Why Choose a Private Catholic Education From St. Cecelia School?

Nestled in sunny Clearwater, Florida, St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School (SCS) has been a beacon of education for over seven decades. Established in 1948, SCS welcomes students from pre-K through eighth grade, offering a unique blend of academic rigor and Catholic faith-based values.

 

Earning the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation, SCS goes beyond traditional education. Its curriculum is infused with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, fostering a globally minded perspective in young learners. This innovative approach equips students with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

The school’s commitment goes far beyond academics. At SCS, character development and life skills take center stage. Through a nurturing environment, students are empowered to become compassionate leaders. This emphasis on service and empathy ensures they graduate not only prepared for academic success but also ready to make a positive impact on their local and global communities.

 

St. Cecelia Catholic School’s mission statement perfectly encapsulates this philosophy: “to create an environment with high academics, grounded in the Catholic faith, which inspires globally minded students to become compassionate leaders.” Here, students are not just memorizing facts; they are developing into well-rounded individuals with a strong moral compass, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to contribute to a better world.

 

St. Cecelia’s Curriculum for 3-Year-Olds

St. Cecelia School’s 3-year-old program fosters holistic development. Children build physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through play and thematic exploration. The curriculum includes:

• Spiritual Formation: Learning about God’s love and introducing prayer routines.
• Language Arts: Encouraging listening, speaking, and early literacy skills through stories, songs, and play.
• Math & Science: Hands-on activities introduce basic concepts in counting, shapes, and exploration.
  
• Social Studies: Focuses on self-esteem, family, and community.
• Spanish: Introduces fundamentals Spanish sounds and phrases in a fun, exploratory way.
  
• Specials: Weekly visits to the STREAM Center (which combines science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and math) in order to nurture creativity, movement, and social skills.
  
• Social & Emotional Development: A caring environment fosters self-esteem and emotional growth, with support from the school counselor and safety director.

 

St. Cecelia’s Curriculum for 4-Year-Olds

St. Cecelia’s pre-K program for 4-year-olds blends academics with faith-based values. The curriculum integrates the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum, Diocesan Standards, and Florida Standards, offering a well-rounded learning experience.

• Spiritual Formation is a cornerstone, with children learning about God’s love and applying Biblical lessons to their daily lives. Weekly chapel visits and “buddy” interactions with older students foster a sense of community.
  
• Academics focus on core skills like reading, writing, listening, and math. Hands-on activities with manipulatives and real-world materials engage young minds in exploring numbers, shapes, science concepts, and the natural world.
  
• Social & Emotional Development thrives in a safe, nurturing environment. Children learn to interact positively with peers, celebrate differences, and build trust with their teachers. The program also integrates social studies, Spanish (FLEX), art, music, and physical education, encouraging creativity, movement, and social skills. This holistic approach helps prepare children for future academic success and fosters well-rounded individuals.

 

St. Cecelia’s Kindergarten Through Second Grade Curriculum

St. Cecelia’s kindergarten to second grade program offers a strong foundation in core subjects while nurturing the Catholic faith.

• Religion uses Sadlier’s Christ in Us program, which includes interactive lessons, Bible stories, and service projects. Students prepare for sacraments through local programs supported by the school.
• Language Arts utilizes guided reading for targeted instruction and encourages writing development. Kindergarteners use invented spelling and focus on storytelling through pictures and labels. First graders write for various purposes and begin proper sentence structure. Second graders refine writing mechanics and organization, crafting simple essays.
• Math employs Sadlier Math, a comprehensive program that uses real-world applications to build conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
• Science introduces students to natural science concepts like states of matter, electricity, astronomy, and weather.
• Social Studies fosters global perspectives and cultural appreciation through thematic units and the Social Studies Weekly series. Kindergarten explores “My World,” Grade 1 focuses on “School and Family,” and Grade 2 delves into “Neighborhoods.”

 

St. Cecelia’s Third Through Fifth Grade Curriculum

Grades 3-5 at St. Cecelia build upon a strong foundation in core subjects while fostering Catholic values.

