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 450 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.
See why so many people love Saint Paschal Baylon School!
We are so blessed to have administration, faculty and staff (and our parish priests and Deacon Joe) who literally have 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!
Reverend John Thomas LaneOur students are blessed to be able to attend such a vibrant learning community! Our faculty is committed to academic excellence as we strive to keep abreast of current research in education…..I am very proud to be a teacher at Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School as I have the privilege of helping students realize their creative and spiritual potential.
Mary ConnorsThey say it takes a village to raise a child and the “village” at St. Paschal Baylon has been welcoming, warm, friendly and dedicated to helping us raise intelligent, determined and enthusiastic young boys. We have four boys at the school that have varying interests and there’s something for each of them. The teachers are dedicated and go out of their way to talk to us and let us know what’s going on with our kids. The principal and office staff know my children and us by name. The other students and families are so friendly. As much as we’d like to, we can’t be with our kids all day but when they’re at school we know that they are safe and being cared for…..Next year, my youngest daughter will start attending and I can’t wait for her to experience the same “village” my boys are experiencing…..It’s been a wonderful nine years so far and we’re looking forward to the next nine years!
Marwan and Barbara KarimI love the teachers and friends. They are kind to everyone.
Chidimma ObiI wanted an environment where the children feel safe physically and emotionally. The teachers and staff genuinely care about their students and community as a whole. I am so impressed and delighted that St. Paschal Baylon is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. I like the fact that the children receive “extra” classes such as art, music and physical education. The curriculum is challenging and setting a solid educational foundation. The Christ-centered values instilled in the student body are evident when you attend a school function and weekly mass. My children are forming lasting friendships and it has been a joy reconnecting with old classmates that I have not seen since graduation…..I could not have chosen a better atmosphere or school for my children. Everyone from the staff to each individual teacher and aide has welcomed us and accepted our family as their own. I can call upon a teacher at any time for any reason and get an honest answer or progress report.
Allison SpinosMany Saint Ignatius High School students have received their elementary school education at St. Paschal Baylon. We are always happy to see these young men enter our doors as freshman and are always confident of their scholastic success once they are here.
Rev. William J. MurphyMy 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.
Beth and Joe CarltonThe two things that impress me the most (and there are more than two!) about the students at VASJ who come from St. Paschal Baylon is how well they are prepared for high school and how respectful they are. They not only have the “book knowledge”, but they also know HOW to think, HOW to organize, and HOW to study and that’s why they are so successful at VASJ. St. Paschal students are always smiling, polite, respectful, and friendly to everyone-they are truly a blessing to our school!
David M. CsankChrist is the center of SPB’s mission and students are instilled with the importance of the Catholic religion. The weekly all-school Mass is a great way to share our beliefs and get to see the whole student body. I really felt the sense of shared purpose during Mass. That is what Saint Paschal is about. Helping their students understand that God is the center for all things in our life and us as Catholic Christians help others because we know that, “We can do all things through CHRIST who gives us strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Luke KerverOur family’s experience with St. Paschal’s has been great. From Day 1 of Preschool, my kids have felt at home. The sense of community is palpable.
Elizabeth MennelSaint Paschal Baylon School’s mission is to foster Christ-centered values while providing students with a challenging academic curriculum in an environment of dignity and respect. The school truly does live up to this mission. When you graduate from Saint Paschal Baylon, I promise you will leave prepared for high school, with Christian values, and with memories to last a lifetime.
Julianna LonganoClearly, you are doing something right at St. Paschal School! As a Blue Ribbon School and a two-time award winner of Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education, you are providing a top-notch education for your students. Because we are “in it together” it is a pleasure to watch your well-prepared girls and boys grow into NDCL’s confident young men and women who will transform the world.
Jacquelyn GusdaneWe are the Rozman Family…seven kids total who have traveled through time at St. Paschal Baylon School. Our first-born started in 1990, and we completed our journey in 2013 with child #7.
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.
Martha and Vincent RozmanWithout fail, your young men and women present themselves well, with the utmost respect. They are a daily credit to the work of your school. Lake Catholic High School’s mission calls for its students to learn, to work together, and to serve. Your students seem so well-suited to this Catholic calling. Academically prepared, eager to work together, and graciously willing to serve, the graduate of St. Paschal Baylon School seems eager to succeed in the next stage of education and beyond.
Sal MiroglottaWe at Benedictine High School have always been impressed with the discipline, candor, intellectual strength and moral character of the young men that have come to us from St. Paschal’s. Many have gone on to great careers in support of humanity on the highest levels.
Fr. Michael BrunovskyDo you have questions about preschool? Browse our frequently asked questions! Click on a question to reveal the answer.
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
- 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 admissions?
Children will be considered for admission to Saint Paschal Baylon Preschool based on the following priorities:
- 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?
Families whose children currently attend Saint Paschal Baylon Preschool will be required to re-register each year. This re-registration will take place in January. A non-refundable registration fee is due at this time. Registration of new children will take place in January after the re-registration of the current preschool students. New families will complete registration materials. A non-refundable registration fee is due at this time.
How can we learn more about the programs?
Prospective parents are encouraged to attend our Preschool Open House on January 25, 2018. 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.
What is the typical class size?
The average class size for the Early Learning program is 14 students, 22 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 2017-2018 school year for the three different programs are as follows:
- Early Learning Program – $1,485/ year ($100 application fee: non-refundable)
- Pre-K Program – $2,250/year ($100 application fee: non-refundable)
- Jr. Kindergarten Program – $3,545/year ($125 application fee: non-refundable)
How is tuition paid?
There are two payment options:
- 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?
