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.
I
n 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 Saint Paschal Baylon Church.
From the very beginning of Saint 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 Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic 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 Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic 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 Saint 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, Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic 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 Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School was no exception. The parishioners of Saint Paschal Baylon, 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 Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic 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. Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic 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.
Following Mr. Bednar’s retirement in 2012, long-time Saint Paschal Baylon educator, Mrs. Carol Jansky, took over as principal. Mrs. Jansky was the driving force behind the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiative and led Saint Paschal Baylon to be recognized by The Ohio Academy of Science with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research for nine years. In 2018, Ms. Diane Raguz followed Mrs. Jansky as principal, and the school continues to excel in STEM education as well as the Language Arts earning local, state, and national awards in different areas.
Today, Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School enrolls over 350 preschool through eighth-grade students with a faculty and support staff of forty. As a collaboration between students, teachers, families, parish and community, Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School hopes to be a vibrant and dynamic school for many 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.
We are so blessed to have administration, faculty and staff who have literally dedicated so much of their lives to SPB. Their longevity, love for the SPB community, vocation as dedicated educators and model Christians make them instruments of God’s love and grace. I am so blessed to know them and work/minister with them each day. Gratefully, we serve because of what Christ and SPB has taught us so well. We try to live the mission statement successfully each day, and through our generosity and love, we strive to achieve so much for everyone. What a blessing and gift we have been given through our God – what a blessing that we have this opportunity to share it with the wonderful students and family members who come to our campus!
We have two children who transferred to SPB. From the moment my husband and I toured the school we felt welcomed by the principal, faculty, students, and parents. We were extremely worried about the transition but have been impressed with how our children have been nurtured and supported by the staff. Our daughter who has always been shy has now started to find her voice and is building confidence and comes home every day with a smile. Our son loves his class and his teachers and could not be happier at SPB. We have been fortunate to find a school where the teachers go above and beyond to tailor their efforts to meet the individual needs of each child. We have found a principal who shows compassion and truly loves and cares about each student. SPB has allowed our children to feel comfortable in an environment where they can learn and develop by providing a high-quality and
faith-based education.
We live in a world where it is scary for some children to feel comfortable with being who they are, but SPB is filled with a community of caring people. Our children have experienced a successful transition due to the structure set by the principal and executed by school staff and teachers. We feel truly blessed to have joined not just a school but a family.
I went to Saint Paschal’s from kindergarten through eighth grade, and I can honestly say it played an important role in shaping who I am today. Apart from the education, our school was made much more enjoyable with the opportunities to participate in many extracurriculars, and I left the school with a variety of important learning skills such as writing and research. I feel that the Catholic environment I was surrounded with, from school masses to religion classes prepared me for the real world. Now I attend Hawken high school, and although I don’t have a Catholic education anymore, I keep in touch with my faith through our parish’s Youth Group. I also made lasting relationships with both my peers and my teachers that have extended into my high school years.
Unfailingly, St. Paschal Baylon students are polite, earnest, and well-prepared. In class, it is obvious that they have the work ethic to succeed at a college prep school – the credit for that goes to their families and their grade school teachers. And in the myriad service opportunities that we offer here, the Green Knight alums are always willing to lend a helping hand – they fit in very well with our “Man for Others” philosophy at Saint Ignatius. Suffice it to say that every year, we on the Admissions Committee are hopeful that we get a big stack of applicants from St. Paschal Baylon!!”
My husband and I both had the privilege of attending Catholic school and I am a proud graduate of St. Paschal Baylon School. When our oldest child was approaching kindergarten, we looked at St. Paschal Baylon in addition to the public school to ensure we were making the best choice. We couldn’t be happier in our selection of St. Paschal Baylon to educate our children. They are thriving in the strong academic programs and Christ-centered environment of the school.
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.
At Gilmour Academy, we love when we have St. Paschal’s students enroll because we know that they will arrive prepared and ready to jump into the host of opportunities that await them here. There has been a longstanding connection between St. Paschal’s and Gilmour and the students currently enrolled from St. Paschal’s follow in the footsteps of those who came before them as focused and engaged students and athletes who are involved in a range of extracurriculars.
St. Paschal’s alumni are just as eager to get involved in clubs and extracurriculars, too. They are involved in everything – five different service clubs, competitive speech and debate, Honor Council, Women in STEM, peer tutoring, Investment Club, Wellness Club, Black Student Alliance, Just Write, the Green Leadership Council, Lancers for Liberty, Drama Club and Psychology Club. I have no doubt that graduates of St. Paschal’s will be significant contributors to our school play this spring as we inaugurate our new performing arts center.
St. Paschal’s alumni have been and continue to be an important part of each year’s class at Gilmour. We are grateful for the preparation they receive throughout their time at St. Paschal’s and know that they will enhance our student body when they arrive.
Our St. Paschal’s Lions arrive to NDCL prepared, respectful, and eager to get involved in the NDCL community. The formation that students receive from St. Paschal Elementary School equips them well for NDCL’s college-preparatory curriculum—St. Paschal’s graduates regularly enroll and excel in our full complement of advanced classes such as Honors, Advanced Placement, and College courses. They make a positive impact academically and enrich our school community by actively sharing their gifts and talents, which they cultivated at St. Paschal, on our athletic teams, on stage with our performing arts program, or in one of our many extracurricular clubs. Perhaps most importantly, St. Paschal gives their graduates a firm foundation of our shared Catholic faith rooted in Christ, planting the seeds for a life of Christian discipleship.
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.
We could not be happier with the education and values our children receive from the teachers and staff at Saint Paschal Baylon. SPB isn’t just a school – it’s a community. This community culture can be felt in the interactions between parents, like-mindedness of the families and children attending school and genuine love the teachers and staff have for the students.
Our children are challenged academically in a fun and safe environment that encourages faith, kindness, and good character. The faculty at SPB are responsive to communication and prompt when answering questions. We love and appreciate the quality attention and love our children receive from their teachers.
We know our children are receiving a solid foundation at SPB that is essential during their growing years. The values being instilled in them will help guide them towards success in the future.
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 (half day) – Monday through Friday from 8:15-11:00 AM or 11:30 AM-2:15 PM
- Pre-K Program (full day) – Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM-2:15 PM
- Jr. Kindergarten Program – Monday throughFriday from 8:15 AM to 2:15 PM
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 Virtual Open House on January 28, 2021. Preschool teachers will share information about the different programs, and parents will have the opportunity to visit classrooms and ask questions.
What is the typical class size?
The average class size for the Early Learning program is 12 students, 21 students for Pre-K program, and 14 students for the Junior Kindergarten program. Two adults are in each room (a teacher and an aide).
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition and fees are determined yearly by the Saint Paschal Baylon Finance Council. Tuition rates for the 2021-2022 school year for the four different programs are as follows:
- Early Learning Program – $1,800/ year ($100 application fee: non-refundable)
- Pre-K Program (half day) – $2,680/year ($125 application fee: non-refundable)
- Pre-K Program (full day) – $4,400/year ($125 application fee: non-refundable)
- Jr. Kindergarten Program – $4,705/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?
We do not offer an Extended Day program for preschoolers at this time.
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 for the 2022-2023 school year is 339 students in Preschool through grade 8. We have 273 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?
There are many opportunities for parents to get involved in the life of the school, including classroom volunteers, field trip chaperones, playground supervisors, lunch servers, and more! In addition we have a very active and supportive School Advisory Council, PTO, Ladies Guild, and Athletic Association that meet monthly.
All employees and regular 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).
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).