About Us
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- We believe in developing the characteristics of compassion, character, courage, and civility all centered on Christ.
- We believe in the importance of a faith-filled community that inspires Christian witness through service.
- We believe in empowering our students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers through the use of technology and other resources.
- We believe in creating authentic and diverse learning opportunities which maximize our students’ potential for success.
In 1953, the Blessed Sacrament Community’s Father John O’Brien, SSS and Brother Edward Mullen, SSS came to Highland Heights, Ohio from New York City to start a new parish. An old abandoned farmhouse became the first home for St. Paschal Baylon Church.
From the very beginning of St. Paschal Baylon, educating young people was very important. In 1954, just one year after Father O’Brien had arrived in Highland Heights, he set about building a larger church and adding a school. In September 1955, after much hard work, the church, eight classrooms, and a school gym were ready to welcome 321 new students. Greeting students in grades one through seven were four sisters from a teaching community in Canada and four lay teachers. The principal was Mother St. Edward.
O’Brien Hall, our current cafeteria, was our original church. Students had physical education classes in our current gym and also ate lunch there. In 1957, the need to add on was apparent and resulted in the addition of eight more classrooms allowing for two rooms per grade level.
During the 1960’s, Highland Heights began to lose its rural appearance and took on the look of a growing suburb. More homes meant more people and more people meant more children who wanted to attend St. Paschal Baylon School. In September 1960, enrollment was up to 570 students with a staff of seven sisters and nine lay teachers. The addition of eight more classrooms in 1962 rounded out the number of staff to twenty-four allowing for three classrooms per grade level.
Because of the great distance between the sisters who were teaching at St. Paschal Baylon School and the rest of their community, communication was a problem. Compounding this problem was the fact that the community didn’t have enough sisters to staff the growing school. For these reasons, in 1964, the Sisters of Notre Dame took over the teaching responsibilities at St. Paschal Baylon. Sr. Mary Maureen was the new principal followed by Sr. Joseph Paul, Sr. St. Barbara, Sr. Kathleen, and Sr. Mary Alice. The Sisters of Notre Dame were very dedicated to the school and gave many years of loyal service.
In 1966, St. Paschal Baylon School grew to its all-time peak enrollment of 934 students. Officially opening on February 13, 1966, with 2,000 books was the school library. Volunteers from the Blessed Sacrament Women’s Guild funded the library and, for many years, helped to keep it running. Very late in the 1960’s, a decline in school enrollment was occurring in schools all over the United States and St. Paschal Baylon School was no exception. The parishioners of St. Paschal, however, decided that it was time to build a new church. The groundbreaking took place on July 20, 1969, and after twenty-one months, the church opened on April 8, 1971. It was Holy Thursday and the First Communion class inaugurated the new church. The drop in school enrollment to 600 students in 1974 allowed a kindergarten to be opened in September 1975. With empty classrooms available, fifty-two kindergartners were easily accommodated.
The 1980’s saw many additions to the school. The walls were painted green and gold and the classrooms were carpeted. Art, music, and computer classes were added to every grade level’s schedule.
In 1995, Mr. John Bednar became the first lay principal at St. Paschal Baylon School. He led the school through the addition of the Family Life Center which opened in 2001. Along with the building of the Family Life Center came a brand new Media Center which housed thirty-five desktop computers in the computer lab and over 9000 library books in the library. A beautiful music room and a spacious administrative office were part of the addition. Jette Gym was also built during this renovation. St Paschal Baylon School celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2005. In 2006, with the help of the SPB Parent Teacher Organization, classrooms were equipped with interactive SMARTBoards. In 2009, the school was awarded the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
Today, St. Paschal Baylon enrolls over 400 preschool through eighth-grade students with a faculty and support staff of forty. As a collaboration between students, teachers, families, parish and community, St. Paschal Baylon School hopes to be a vibrant and dynamic school for fifty more years. Our commitment to the belief that all children can and will learn is one of the main reasons why we continue to be a great Catholic school with a great Catholic tradition of Service, Prayer, and Belief.
Many other students are recognized by faculty and staff members throughout the year for their Christlike qualities. These students’ names are printed on shields which are displayed on the Saint Paschal Baylon Castle located near Father O’Brien Hall. Once a semester, these Noble Knights enjoy Wheaties, the “Breakfast of Champions,” to recognize their good work.
The curriculum our children have experienced thus far gets them excited about learning and builds a solid foundation for future academic success. The teachers are top-notch and really care about each student’s academic success, well-being, and adjustment in school. It is a safe, nurturing environment which allows each student to thrive.
As a parent, it is a wonderful feeling to see your children grow in their faith. From weekly masses to classroom religion lessons and activities, there are many ways that the Catholic faith is taught. In addition, the intangible lessons in values are important to building strong character and developing compassion and care for others.
We recommend St. Paschal Baylon to any parents looking for a school with excellent academics, strong Christian values and outstanding faculty and staff.
In those long years, we have encountered a myriad of experiences. But, through it all, it has been dedicated teachers who remain in the forefront of memory. It is the dedication to disseminate knowledge and nurture young minds to develop. St. Paschal has been blessed with numerous such teachers who strive to fulfill this vocation—not just do the job.
What preschool programs do you offer?
There are three programs available:
- Early Learning Program – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:15-10:45 AM or 11:45 AM -2:15 PM
- Pre-K Program – Monday through Friday from 8:15-11:00 AM or 11:30-2:15 PM (subject to change slightly)
- Jr. Kindergarten Program – Monday through Thursday from 8:15 AM to 2:15 PM and Friday 8:15-11:00 AM
What are the requirements for admission?
