Historical February–March 2015 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
They gather at the corner of Waterman and Rosedale from the city and county, from diverse ethnic backgrounds, various family structures, and different religious affiliations. Students come from 28 different zip codes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area because they want the same thing: a top-notch, faith-based education. St. Roch Catholic School began in 1913 when the Sisters of Saint Joseph began teaching 45 children at what now serves as the lower grade building. Since then, the school has evolved into one of the finest primary schools in St. Louis.
According to standardized test results from the 2014-15 school year, more than 50 percent of the students tested scored very high or above average. Graduating eighth graders are almost guaranteed admittance to their high school of choice, thanks in part to St. Roch’s reputation for rigorous academics and outstanding character development. St. Roch serves children in preschool through eighth grades, with one classroom per grade and a total student population of 210 students. Part of St. Roch’s success is its continuity of leadership. Several teachers, including the principal Tim Cummins, have been on staff for 10 years or more and some families have attended the school for generations.
The dedication and involvement of families is another factor in the school’s success. “When you choose St. Roch Catholic School, you aren’t just sending your child to school. You become part of the community that supports the education and development of our children,” says Reverend Monsignor Sal E. Polizzi, pastor of St. Roch Church. Along with academics, St. Roch students compete in various athletics, including baseball, basketball, track and volleyball.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities such as band, book clubs, yearbook, robotics, Bellarmine speech and Girl and Boy Scouts. Thanks to the generosity of current school families, alumni and other benefactors, tuition assistance is available at St. Roch.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis also offers scholarships to St. Louis area Catholic schools. “St. Roch has been a vibrant part of the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood for more than a century, providing a comprehensive, high quality educational experience for families.
We plan to continue to grow and serve families in this neighborhood and throughout St. Louis,” says Polizzi.
Original photograph caption
Sister Leo Ann Bub, St. Roch principal 1967–1991, and sister colleagues Sister Charles, Sister Dorothy and Sister Herbert, Sisters of St. Joseph.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2015.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2015_02.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
