My Dear Friends,
I have new and exciting news to share with all of you. Each month we will highlight one of the outstanding educational institutions in the Diocese of Norwich. For this month’s issue it is St. John’s School in Old Saybrook.
At St. John School, an environment of faith, respect, and love helps students excel.
Selecting a school for your son or daughter is a very important decision. This choice can sometimes be the key factor which helps your child become confident, successful and happy in school and life. The more than 115 students, who range from age 3 in pre-kindergarten to eighth-graders at St. John School in Old Saybrook are fortunate to get such a great start in life. Along with excellent academics, St. John School prides itself on providing a nurturing, caring, faith-filled family atmosphere.
Parents often credit the nurturing environment with enhancing student development. Mother Elaine Moorcroft, the St. John School principal, advocates that her students and faculty, many having a long tenure, work together in this academic environment to touch hearts and change attitudes. The students are encouraged to excel and reach their potential, all the while in an atmosphere of faith, respect and love.
The school boasts a competitive athletic program with interscholastic and intramural soccer, cross country and basketball. Students can also enroll in after-school programs such as Lego robotics, ski/snowboarding, golf, public-speaking and chess to name a few. Students have the option to play an instrument in the cadet or advanced bands. Mother Elaine is proud of the drama club as it "provides student growth, self-discipline, teamwork and confidence." In addition, the school places an emphasis on public speaking at a young age. Teachers and parents alike note this builds confidence and self-esteem.
St. John School is an affordable school and welcomes students from all faiths and ethnic groups. Students hail from more than 22 communities. The school shares its campus with St. John Church, part of the vibrant parish of St. Padre Pio. Students regularly attend Mass in the beautiful church adjacent to the school. Graduates often go on to Catholic high schools but many attend local or independent high schools. The extended family atmosphere coupled with small class sizes ensures a close bond between classmates.
Like many schools this year, St. John School adjusted to cope with the pandemic. Mother Elaine credits the adherence of students, teachers and staff to the strict Covid changes to the success of in-person teaching all year. She is proud of the fact that St. John School was open every day during the past academic year.
St. John School students have consistently been the recipients of high school scholarships, and this year was no exception. A St. John School student scored in the top two in the Xavier entrance exam. Last year, St. John School students also received scholarships for attaining the 1st and 2nd place scores. In the recent past, students have also received scholarships from Mercy and St. Bernard high schools.
If you are interested in seeing why St. John School is loved by so many, please schedule a private tour and also see the recent campus updates. Financial aid is available. For information or to schedule a tour, please call (860) 388-0849 or visit www.saintjohnschoolos.org.
May God Bless You and Keep you Safe,
Dr. Gail Kingston
Superintendent of Schools