Admission to the Saint Paschal Baylon Preschool is open to children who have turned 3, 4, or 5 years old by September 30 of the year of enrollment. Admission to Junior Kindergarten is open to children who will turn 5 by January 1 the year following admission. These children must have at least one year of preschool experience. A screening by the junior kindergarten teacher may also be required. All children entering the preschool classes must be toilet trained.
Is there priority for admission?
- Siblings: Children who have siblings currently enrolled in the preschool or day school.
- Parishioners: Children of families who are registered and supporting parishioners of Saint Paschal Baylon Parish as determined by the Rectory (i.e. application date, regular contributions, etc.).
- Non-Parishioners: Children will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the available space in the program of your child’s age level.
What is the registration process?
How can we learn more about the programs?
Prospective parents are encouraged to attend our Preschool Open House on January 23, 2020 at 6:30 PM. Preschool teachers will share information about the different programs, and parents will have the opportunity to visit classrooms and ask questions. Parents may also call the school to make arrangements for a visit during the school day. Please contact Katie Klick, our preschool director at kklick@saintpaschal.com
What is the typical class size?
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition and fees are determined yearly by the Saint Paschal Baylon Finance Council. Tuition rates for the 2019-2020 school year for the three different programs are as follows:
- Early Learning Program – $1,675/ year ($100 application fee: non-refundable)
- Pre-K Program – $2,500/year ($125 application fee: non-refundable)
- Jr. Kindergarten Program – $3,950/year ($150 application fee: non-refundable)
How is tuition paid?
- Annual: Full payment due no later than the first day of school
- Monthly: 10 monthly payments through FACTS, a third-party source (call the school office for additional information)
Please note that a non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of registration.
What is the school’s curriculum?
What is the calendar for the year?
Do you have a before care program?
No, we do not have a before care program for preschool students.
Can I drop off my preschooler at the same time as my elementary (K-8) child?
The earliest time preschool students can arrive to school is 8:00 a.m.
Do you have an extended day program?
- After Care is available until 2:15 pm for Early Learners (Tuesday through Thursday), Pre-K (Monday through Friday), and Junior Kindergartners (Friday). The cost is $17.00/day or $75.00/5 days. The registration fee is $35.00.
- Extended Care is available from 2:15-5:00 pm daily. The cost is $5.00 per child/per hour. The registration $45.00 registration fee.
- The registration fee for both After Care and Extended Care is $60.00.
Is bus transportation available?
Bus transportation is NOT available. Please call your local school district’s transportation department for further questions.
Is SPB accredited?
Can we visit the school?
What is the application process?
We offer a “Sneak Peek” at the end of January for interested students in K-8. The Sneak Peek offers parents an opportunity for a school tour, a question and answer session, and light refreshments. In February/March, parents of interested students in grades 1-8 can schedule a meeting with the principal during which you will receive an explanation of the Application Information Packet and tour of the school. This typically lasts one hour. If you are interested in having your child shadow for the day, arrangements can be made for that day. Submit the completed application form with a $225 per student application fee which is non-refundable. This fee is required for all students and is applied toward the technology program and playground supervision fees. Open registration is completed following in-school registration.
What is your enrollment?
Our current enrollment is 403 students in Preschool through grade 8. We have 333 students in kindergarten through grade 8.
What is a typical class size?
The average class size is 19 students in grades K-8 with two classes per grade level.
What is the school’s curriculum?
The school’s curriculum is based on the curriculum of the Diocese of Cleveland. The curriculum for the Diocese of Cleveland flows from the philosophy and goals of Catholic education, infuses the Social Justice Teachings of the Church, the Rights of Children, Catholic faith and values, and are aligned with the Ohio Learning Standards. The Diocesan curriculum is approved by the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association and by the Ohio Department of Education.
What are the school hours?
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition for the 2020-2021 school year for parishioners is $4,735 for kindergarten through eighth grades with a $225 non-refundable application fee. Tuition for non-parishioners is $6,350 with a $225 non-refundable application fee.
How is tuition paid?
- Plan A–pay full tuition by July 1
- Plan B–pay half tuition in July and half in January
- Plan C–10 monthly payments, August through May, paid through FACTS Tuition Management. There is a $45 enrollment fee if you choose to pay tuition through the FACTS program.
Do you accept the EdChoice Scholarship?
We do not accept the EdChoice Scholarship at this time.
Is financial aid available?
Where do we purchase school uniforms?
Do you have a before/after school program?
Is there a hot lunch program?
We have a hot lunch program available to students each school day through Mayfield Food/Nutrition Services. Lunches are prepared on site in our kitchen. The cost of lunch is $3.00. Milk is also available to our students at a cost of $45.00 for the year.
Is bus transportation available?
For the 2020-2021 school year, bus transportation is available for students who live in the Mayfield, South Euclid-Lyndhurst, Richmond Heights, and Willoughby-Eastlake school districts. Please contact your school district’s transportation department for specific areas covered.
How is technology integrated at SPB?
Technology is integrated throughout the school. Our school campus is wireless, and each classroom is equipped with a SMART Board. In addition to our computer lab with desktop computers, we have a 1:1 Chromebook program for our sixth through eighth grade students with each student assigned a Chromebook to use both at home and at school. We also have four carts of Chromebooks, and six carts of iPads available for students to use. We know that technology evolves at a rapid pace, and our mission is to stay current and prepare our students with 21st century skills.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
How can parents get involved?
Where do SPB students go to high school?
What is the school's policy regarding background checks for employees and volunteers who have contact with students?
All employees and volunteers who have contact with students undergo thorough screening, including background checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI&I). for complete information on screening policies, see the revised Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse, section 1.2 (p. 3).