HIGHLIGHTS
- Almost every year St. Peter's High School has one or more students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- Approximately 30% of the high school student body achieves honor roll status each quarter (3.3 GPA or better)
- Every faculty member is degreed, with 50% holding a Master's degree.
- St. Peter's High School annually offers advanced placement in English, American History, Calculus, American Government and Biology, French, Spanish, and Environmental Science as requested.
- Over the past five years, on the average, ninety percent of our graduates attended a college or university compared to a 50% national average.
- Qualified students have the opportunity to take college level courses at the high school and at a local college through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program. Over the last five years, 108 St. Peter's graduates have earned 1,532 quarter hours of college credit while attending St. Peter's High School.
- St. Peter's Junior High students show consistent outstanding achievement in Quiz Bowl, Power of the Pen, Science Fair, History Day, and Math Counts.
- In previous years with ninth-grade proficiency tests and more recently with the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT), St. Peter's student test scores are among the highest in the area.
- To be eligible for any extracurricular activities, a student must maintain a grade point average of at least 77% or 1.7.
- Approximately thirty-five percent (35%) of the student body is non-Catholic.
- Each quarter an average of 6% of the student body receives all A's. An A is the equivalent of 93% or better.
- St. Peter's High School has hosted over 30 foreign exchange students during past years. Students have come from France, Mexico, Russia, Netherlands, Finland, Brazil, Costa Rica, Canada, Germany, Columbia, Spain, and Korea.
- Over the past five years, our 212 SPHS graduates earned a total of $8,639,800 in scholarships, an average of $40,753 per student.
- Tuition assistance is available to families who qualify for need through our Tuition Assistance Program. Also, Kroger, Meijer Community Reward's Card, Land's End, and Scrip dollar-for-dollar gift certificate programs allow tuition reductions in the next school year based on a percentage of the dollar amount of certificates purchased.
- Teachers are available for after-school homework assistance for students who need a helping hand.
- The current average GPA of all St. Peter's students who are involved in sports: 3.1.
- A large athletic/activities building accommodates physical education classes and multi-sport functions.
- St. Peter's High School/Junior High has four state-of-the-art computer labs used for all areas of the curriculum.
- Selected courses of study are regularly reviewed, as are corresponding textbooks.
- St. Peter's High School and Junior High students achieve one-on-one computing with access to classroom and lab computers,
laptops on carts, and iPads for every sophomore.
- High school students can expand our list of course offerings through Moodle online classes and the Credit Flex program.
ST. PETER'S JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 7 and 8)
St. Peter's Junior High School represents a rich tradition of 143 years of Catholic education to the greater Mansfield community.
The administration and staff at St. Peter's Junior High School are committed not only to academic excellence but also
to the personal development and faith formation of students during the challenging seventh and eighth grade years.
Emphasis is placed on the development of a positive self-image, a sense of responsibility for learning and behavior,
attitudes and skills leading to life-long learning and interests, interpersonal skills and attitudes in relation to
social interaction, and the ability to make responsible choices and decisions.
In June of 1997, St. Peter's Junior High School was awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. The purpose of the Blue Ribbon Award is to identify and give recognition to outstanding public and private schools across the country. This award reaffirmed that St. Peter's Junior High School enriches the lives of its students by surrounding them with Christian values, an excellent academic environment, and leadership, extracurricular, and service opportunities.
St. Peter's Junior High School is located on the third floor of the St. Peter's Parish Center/High School building.
There are eight classrooms including a state-of-the art science lab and computer lab, a commons area for art class
and meeting space, locker bay areas for 120 lockers and a faculty lounge.
The Franciscan Sisters' chapel on the third floor, adorned with Italian marble, has remained intact and is used by
junior high students for prayer services.
ACADEMICS
A challenging curriculum sets high standards for student achievement and contributes to academic success at the junior high level. Well-rounded academic offerings emphasize development of the student's critical thinking skills, while reinforcing Christian, family-centered values. Academic success is expected, encouraged, recognized, and respected by the entire school community.