A quality preschool program should be designed to suit the developmental needs of young children, promoting their spiritual, emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth. Our programs follow the Diocese of Cleveland’s preschool curriculum. Our curriculum is center based using an integrated approach where learning occurs through active exploration and interaction in a “hands-on” environment. Multi-sensory activities that enhance the total development of the child are planned in a sequential manner that follows a theme or is part of a unit.
What is the calendar for the year?
The Saint Paschal Baylon Preschool will begin in September and conclude in May. On days Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School is closed, the preschool will also be closed. A yearly calendar is sent home to parent(s)/guardian(s) at the start of the school year, at which time parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified of specific calendar dates.
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.
Do you have questions about kindergarten through 8th grade? Browse our frequently asked questions! Click on a question to reveal the answer.
Is SPB accredited?
All Catholic schools located in the Diocese of Cleveland are chartered through the state of Ohio, maintained through the Ohio Catholic Accrediting Association (OCSAA).
Can we visit the school?
We welcome you to visit our school and take a tour of the facilities. Please call the office at 440-442-6766 or email at office@saintpaschal.com to set up an appointment in advance. If your child is interested in spending the day at our school (grades 1-8), please make arrangements with the office.
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 $200 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 428 students in Preschool through grade 8. We have 368 students in kindergarten through grade 8.
What is a typical class size?
The average class size for preschool is 12-15 students. The average class size is 21 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 Academic Content Standards and the Common Core State 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?
Our school day is 8:05 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Students may enter their classrooms starting at 7:45 a.m.
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition for the 2018-2019 school year for parishioners is $4,400 for kindergarten through eighth grades with a $200 non-refundable application fee. Tuition for non-parishioners is $5,900 with a $200 non-refundable application fee.
How is tuition paid?
There are three tuition plans available:
- 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.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available by applying through FACTS, a new program being offered by the Diocese of Cleveland. Saint Paschal Baylon uses the G.I.F.T.S. (Giving is Fundamental to Success) program to further assist those who apply for diocesan aid.
Where do we purchase school uniforms?
Uniforms should be purchased at Schoolbelles. They can be purchased online or in person at the Richmond Heights location
Do you have a before/after school program?
Yes, we offer a Before Care program and an Extended Day program. The Before Care program opens at 7:00 a.m. The cost is $5.00 for one child, $8.00 for two children, or $12.00 for three children. Our Extended Day program hours are 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 per hour, per child. A $4.00 per hour rate will be charged for the second child, and a $3.00 per hour for all others. If you only need morning care, the enrollment fee, is $25.00. The enrollment fee for the Extended Day program is $45.00. If your child is enrolled in the Extended Day Program, he or she can attend Before Care without a new enrollment fee.
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 $2.85. Milk is also available to our students at a cost of $44.50 for the year.
Is bus transportation available?
For the 2018-2019 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 five 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?
Students have the opportunity to participate in various sports through CYO (Catholic Youth Organization), including tackle football, flag football, soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, baseball, softball, and track. Academic extracurricular activities include Student Council, Power of the Pen, STEM Club, Science Olympiad, Science Fair, Mad Science, Lego Club, GCCTM Math Competition, Catholic Math League, Brain Brawl, Geography Bee, Spelling Bee, Instrumental Music, Young Rembrandts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Safety Patrol, Ski Club, and Girls on the Run.
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.
Where do SPB students go to high school?
The majority of our graduates attend local Catholic high schools – Beaumont, Benedictine, Gilmour, Lake Catholic, NDCL, St. Edward, and St. Ignatius, and Villa-Angela St. Joseph. We also have students that attend private schools as well as local public high schools, many of whom are accepted into gifted/talented, International Baccalaureate, and other accelerated programs.
August 23: We Will Walk With God – our theme of the school year
- Cleopas one of the disciples walking with Jesus to Emmaus
- September 6: We work for peace – we are the miracles in every place.
- Colossae (present-day Turkey)
- destroyed twice; once by an earthquake in 60
- being excavated by Australians
October 11: Saint John XXIII – 1958 – 1963 Pope
- His motto: Obedience & Peace
- Wrote the key document: Pacem in Terra (Peace on earth) helping to bring peace and a freeze on nuclear war development
- Started Vatican II – the 5 year reform period, which influences the change of so man things, but especially celebrating the Mass
- There are 3 versions of the “LORD’S Prayer” – the one we say during the Mass is from the Gospel of Matthew
November 21: Vocation Mass with Fr. Bob Stec
- DARE: Be more generous than God is to us and we will receive MORE
December 8: Immaculate Conception of Mary
- We celebrate Mary’s conception
- God’s call of her to be full of grace
- What is our call that God wants us to be?
September 29: Saint Michael: guards
- Cleopas one of the disciples walking with Jesus to Emmaus
- September 6: We work for peace – we are the miracles in every place.
- Colossae (present-day Turkey)
- destroyed twice; once by an earthquake in 60
- being excavated by Australians
November 1: All Saints Day
- Who is your favorite saint & why?
- We are all God’s children now!
- Our role is to make everyone feel “blessed!”
November 29: Servant of God Dorothy Day
- 1917 arrested for protesting the right for women to vote
- 1933 founded the Catholic Worker Movement, newspaper and houses of hospitality for the homeless and underemployed, with Peter Maurin
- She saw Christ in everyone
December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe
- The patroness of the Americas
February 2: Feast of the Presentation of the LORD
- Catholic Schools Week Theme: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed
- Simeon & Anna: Behind the scenes supporting Christ
- Godparents and parishioners: Behind the scenes supporting our life and school to beam the light of faith brightly
Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School
