Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School to host open house Oct. 27
Both parishioners and members of the community can view and learn more about the offerings at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School at an open house on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Principal Tricia Weis will welcome guests in the parish's Ministry Center Holy Family Chapel at 6:30 p.m., followed by access to the teaching staff and school buildings from 7 to 7:45 p.m.
The school has partnered with Naperville-area parents to provide a Catholic education for students since 1853. From humble beginnings of a classroom of 20 - formed to serve its founding families - Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School has grown to serve more than 475 students with a well-rounded curriculum that supports mind, body, and spirit.
"Saints Peter and Paul provides a challenging, yet nurturing, Catholic environment guided by our outstanding faculty and staff," says Weis. "It is hard to put into words the incredible experience families notice when they walk our halls or visit our classrooms."
A new early childhood program began in the fall of 2021 in large, state-of-the-art classrooms. The preschool offers five programs for 3- and 4-year-old students, with scheduling options that suit the needs of these young students as well as their parents' work schedules. An extended-day option for preschool through eighth-grade students is available daily until 6 p.m.
Academic rigor
As a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Saints Peter and Paul has demonstrated a high level of academic success. And the school boasts a high percentage of dedicated teachers who are alumni themselves - which speaks to the positive experience they had as students themselves.
"We have an exceptional staff with advanced degrees and high-level knowledge in the field of education," says Weis. "Many of our staff members graduated from Saints Peter and Paul - or their children did - which creates an atmosphere of great love, motivation, and joy."
Weis, who attended the school from 1975 to 1983, earned her master's degree in education administration at the University of St. Francis in Joliet and has been teaching or serving as an administrator in local schools for over 30 years.
"Coming back, I wanted to give back to what was such a large part of my faith formation. It doesn't feel like work," says Weis. "It's a joyful vocation."
For students with special learning needs, the Project Discover program offers support for those who need additional support with academic learning goals, working in conjunction with the Naperville Unit District 203 special education services team. And the after-school Scholars program provides mainstream students with occasional or regular academic support.
Extracurriculars
In addition to the school's deep history and academic excellence, Saints Peter and Paul offers a robust athletic program for fifth- to eighth-grade students, including volleyball, cross country, basketball, cheerleading, and track and field. Younger students also participate in athletic camps beginning in second grade.
After-school activities offered include choir, chess club, gamer's club, math club, Cub/Boy Scouts, and American Heritage Girls. Students in seventh and eighth grade can participate in the annual Science Fair, and K-8 students can participate in the annual spring musical.
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition costs range from $2,300 to $5,800 per child, and there are several diocesan and parish programs that keep tuition costs affordable for families.
"The parish subsidy, family participation in fundraising, generous donations, and the school endowments all help keep our tuition affordable and provide financial aid for qualifying families," says Weis. More information on tuition and financial aid can be found at sspeterandpaulschool.com/tuition-and-tuition-assistance.
"There are so many wonderful things happening at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School," says Weis. "Please take a tour so we can share in greater detail all we have to offer. We can also connect you with a current school family who would be happy to share their experiences."
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School is a parish school serving students in Preschool through 8th grade. Founded in 1853, teachers and staff are committed to excellence in preparing our students to think critically and become confident, sensitive Catholic leaders modeled in the image of Jesus Christ, prepared to succeed in future academic endeavors and contribute to the community. Today Saints Peter and Paul School educates over 475 students in preschool through eighth grade, and the parish serves over 4,000 families.