The student body represents a range of ability levels, with programs in place to meet the needs
of students at both ends of the spectrum. Academically talented students are given the opportunity
to expand their knowledge by studying at a more advanced level in mathematics, music, and foreign
language. For those students who are experiencing difficulty with academics or other areas, there
is an Auxiliary Services Program staff, speech pathologist and school psychologist to assist.
Course offerings include religion, language arts (English, reading, writing), mathematics, science, social studies
and physical education with complementary offerings in general music, band, choir, art, preparatory French, preparatory Spanish,
computer and health. Those eighth graders who meet certain criteria standards
may take high school French I, Spanish I, and Algebra I. Co-curricular academic offerings include History Day, Science Fair,
Math Counts, Power of the Pen and Quiz Bowl.
During the years when ninth grade state proficiency tests were administered to eighth graders, St. Peter's students
achieved the highest Ohio ninth grade proficiency test scores in a three-county area and ranked an average of 40%
above the state average with particular success demonstrated in mathematics and language arts. (Based on schools
testing more than 5 students.) More currently, St. Peter's Junior High students score among and above the highest
averages on diocesan Terra Nova testing and now Scantron testing.
St. Peter's Junior High School uses a program called Progressbook that allows parents to access classroom
information using the internet. With Progressbook, parents are able to view homework assignments and messages
from their child's teachers as well as monitor the academic progress of their child throughout each quarter.
Progressbook allows parents the opportunity to check progress frequently, to be sure that assignments are being
turned in, and to receive up-to-date information from teachers.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
The spiritual growth of St. Peter's Junior High students is of special importance. All students, faculty, and staff are
invited to become actively involved in helping to bring the Spirit of Christ alive in the community. This is accomplished
by creating opportunities and experiences in three main areas of ministry: liturgical and sacramental experiences
(sacramental services and Eucharistic liturgies), faith building experiences, retreats,
classroom visits by parish priests and guest speakers), and community service experiences. The school day, as well
as each class period, begins with prayer.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
At St. Peter's Junior High School, many extracurricular opportunities exist for students. Becoming involved in any extracurricular activity will only make a student's school years more memorable, thus involvement in these activities is encouraged. These extracurricular activities include athletics (basketball, volleyball, softball, swim team, cross country, cheerleading, track, club soccer), Student Council, Solo and Ensemble, and Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs.
FACULTY
The dedicated and experienced staff is committed to assisting students not only in academic endeavors, but also in the development of spiritual beliefs and values that will positively impact their moral and ethical behavior as adults. The staff comes to know and understand the needs of each student, building an atmosphere of mutual respect between teacher and student. Teachers are well prepared, not only by their degrees and certificiation, but also by a well-planned academic program.
SCHOOL HOURS
The school day at St. Peter's Junior High School begins at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. Bus transportation is
available from most districts. Please contact principal Tressa Reith and vice principal Jerry Straub for
more information (419-524-0979).
TEACHER TESTIMONIAL
I teach to create thinkers, promote self-learning, strengthen values, and to change the world in a positive way. I teach for the moments when students grin with understanding, ask the challenging questions, or conquer the obstacles. But mostly I teach for the moment when, ten or twenty years down the road, I hear a student's name and learn that he or she is also changing the world in a positive way. -- Karen Geiger
ST. PETER'S HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)
St. Peter's High School is a co-educational secondary school located in Mansfield, Ohio,
serving students in Richland, Crawford, Ashland, Morrow, and Knox Counties.
St. Peter's High School has long been known for its tradition of academic excellence. Our continuing
intent is to have a school that serves the needs of the community and teaches students the importance
of goodness, discipline, and learning. St. Peter's sends graduates into young adulthood with a commitment
to the service of Christ, Church, family, community, and world.
In June of 1998, St. Peter's High School was awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of
Excellence Award. The purpose of the Blue Ribbon Award is to identify and give recognition to outstanding public and
private schools across the country.This award reaffirmed that St. Peter's High School enriches the lives of its students
by surrounding them with Christian values, an excellent academic environment, and leadership, extracurricular, and service
opportunities.
4-YEAR CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM
The philosophy and mission of St. Peter's High School challenges its students to give of themselves to others. Service to others allows opportunities to learn by doing and to experience the benefits of assisting those less fortunate. Thus, it is an important part of the learning process in our academic program.
