St. John the Baptist School New Brighton, MN

St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish School serves students grades K-8 (and is affiliated with our parish-sponsored “Little Lights” Pre school, located just down the hall from the SJB School office). Enrollment is approximately 400 students and the school is located just off I-35W & 694, at 845 2nd Ave. NW in New Brighton, Minnesota.

School Mission

It is the mission of St. John's Catholic School to work with parents to educate children in all aspects of their lives through faith, academic excellence and values. We help children discover and live up to their full potential developing responsibility, respect for self and others with a sense of gratitude. We express this in Christ-like service to the community in a JOY - Jesus, Others, You - filled spirit.

School Philosophy

We are a Resurrection people, redeemed by the love of Jesus and promised a future of happiness. This is the Good News, the reason for our existence, the purpose for which each person was created. Our faith leads to hope and love for all people. Practical faith inspires us to spread the Good News, to develop a faith community, and go out in loving service to others.

At St. John the Baptist School, the faculty considers the mission entrusted by Jesus to His Church of prime importance. Our goal in education is to proclaim the Good News, to form community, and translate this teaching into service. We believe that education should enkindle faith, making it living and viable.

In the course of instruction, emphasis is placed on the relation of human culture to the events in salvation history, thus providing continuity of the past within the present.

Recognizing that parents are the prime educators of their children, the parent-child-school relationship is seriously implemented in school life. Parental involvement at home and school is incorporated into various school programs.

The faculty considers the school an extension of the home and endeavors to provide an environment of love and concern for each individual student. We believe that in this type of atmosphere, each child can learn values, truth, concern for others, and fulfillment of potential.

Having dealt with past and present, the quality education presented in our school prepares all students for their future in society. Conscious of this awesome task, the faculty and students seek their inspiration in frequent prayer and worship. Participation in liturgy and sacramental life are essential to the formation of a community of faith. Involvement of clergy, faculty, and students in meaningful religious experiences forms the skill of heart and mind required for extending service to the larger community.

School History

St. John the Baptist School faces its future with the same dedication and faith in God as did those parishioners who established it in 1952. We continue to live the educational philosophy of Monsignor Paul Koscielniak, the pastor who spearheaded the effort to build the school. Monsignor Paul felt that school is an extension of the home and as such, St. John's School would provide a caring environment for each student.

Under the guidance of Sister Mary Francis, who was the first principal and served at St. John's from its opening day until 1957, the school began a tradition of teaching values, truth, and concern for others that is still the pillar of a St. John's education.

When the doors opened on September 2, 1952, 424 students were greeted by six Sisters of the Order of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio and one lay teacher. These seven dedicated women graduated the first class of 29 eighth graders in June 1953. The children flourished under the skilled teaching and loving guidance of the sisters. A foundation in the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic continue to serve our alumni (including Bishop Piche of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis) well.

In 1956, an auditorium/church, nine classrooms and a library were added. At its peak in 1960, St. John's served 1032 students in 19 classrooms. The faculty was made up of 12 sisters and six lay teachers. The average class size was 57. In the days of the Sisters, who worked for a stipend and could maintain discipline with a look, class size was not an issue.

Eventually, the convent was closed, the Sisters moved into their own apartments and three of them continued their ministry to the children of St. John's School. Sister Gratia worked in the AV center and Sister Mercedes continued to tutor students until they returned to Sylvania. Sister Gwendolin became principal in 1982 and brought the JOY (Jesus, Others, You) philosophy to our school.

In 2001, the convent was razed and replaced with a modern parish center connecting the church and school. The addition includes office space, a youth room, an art room and a band/choir room used by both the church and school.

In 2003, Sister Gwendolin retired, ending the long history of service by the Sisters of St. Francis. Mrs. Sue Ford Clausen joined the faculty as principal in September 2003.

Throughout the years, both full-day and half-day kindergarten programs have been added, along with Spanish and a before-and-after school child care program (J-Care). School and classroom remodeling have occurred, with space reallocated for a computer lab and a science lab. In 2008, a playground was erected on the school's west lawn, funded entirely by parent/supporter donations.

St. John's currently serves approximately 400 students in grades Kindergarten through eight, with an average class size of 25. The faculty is made up entirely of lay teachers who continue the legacy of excellence in education in the spirit of our founders - a focus on faith, service, and respect and gratitude for God, self and others.