This month we focus the spotlight on another one of the outstanding educational institutions in the diocese - Saint Paul II Regional School
Catholic education has a rich tradition in Middletown. For more than 100 years, parish Catholic Schools have provided education to students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
To ensure the preservation of Catholic elementary education well into the future, St. Mary Parish and St. John Parish pastors, boards of education, and the Diocesan School Office recommended a plan to Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D., to join the two schools into one regional Catholic elementary school for the Middletown region. The plan to extend Catholic education was predicated on the support of all the parishes of the Middletown Deanery.
The plan was approved, and in the fall of 2013, St. John Paul II School opened its doors and currently educates 192 students from grades PK-8.
Building a vibrant Catholic identity is central to our vision. Our patron, St. John Paul II, provides these words to guide us: “A Catholic school is a place where students live a shared experience of faith in God and where they learn the riches of Catholic culture...Catholic schools must help students to deepen their relationship with God and to discover that all things, human, have their deepest meaning in the person and teaching of Jesus Christ.”
St. John Paul II Regional School draws from the rich heritage of St. Mary School, St. John School, and St. Sebastian School and is committed to serving the needs of our learning community. The school upholds a vitality and vision for the future of our young people rooted in data-driven best practices and 21st century learning.
Supported by the nine parishes in the Middletown Deanery, St. John Paul II offers affordable tuition, enrichment classes, competitive sports programs as well as the opportunity to play an instrument in the school band. Lessons are available at the school from Future Musicians of America. These are just a few of the many reasons families choose St. John Paul II School for their child’s education.
The faculty and staff create a warm, nurturing environment that promotes successful learning. As quoted by one of our parents, “My three sons all attend St. John Paul II School in Middletown. I'll be very honest; the relief I have felt over the last two years has been immeasurable. The school has always been wonderful with a strong, tight community of families, parents, educators, and administrators. Here, everyone is always on the same page...trying to do right by the kids. However, after the last two years with Covid, quarantines and distance learning, I have fallen in love with the school repeatedly. The teachers pivoted, over a weekend, into distance learning. It was challenging for all of us, but the teachers and admin were always on the other side working with us to do the best for our kids. I am so grateful for the care and education my sons are receiving. The school is safe, driven by their mission and they nurture our children with compassion, care and a sense of obligation. Lions forever!”
For more information, please contact the school at (860) 347-2978.
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Dr. Gail Kingston Superintendent of Schools