• Religion integrates daily prayers, liturgies, service projects, and classroom instruction to develop a lifelong connection with God. Students use Christ in Us and Seeds materials to prepare for Sunday Mass.
• Language Arts is literature-based, with students reading novels and exploring language skills through discussions, writing assignments, and independent reading. This program strengthens foundational skills, vocabulary, and writing across subjects.
• Math utilizes Sadlier Math, a program that emphasizes conceptual understanding and real-world problem-solving.
• Science follows a hands-on approach, focusing on life science, Earth science, and the scientific method. BrainPOP and Science IXL supplement classroom learning.
• Social Studies incorporates Studies Weekly to help students develop global perspectives and appreciate diverse cultures. Each grade level explores a specific theme, from U.S. regions and civics in Grade 3 to Florida history in Grade 4 and early American history in Grade 5. Fifth graders even get to participate in an “Enterprise Village” event to put economic concepts into practice. 

 

St. Cecelia’s Sixth Through Eighth Grade Curriculum

St. Cecelia’s Middle School (Grades 6-8) is an International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Middle Years Programme (MYP) school that fosters intellectual curiosity and global citizenship.

• Religion focuses on Catholic faith development through scripture study, church history, and character development. Weekly classes explore the Bible, delve into topics like the Sacraments and Theology of the Body, and integrate drug education.
• Language Arts offers Honors and regular classes, emphasizing critical thinking, reading comprehension, and writing across disciplines. Students explore diverse literature, hone grammar skills, and practice the Six Traits of Writing through projects and presentations.
• Math utilizes Carnegie Learning’s hands-on approach with real-world applications, supplemented by MATHia’s personalized learning software. Eighth graders can take Algebra I Honors for a deeper dive into math concepts.
• Science follows the Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP), engaging students in scientific inquiry and problem-solving through real-life scenarios.
• Social Studies aligns with the IB MYP Individuals and Societies curriculum, encouraging students to explore historical, geographical, and cultural factors that shape our world. They analyze data, investigate diverse perspectives, and develop international-mindedness
• The Pearson series provides a foundation with courses like “My World History” and “My Florida Civics.” Sixth graders delve into ancient civilizations, while seventh graders focus on U.S. government and economics. Eighth graders study U.S. history from exploration to reconstruction, culminating in a year-long community service project.

 

St. Cecelia School: Where Faith Meets Global Education

St. Cecelia School isn’t just a Catholic school; it’s an International Baccalaureate (I.B.) World School that offers students a unique blend of faith-based education and a globally recognized academic program. This prestigious authorization signifies St. Cecelia’s commitment to fostering well-rounded, internationally-minded individuals prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

 

What is the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate is a non-profit organization offering challenging educational programs for students aged 3 to 19. Their mission aligns perfectly with St. Cecelia’s values: to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and compassionate young people who understand intercultural understanding and respect.

St. Cecelia offers two I.B. programs:

• The Primary Years Programme (PYP): This program caters to students aged 3-12 and focuses on the whole child’s development. Through a framework of knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and actions, the PYP fosters critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. It prepares students to become lifelong learners with a strong sense of responsibility toward themselves and their world.
• The Middle Years Programme (MYP): This program targets students aged 11-16, aligning perfectly with St. Cecelia’s middle school grades. The MYP emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to be active participants in their education. Students explore a range of subjects, developing strong critical thinking, research, and communication skills. The program culminates in an 8th-grade community project, where students apply their learning to address a local or global issue. 

 

Benefits of an International Baccalaureate Education at St. Cecelia

By integrating the I.B. framework with its Catholic values, St. Cecelia offers a unique educational experience:

• Strong Academic Foundation: Students develop a deep understanding of core subjects and essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
  
• Global Perspective: The I.B. curriculum fosters an appreciation for diverse cultures and viewpoints, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
• Lifelong Learners: I.B. programs encourage students to become curious, independent learners who take ownership of their education.
• Holistic Development: The I.B. approach, combined with St. Cecelia’s faith-based education, nurtures not only academic excellence but also moral character, social responsibility, and a sense of purpose.

Choosing St. Cecelia School allows students to develop their faith alongside a world-class education. It equips them with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners who can contribute to a more peaceful and just world.

 

Earning the Distinction: What Makes a School a Blue Ribbon School?

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, established in 1982 by the U.S. Department of Education, is among the highest honors an American school can achieve. It recognizes outstanding public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap between different student groups.

