#theSTSdifference is
Faith. Family. Foundation.
#theSTSdifference
-
MISSION STATEMENT
“Our school was founded to promote learning, enhance a Catholic faith community and prepare students for a changing world.”
-
At St. Therese School we strive to offer an alternative in education, the Saint Therese Difference. The Saint Therese Difference is not something that can easily be measured or defined, but its results can be seen in our children every day. Our children benefit from an enriching and caring environment where Christian values become an integral part of their everyday life; an environment where they are encouraged to develop as individuals and to fulfill their intellectual and spiritual potential. Outreach and Service is an important part of what our children learn and take with them. Offering a comprehensive education from PK through 8th grade, we are dedicated to preparing our students, your children, for their journey into higher education.
#theSTSdifference: What is it?
- It’s an exemplary education, from PK3 through 8th grade.
- It’s the added value of “Faith, Family, Foundation” in creating an enriching environment that prepares your children, our students, for their journey into High School, in this ever-changing world.
- It’s what sets us apart, an investment in your child’s future.
-
Awards• Cognia (AdvancED) Accreditation
St. Therese School is accredited by Cognia, the world’s largest education community, serving more than 32,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 70 countries that educate over 20 million students. The goal at Cognia is to “frame the conversation around continuous school improvement by providing guiding structures and effective practices that help schools advance the level of education they provide.” Achieving this goal is part of #theSTSdifference.
• Paterson Diocese Star School
On June 12, 2008, the school received its “Star School” recognition from the Paterson Diocese. This acknowledges St. Therese as a school that promotes high student achievement and has an identifiable specialization that addresses the educational services and needs of the students. The faculty is engaged in professional development, and there is administrative and fiscal efficiency demonstrated in the educational program. Outstanding performance is measured in terms of student results, school accomplishments and there are collaborative efforts with parents, parish and community.
-
Our History
On June 2, 1963, Bishop James J. Navagh laid the cornerstone for St. Therese School. Reverend Leo Lambert was pastor of St. Therese parish at that time. Our school officially opened that September. Grades 1 through 4 were accommodated the first year with an enrollment of approximately 180 students. Each year, a new class was added until grades 1 through 8 were enrolled. Staffed by the Dominican Sisters from Newburgh, New York, St. Therese School prospered for ten years and the following fifteen years, under the guidance of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. During the early years of the Salesian administration, a Kindergarten was added with two half-day sessions.
By 1988, St. Therese School was staffed entirely by lay teachers with a religious principal, Sr. Jean Makovsky of the School Sisters of St. Francis. In September 1990, Sr. Jean Cordis Mangin, a Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth, led our school family. From 1992 through 2010, Sr. Mary Elizabeth Davies, also a Sister of Charity, served as principal of St. Therese School. In 1994, full-day Kindergarten and an After-School Care Program for grades K-5 were added. From 2010 through 2016, Mrs. Lisa Hirschfeld served as the first lay principal of the school. In 2016, Mr. Timothy Dunnigan became principal and continues to promote the mission of St. Therese School.
On April 27, 1995, when St. Therese School received their Middle States Accreditation, they formulated an action plan that would span the next three years. This plan included the expansion of our school facility and ongoing staff development. In March 1997, the existing convent was renovated and the school expansion had begun.
September 8, 1997, brought a great change to the school as it opened its first Pre-Kindergarten Program for three- and four-year olds that has expanded to a successful program, laying the foundation for entrance into the K-8 grade programs. The library and computer rooms were expanded and opened at that time and continue to enhance the literary and technological education of our students.
In April 2005, St. Therese School was awarded re-accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school has now joined the Diocese of Paterson in being accredited by AdvancED/Cognia. Re-accreditation took place in June 2022.
On June 12, 2008, St. Therese School was awarded Star School status from the Diocese of Paterson which resulted from a seven-year study regarding diversity, compassion and understanding of various countries and cultures throughout the world.
September of 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the school and the students, staff, parents and parish participated in a year-long celebration.