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General Information

St. Paul of the Cross School has been a vital part of the Park Ridge community since 1925. The school provides an education of the highest standards while embracing each child within a Roman Catholic tradition. The strong academic foundation begins in PreSchool, develops in the Primary grades and builds throughout students’ years at St. Paul. The strength of our school is fostered by the collaboration with the school community, which utilizes parent skills and knowledge and provides venues for enhanced student learning and an appreciation of others.

In addition to our strong academic curriculum, St. Paul also offers special areas of concentration: Art, Physical Education, Music, Computers and Foreign Language.

Our sports program provides opportunities for students to realize the importance of team-work and cooperation.

Students have numerous opportunities for leadership. Through Student Council, Big Brother/Big Sister programs, and National Junior Honor Society students are empowered with skills that will help them meet future challenges. Their service projects in and beyond the community help them reach out to others. Children are called to witness the Gospel message through their faith and service.

Students at St. Paul of the Cross School are challenged to grow academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Our ultimate goal is to involve the students in the mission of the Church, love of God and love of neighbor, and to promote self-esteem and respect for all.

Mission Statement

St. Paul of the Cross Parish School is committed to reach out through prayer, service, and education to the needs of the community. In this supportive atmosphere, students are encouraged and challenged by the partnership of parents and teachers to use their unique abilities to be lifelong, contributing Catholic Christians.

Philosophy
At St. Paul of the Cross School, we believe that education stimulates the natural inquisitiveness of children and focuses their desire to learn. We believe that each student is a unique individual who must be encouraged to act positively as part of the Christian community and society in general. We believe that through an enriched prayer life, an awareness of the needs of others, and study of our faith, the student will grow in his/her Catholic life. Our ultimate goal is to involve the students in the mission of Jesus, love of God, and love of their neighbor, and to promote in each of our students a healthy self-concept and respect for society at large.

To reach this goal, we set the following objectives:
> To assist parents, who are the primary educators of their child's growth.
> To develop spirituality through daily prayer, the study of the Lord's work in Scripture, and liturgical celebration.
> To assist and guide parents in the preparation of their children for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
> To recognize all aspects of student growth: spiritual, moral, emotional, physical, and intellectual.
> To design a curriculum which meets the diverse needs of children with provisions for different styles and modes of learning.
> To create an atmosphere where learning is fostered by creative methods encouraging the child to be a self-initiated learner.

Non-Discrimination Statement
St. Paul of the Cross School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, or national or ethnic origin in the admission policies, hiring practices, administration of educational policies, loan programs, athletics, or other school administered programs.