Principal's Welcome
Dear New and Prospective Families,
Welcome to St. Rose School located in the historic town of Newtown, CT. Our school has been home to generations of students since its founding in 1958. We have a rich history and a bright future.
Serving students in Preschool through Eighth grade, we are accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) and proud to be a recipient of the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award in 2009. The U.S. Department of Education states that schools chosen as National Blue Ribbon recipients are models of excellence that other schools can emulate. We welcome individuals of every race, religious belief and national and ethnic origin, who wish to contribute to the community and be nourished by it.
St. Rose School has an undeniable reputation for its rich Catholic tradition, loyal community service, academic excellence, and student success. Our faculty and staff, all of whom are NY or CT State Certified with a BS or MS in Education, are committed to helping every child meet their God-given potential. Through all of my years as an educator, I have come to believe that a faith-based education with a progressive academic journey provides the strongest foundation for the future success of a child’s life. This is evident at St. Rose School. Countless alumni tell us that their accomplishments in higher education, careers, community and family life are the result of the foundation they received here.
Supplementing the challenging curriculum are the exceptional enrichment programs we offer in Athletics, the Arts, Math, Technology, and Community Service. We have the most current technology in place to implement a variety of programs including S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) which is fully integrated into our curriculum.
Spiritual, academically-prepared, confident and well-balanced; these are the characteristics of a St. Rose School graduate and why we have remained on the cutting edge of Catholic education since 1958.
We will continue to prepare our students to be innovative problem solvers who are able to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The most essential skill for our students is learning how to learn. In this rapidly changing world, we must prepare students for jobs and careers that may not even exist today. We have the tools and talented staff in place to ensure this outcome.
Please join us in this exciting, meaningful journey together as we map out the success of our future generation!
God Bless You,
Dr. Bardhyl Gjoka
Principal
Our Mission and Values
Rooted in the Catholic Faith, St. Rose of Lima School inspires each student to grow in faith and knowledge while developing strong thinking skills, responsibility, and a commitment to respect and serve others.
We center our community of learning around four core values. These are:
Respect
Integrity
Academic Excellence
Service
We model our mission off the childhood of Christ, as we read in Luke 2:52: And Jesus grew in wisdom, age, and grace, with God and men.
Our spirituality is fostered through our close connection with St. Rose of Lima Church. Students attend weekly mass, and we are blessed by the continual presence of clergy, religious, parishioners, and all members of our parish community.
School Overview
We are a NEASC-accredited, 2009 National Blue Ribbon School Awardee where children in Preschool through Eighth grade are challenged to stretch their minds and embrace those in need. Our academically strong, faith-centered curriculum is enhanced by dynamic enrichment programs that expose students to real-life opportunities that shape their future success. World languages, current technology, professional expertise and stellar teaching combine to create an atmosphere of innovation that is steeped in tradition.
TRADITION + INNOVATION = ENLIGHTENED STUDENTS
Why Choose St. Rose of Lima School?
- Most experienced full-day Kindergarten program in Newtown – in existence for more than 25 years
- Strong academics lead to impressive scores on national tests, acceptance to notable high schools and colleges with significant scholarship offers
- Exceptional enrichment programs include Student Council, Chess Club, basketball, track, cheer, Finance Club, band instruction and a spring musical
- Weekly innovation lab and daily technology integration are paired with robust web filtering and device monitoring software to advance students' technology skills while keeping them safe online
- Emphasis on service and kindness as part of daily school life
- Buddy program pairs upper grade students with younger students in a variety of activities that build confidence and leadership skills
- Preschool curriculum is designed to ensure a seamless transition into full-day Kindergarten, including reading readiness, literary skills and mathematical manipulation in a nurturing and fun atmosphere
- Long-standing Transitional Kindergarten program ideal for children who turn 5 after the September 1st cutoff
- All K-8 teachers hold a CT or NY State Teaching Certification and a BS or MS degree in education
- Blue Ribbon School Awardee, 2009
- Accredited by New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).
School History
A Rich History . . . A Bright Future
St. Rose School opened its doors on September 3, 1958 under the direction of Pastor Reverend Walter R. Conroy. Initially run by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the school served children in 1st through 5th grades, and within three years added a middle school. In 1989 a full-day Kindergarten program was born, and in 2000 a Preschool program was introduced. Dedicated to academic excellence, stellar service, and living the Gospel values, St. Rose of Lima School has been a second home to thousands of students who have walked these halls for sixty-eight years and continue to thrive.
While the original school building still stands strong, there was a need to expand to accommodate the growing student population and changing needs of an increasingly technology-focused education system. In 2008, under the guidance of Monsignor Robert Weiss, a beautiful addition, including a state-of-the-art science lab and modern gymnasium/gathering hall, were unveiled and have become an integral part of the school’s daily and extracurricular learning activities. This building also serves the St. Rose parish community, housing its vibrant CCD program and a variety of church-related events throughout the year.
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2009 and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), St. Rose School offers a stellar academic, faith-focused education for children in Preschool - 8th grade. Dedicated, credentialed teachers go the extra mile to help every student reach their God-given potential, laying a strong foundation for bright futures which is evidenced by our successful alumni.
Through the ongoing and faithful support of parents, grandparents, parishioners, religious, clergy, administrators, educators and alumni, St. Rose School is a vital place where children BLOOM in mind, heart and soul.
Interested in learning more or taking a tour? Contact admissions, 203-426-5102 ext. 102 or email admissions@srles.com.