St. Cecelia School has won many awards, including being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 2010 and again in 2020. There are two categories for Blue Ribbon recognition:

• Exemplary High-Performing Schools: These schools demonstrate consistently high levels of academic achievement across student groups, as measured by state assessments or nationally recognized tests.
   
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools demonstrate significant progress in closing the achievement gap between different student populations, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or with learning disabilities.

Schools undergo a rigorous application process, including submitting detailed information about their curriculum, instructional practices, leadership, professional development programs, and student performance data. A state nominating committee reviews applications and selects a small number of schools to submit for national competition. The United States Department of Education reviews national submissions and selects a final group of Blue Ribbon Schools each year.

 

What Makes a Blue Ribbon School Stand Out?

There isn’t a single recipe for becoming a Blue Ribbon School, but several key characteristics are often present:

• Strong Academic Performance: High overall test scores and graduation rates are essential, but success goes beyond just numbers. Blue Ribbon Schools also focus on well-rounded student development, which includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and essential life skills.
   
• Effective Instruction: Teachers are skilled at engaging students in the learning process and tailoring instruction to individual needs. Effective instructional practices include differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and technology integration.
   
• Commitment to Equity: Blue Ribbon Schools work to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or ability level. This may involve targeted interventions, specialized programs, and differentiated learning approaches.
   
• Collaborative Culture: A strong school culture is essential. This involves effective leadership, teacher collaboration, and a positive and supportive learning environment. Parental and community engagement are also crucial factors.

Earning a Blue Ribbon designation is a prestigious honor, signifying that a school is among the best in the nation. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of teachers, administrators, parents, and students working together to create an exceptional learning environment. Being named a Blue Ribbon School displays St. Cecelia School’s dedication to its students, faculty, and community.

 

Nurturing Faith and Knowledge: The Value of a Catholic Education at St. Cecelia School

For Catholic families, St. Cecelia School offers more than just academics; it provides a nurturing environment where faith and knowledge flourish together. Here’s how a Catholic education at St. Cecelia benefits students:

• Deepening Faith: St. Cecelia integrates Catholic values into every aspect of the school day. Religion classes go beyond memorization, fostering a lifelong relationship with God through prayer, service projects, and discussions about scripture and Church teachings. Students explore Catholicism’s rich history and traditions, developing a deeper understanding of their faith.
• Moral Compass: Catholic education emphasizes ethical decision-making. Students learn to apply Gospel values like compassion, honesty, and forgiveness to everyday situations. This builds strong character and helps them navigate the complexities of life with a moral compass.
• Sense of Community: Faith fosters a sense of belonging. Students at St. Cecelia are part of a supportive community that shares their values. This fosters friendships built on shared beliefs and creates a safe space for exploration and growth.
• Service and Social Justice: Catholicism emphasizes service to others. St. Cecelia actively engages students in community service projects, fostering empathy and a sense of social responsibility. Students learn the importance of giving back and making a positive difference in the world.
• Holistic Development: St. Cecelia fosters the whole child, integrating faith with academics, arts, and social-emotional learning. This holistic approach helps students develop intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
• Academic Excellence: St. Cecelia couples its strong faith foundation with a rigorous academic program. Students are challenged to excel, developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a love of learning that prepares them for success in high school and beyond.
• Strong Family Partnership: St. Cecelia values the role of parents in their children’s faith development. The school actively partners with families, creating a united front in nurturing students’ spiritual and intellectual growth.

St. Cecelia School provides a valuable opportunity for Catholic families seeking an educational environment that fosters faith alongside academic excellence. Here, students can flourish as individuals, develop strong moral character, and become lifelong learners grounded in their faith.

 

Beyond the Classroom: A World of Activities at St. Cecelia School

St. Cecelia School isn’t just about academics; it’s about fostering well-rounded individuals with a passion for learning and a love for life. That’s why the school offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities, including a robust athletics program that caters to a variety of interests and skill levels.

 

Team Up for Success:

For students with a competitive spirit, St. Cecelia boasts a dynamic sports program that spans throughout the school year. From the teamwork-focused environment of basketball and soccer to the strategic plays of volleyball and flag football, there’s a sport for everyone.

• Fall Season: Cheer on the Girl’s Volleyball team as they spike their way to victory, or support the Boy’s Flag Football team as they display their agility on the field.
   
