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GreatSchools Rating

St. Paul Catholic School

Private | K-8 | 363 students

Catholic Values and High Academic Standards

Living in Valparaiso

Situated in a suburban neighborhood. The median home value is $186,900. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $940.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 6 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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13 reviews of this school


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Posted November 2, 2012

Oh my goodness, I have no idea what these unhappy parents are talking about. I am a very involved parent and I think Saint Paul is an amazing school. First, the teachers are unbelievably compassionate and understanding. They are fantastic teachers and willing to adjust to each child's ability to learn best. Secondly, the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming and extremely family oriented. As for the principal, she seems to uphold Catholicism in every thing she does. Lastly, my child absolutely loves Saint Paul and looks forward to going to school and learning. She is extremely comfortable at Saint Paul and I know every teacher, aid and staff member has her best interests at heart. In summary, Saint Paul is one amazing school that your child would be honored to attend and will be much better for attending. Not only academically but socially as well. Faith in education dictates all that is done at this wonderful school and I would and have recommended this school to many--including family members.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 31, 2012

St. Paul "Catholic" School is terrible. The teachers are irresponsible and unqualified. The students are sheltered and often have social impairments because of the small number of children. The schedule for middle school is always being changed and is unreliable. Middle school students are forced outside, no matter what the weather, when they could be using the time for study hall because they get plenty of homework. I would recommend this school to my worst enemy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 26, 2012

Don't send your children here. It's not worth the large tuition fee, you don't get what you're promised. Catholic education? Sure, they have religion classes but the teachers and children are all rude, dishonest, and do not show a catholic attitude. Principal? not good. Middle school? very bad. the middle school program is much worse than the elementary. I have been very dissatisfied with this school.


Posted October 5, 2012

I have to disagree with the parent from Hobart. I too transferred our children from another Catholic school in Hobart, IN and we couldn't be happier. Everyone (parents, students, teachers) have made us feel welcome since day one! If you are looking for a school that has great teachers, a strong principal, catholic values, and challenging academics this is the school to send them to. We are proud to say that our kids go to such an excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 15, 2012

I We whole-heartily agree with the parent from Hobart. Our child's experience at Saint Paul's was very disappointing. We too found that both the teachers and Principal to be very difficult to get along with, insensitive and rude. You learn very quickly not to question or query for there is price to be paid.....generally by your child. I've never experienced such disregard for traditional catholic values or teaching. Could not, would not recommend .
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 6, 2012

Saint Paul catholic school has been a huge let down for our family. We transferred our child from another Catholic school in Hobart, IN and we are very sorry that we did. The teachers and Principal are very difficult to get get along with, harsh and insensitive. If you question their methods at all, your child pays the price. There is a culture of elitism and snobbery that is palpable among both parents and teaching staff members. This is not at all what we had expected or hoped for. As a catholic, I would not feel comfortable recommending this school to any family who is seeking a traditional religious education for their child/children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 23, 2011

I can't say enough good things about St. Paul's. I graduated from there many years ago and was able to send my children there for pre-school at Tiny Tim's and to St. Paul's for 3 years. Unfortunately, we moved out of state and we miss the family of St. Paul's. All the teachers are wonderful and caring and don't hesitate to take time out of their day to help a child who is struggling. If you have the opportunity to send your child here do not hesitate you will not regret it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2011

Wonderful school! My son is a first grader here and I can't say enough about the education! Top notch for sure!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 1, 2010

St. Paul's is a great school ! My daughter's first experience of school as a kindergartener has been wonderful! The teachers are caring and stress the Catholic identity on a daily basis. The academics are top notched and the children leave ready for their next level of education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 23, 2010

St. Paul school is not and should not be considered a Catholic School. Neither the Catholic faith nor Christian values are are taught or given by example. If you are looking for a school with a clear lack of administrative leadership and where select monied families can dictate curriculum, then choose St. Paul. Otherwise the public schools in the area offer outstanding education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 18, 2005

My daughter has excelled in the 2 years she has been at St. Paul. The academic curriculum is head and shoulders above many other elementary schools, the staff are warm and promote a feeling of family. Another really great thing about St. Paul is that parents are very involved and supportive of helping the school and its students succeed. There is a real feeling of community here that everyone contributes to and shares in. And Mrs. MacLean is a great teacher - my second-grader really enjoys her class!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 19, 2005

The school is great. My second grader is loving every minute of second grade. Mrs. McClean is the best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 26, 2003

The children are well prepared for high school. The elementary school teacherts and aides are to be commended as well. The 2nd grade teacher and aide are excellent with the students; beyond any parents expectations!
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 85% in 2012.

42 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

42 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
96%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 82% in 2012.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 78% in 2012.

55 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
95%
Math

The state average for Math was 86% in 2012.

51 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
95%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 67% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
95%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
96%
Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
96%
Science

The state average for Science was 64% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
88%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 75% in 2012.

21 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

21 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 71% in 2012.

21 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 73% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
97%
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
97%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 70% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
97%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the End-of-Course (ECA) assessment to test students in middle and high school in Algebra I, Biology I, and English 10. The ECA is a criterion-referenced assessment developed specifically for students completing their instruction in Algebra I, Biology I, or English 10. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
8 / 10
Climate rating
Not available

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state. Growth and college readiness ratings are coming soon, pending publication of 2012 data.
Overall academic rating

8

Above average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Above average
Math growth
Average

*Test scores are based on 2012 ISTEP and ECA results from the state of Indiana.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. Data is from the 2012 school year and is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

Climate ratings

Climate rating for this school is not yet available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 87% 74%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 2%
Hispanic 4% 7%
Multiracial 3% 4%
Black 1% 12%
American Indian N/A 0%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 5%N/AN/A
English learners 0%N/AN/A
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 1%N/AN/A
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 22N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Language learning

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • Yes
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45 am
School end time
  • 2:45 am
School Leader's name
  • Mrs Jane Scupham
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Affiliation
  • Roman Catholic
Associations
  • NCEA
Fax number
  • (219) 477-1763

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Core knowledge
  • Standards-based
  • Teacher-run
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Religious
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • Yes

Resources

Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Parent/cars
  • School shares bus/van with other schools
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1755 W Harrison Blvd
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Website: Click here
Phone: (219) 462-3374

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