In this first year, we saw a real impact across our campus. The number of student clubs grew from 12 to 62 opportunities,” Mueller said. “Previously, many had strong involvement, but too many students were unsure where to begin. This program closed that gap, encouraging every student to explore something new—and they did!”
Enhancing family spirit, smaller groups of about 20 students from different grades continued in their SOAR groups, first introduced two years ago. These groups help students stay connected and supported throughout their high school experience, building relationships with peers outside of their grade levels and friend groups.
“Feeling like students belong plays a big role in how well they do in school. Thanks to CJ United, our students’ sense of belonging has grown nearly 20% over the past two years,” said Mueller.
Impact and Results of CJ United: Year 1
— 150 students applied for new leadership roles at the program’s launch
— 100% of students participated in a new club or activity
— 100% of staff engaged as leaders, facilitators, or supporters
— Student leadership was central to nearly every new initiative
— Cross-grade friendships and adult-student relationships flourished
— Student sense of belonging increased by nearly 20% in two years
Through CJ United, students are learning to collaborate with peers across grade levels, engage with a wide variety of adults, and grow as leaders in a supportive environment steeped in Family Spirit—a hallmark of the Marianists.
“Year one was just the beginning. We will continue to find new ways to build community and family spirit,” Mueller said. “When students belong, they believe—when they believe, they thrive!”
Peyton Keys ’12 serves as the student activities coordinator for the program.