Faith Excellence ServiceHoly Cross Catholic School
Welcome to Holy Cross Catholic School
For over 75 years, we have been educating students in the Catholic tradition, fostering academic excellence while nurturing faith, character, and service to others.
About Holy Cross Catholic School
Founded in 1948, Holy Cross Catholic School has established a tradition of educational excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Our school serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, providing a comprehensive education that develops the whole child intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
We believe that every child is a unique gift from God, created with special talents and purpose. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping each student reach their full potential while fostering a deep love for learning and a commitment to their faith. With small class sizes and a supportive community, we create an environment where students flourish.
Our Mission
Holy Cross Catholic School exists to provide a quality Catholic education in a safe, nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, character development, and service to others in the name of Jesus Christ.
Our Core Values
Faith
We nurture a deep relationship with God through daily prayer, religious instruction, and sacramental preparation grounded in Catholic tradition.
Excellence
We set high academic standards and provide the support and resources each student needs to achieve their personal best and beyond.
Community
We foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where students, families, and staff support and care for one another.
Service
We instill the value of serving others through regular outreach projects and service opportunities demonstrating God's love.
Respect
We honor the dignity of every person as created in God's image, treating all with compassion, kindness, and fairness.
Integrity
We cultivate honesty and moral character, teaching students to do what is right even when no one is watching.
Academic Excellence
Holy Cross Catholic School provides a rigorous academic curriculum that meets and exceeds state and archdiocesan standards while integrating Catholic teaching across all subjects. Our educational approach focuses on developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
Curriculum Highlights
Core Subjects
Comprehensive instruction in mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, and religion through technology-enhanced teaching methods.
STEM Program
Hands-on science experiments, coding classes, robotics teams, and annual science fair that sparks curiosity and innovation.
Arts Integration
Visual arts, music education, band programs, and drama productions that cultivate creativity and self-expression.
Language Development
Spanish language instruction beginning in kindergarten, with opportunities for advanced language study in junior high.
Learning Support
We recognize that students have diverse learning needs and styles. Our Resource Program provides assistance for students who need additional support, while our Advanced Learning Program challenges gifted learners with enrichment activities and accelerated coursework.
Student Achievement
Our students consistently outperform national averages on standardized assessments. Over 90% of our graduates are accepted into their first-choice high schools, with many receiving academic scholarships. Holy Cross alumni have gone on to excel in diverse fields including medicine, law, education, engineering, and public service.
Faith Formation
At Holy Cross Catholic School, faith formation is at the heart of everything we do. We believe spiritual development is as essential as academic achievement, creating numerous opportunities for students to grow in their relationship with God.
Spiritual Life
- Daily prayer opening and closing each school day
- Weekly Mass and monthly opportunities for Adoration
- Comprehensive religion curriculum for all grades
- Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation
- Seasonal celebrations for Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter
- Annual retreat experiences for middle school students
Service to Others
Our commitment to service goes beyond the classroom. Students at all grade levels participate in age-appropriate outreach projects that benefit our local and global communities. These include:
- Monthly food collections for local shelters and food pantries
- Regular visits to elderly residents at nursing homes
- Environmental stewardship projects and recycling initiatives
- Support for underfunded schools through book drives and resource sharing
- Christmas gift program for families in need
- Partnership with international mission efforts
Student Activities
Holy Cross Catholic School offers a rich array of extracurricular activities that complement our academic program and help students develop talents, build friendships, and discover new interests.
Athletics
Our competitive sports program includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, track and field, and cheerleading. Teams focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and character while teaching the value of teamwork and perseverance.
Clubs & Organizations
Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, Chess Club, Robotics Team, Choir, Band, Drama Club, Yearbook Committee, Art Club, and Green Team provide opportunities for leadership and interest exploration.
Enrichment Programs
After-school art classes, science clubs, tutoring programs, summer academic camps, and educational field trips that extend learning beyond the classroom walls.
Special Events & Traditions
Our school calendar is filled with beloved traditions that build community and create lasting memories. These include the Fall Festival, Christmas Pageant, Catholic Schools Week celebrations, International Day, Science Fair, May Crowning, Field Day, and eighth grade graduation ceremonies.
Admissions
Holy Cross Catholic School welcomes students of all faiths who seek an excellent education in a values-based environment. Our admissions process is designed to ensure a good fit between the student, family, and school.
Application Process
- Schedule a Visit: Schedule a campus tour or attend one of our open house events
- Complete Application: Fill out the online application form and submit required documents
- Submit Documentation: Provide birth certificate, immunization records, and previous school transcripts
- Family Interview: Participate in a family meeting with the school principal
- Student Assessment: Complete placement assessments when appropriate for grade level
- Acceptance Notification: Receive admissions decision within two weeks of completing the process
Tuition & Financial Aid
Holy Cross Catholic School is committed to making Catholic education accessible to families. We offer variety of payment plans including monthly, semester, and annual options. Financial aid is available for qualifying families through our tuition assistance program and the Diocesan Scholarship Fund. Please contact our business office for current tuition rates and scholarship applications.
Upcoming Admissions Events
- Open House: November 12, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Kindergarten Preview Day: January 10, 2025, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Shadow Days: February through April 2025 (for prospective students in grades 1-7)
- New Family Registration: March 3, 2025, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact Us
School Information
School Hours: 7:50 AM - 3:15 PM
Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Extended Care: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Mass Schedule
- All School Mass: Fridays at 8:30 AM
- Holy Day Masses: According to Church calendar
Contact Details
Address: 1500 Cathedral Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
- Phone: (651) 123-4567
- Fax: (651) 123-4568
- Email: info@holycrossschool.edu
- Website: www.holycrossschool.edu
Administration
- Principal: Sister Mary Catherine Thomas, OP, M.Ed.
- Vice Principal: Mrs. Angela Rodriguez, M.S.
- Director of Admissions: Mr. Thomas Wilson
- Business Manager: Mrs. Barbara Johnson
- Development Director: Mr. David Miller
Catholic School Teacher Interview Questions and Reference File Download Link