• Winter Season: The roar of the crowd rises as the Girls’ Basketball team battles it out while the Boys’ Soccer team showcases their footwork and precision. Don’t miss the spirited performances of the Cheerleading team, who add energy and enthusiasm to every game.
   
• Spring Season: The Girls’ Flag Football team returns, showcasing their passing skills and strategic plays—the Boys’ Baseball team swings for the fences, aiming for home runs and exciting victories.

More Than Just Games:

St. Cecelia’s sports program is about more than just winning. It’s about developing teamwork, sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. Through practice and games, students learn valuable life skills like discipline, perseverance, and the importance of a positive attitude.

 

Beyond the Field:

St. Cecelia offers a variety of activities beyond athletics. From academic clubs to performing arts, there are opportunities for students to explore their talents and interests. This well-rounded approach to education ensures that every student can find their niche and develop their full potential.

 

Join the Fun!

Participating in extracurricular activities allows students to connect with classmates who share their interests, build lasting friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime. St. Cecelia School encourages all students to explore the exciting world of extracurricular activities and discover their passions beyond the classroom.

Partners in Progress: The Power of Parental Involvement at St. Cecelia School

At St. Cecelia School, a strong partnership between parents and teachers is essential for student success. The Home & School Association (HSA) provides a vital platform for this collaboration.

 

Active Parents, Engaged Students:

Parental involvement goes beyond attending meetings or paying dues. When parents are actively engaged in their child’s education at St. Cecelia, it fosters a supportive learning environment that benefits students in numerous ways:

• Enhanced Motivation: Students feel empowered when they see their parents taking an interest in their schoolwork and activities. This boosts their motivation and encourages them to strive for excellence.
   
• Improved Communication: Open communication between parents and teachers helps ensure everyone is on the same page regarding a student’s progress, challenges, and learning goals.
   
• Stronger Support System: Active parents create a supportive network around their children, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

The Home and School Association: Building a Bridge of Support

The HSA offers numerous ways for parents to get involved:

• Volunteering: From assisting in classrooms to chaperoning field trips, volunteers provide invaluable support, enriching the learning experience for all students.
   
• Fundraising Events: The HSA organizes events that raise funds for school resources, extracurricular activities, and student programs. Participating in these events demonstrates a commitment to the school community.
   
• Monthly Meetings: These meetings offer a platform for parents and teachers to connect, discuss school issues, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit student learning.

By actively participating in the HSA and extending their support beyond the classroom, parents become valuable partners in their child’s educational journey at St. Cecelia School. Together, we can create an environment where every student can thrive.

Application and Enrollment Information

Enrolling your child at St. Cecelia School is a straightforward process that introduces you to the school community. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Explore and Connect:

• Schedule a Tour: Call the Admissions Office at 727-461-1207 to arrange a personalized tour on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
   
• Attend an Open House: These events offer a chance to meet administrators, faculty, students, and parents, allowing you to experience the St. Cecelia atmosphere first hand.

 

2. Submit Your Application:

• Online Application: Visit the school’s website and complete the online application for your child. A non-refundable fee of $100 applies (for application or registration, depending on grade level).
   
• Request for Records: The application includes a form requesting your child’s report cards and standardized test scores from their current school.

 

3. Interview and Admissions Testing:

• Schedule an Appointment: Once you submit the application, contact the Admissions Director at 727-461-1207 to schedule an interview and admissions testing for your child.

Important Note:

• Age Requirements: pre-K students must be 4 years old by September 1st, kindergarteners must be five by September 1st, and first graders must be six by September 1st.

St. Cecelia School welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters a diverse and inclusive learning environment. By following these steps, you can initiate your child’s journey at St. Cecelia and become part of a vibrant school community.

 

Tours and Open Houses

Are you curious to see St. Cecelia firsthand? We offer daily tours, allowing you to explore our classrooms, facilities, and vibrant atmosphere at your convenience. Simply call the Admissions Office at 727-461-1207 to schedule a personalized tour on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 

Would you prefer a more immersive experience? Consider attending one of our upcoming Open Houses. These events offer a unique opportunity to meet the school community. Mingle with administrators, faculty, parents, and students, gaining valuable insights into the heart of St. Cecelia. Open Houses allow you to experience the energy and spirit that make our school unique.