Consequently, successful participation in the school's Christian Service Program is a requirement of all St. Peter's students. The program extends through the four years of high school and involves 40 hours of community service per year.
ACADEMICS
As a predominantly college-prep high school, St. Peter's has as one of its ultimate goals the pursuit of academic excellence.
*No other school in Richland County has a higher percentage of students who go on to colleges and universities than St. Peter's High School (90%-95%).
*SAT and ACT test scores place St. Peter's students above national norms.
*On the average, more than one million dollars in college scholarship and financial aid is awarded to our graduates each year.
In order to meet the challenge of providing an academic environment that is conducive to excellence and to fulfill the mandate to be a comprehensive high school, St. Peter's offers courses from college level to general studies. St. Peter's High School makes every attempt to determine and meet the special academic needs and abilities of our students. To accommodate those special needs and abilities, the schedule offers average curriculum courses, honors and AP courses, post secondary opportunities, ISP plans, and an Auxiliary Service Program.
St. Peter's High School provides an extensive science and math program, a selection of courses in art and the fine arts, dramatic arts, and French, Spanish, and Latin. A detailed list of course selections can be found on our school website in the high school guidance section.
CURRICULUM
St. Peter's High School has as its academic foundation a strong core curriculum that will benefit students, regardless of their abilities or aspirations. St. Peter's requires 27 credits for graduation; this requirement exceeds the state minimum. The core curriculum includes the following and is supplemented by a variety of challenging electives: 4 English, 4 Theology, 3 Math, 3 Science, .5 Health, 4 Social Studies, .5 Physical Education, 1 Computer Applications, .5 Speech, and 1 Fine Arts.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
St. Peter's High School assists students as they grow into mature and responsible Christians. The school organizes and implements activities which focus on spiritual values through:
- Theology classes-the Theology curriculum consists of: freshmen-Bible study; sophomores-prayer/sacraments and church history; juniors-Christian morality and peace/justice; and seniors-relationships, marriage and the family.
- Worship-every student is invited to praise God within the context of weekly school liturgies planned throughout the school year.
- Retreats-each class participates in an annual day of retreat designed to strengthen a Christian school-community atmosphere. Seniors attend a four-day/three-night "Kairos" retreat.
- Eucharistic Minister/Lector Training-high school students may apply to be Eucharistic Ministers or lectors. If accepted, they go through training and minister at school and parish liturgies.
- Everything we do prioritizes cultivating our most important relationship: our relationship with our Lord.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The St. Peter's student body enjoys a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities that includes a respected, competitive athletic program for our young women and men. Sports include golf, soccer, tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball, cross country, baseball, softball, cheerleading, and track.
Students can also take advantage of such student-centered activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, Band, Peace Jam, Mock Trial, Video Production, Chorus, Key Club, Yearbook, Newspaper, Art Club, Drama, Academic Challenge, Foreign Language Clubs, Plays and Variety Show.
POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS PROGRAM
The Ohio General Assembly created the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program in 1989. St. Peter's High School has participated in this program since its inception.
The program permits high school students to complete college or university course work for high school and college credit. This broadens the range of choices through which qualified students may complete requirements for high school graduation. Some students enrolled in this program complete course work at Ohio State University, Mansfield Campus. Others stay in our building and are taught by professors from North Central State College. At the present time, St. Peter's High School offers three courses from NCSC.
This program provides special challenges to the most able high school students. St. Peter's High School encourages student participation in this state-funded program.
BLOCK SCHEDULING
Block scheduling is defined as organizing the daily school schedule into larger blocks of time (more than 60 minutes) to allow flexibility for varied instructional activities.
"In a school that uses block scheduling, time is a resource that permits greater student learning, laboratory work and student-directed interactive activities." (NASSP bulletin, May 1995)
A fundamental factor of block scheduling is that "time" becomes a factor supporting learning, not a boundary marking its limits.
This approach allows teachers to present varied approaches to their lesson plans and give students more hands-on
experience in the classroom. St. Peter's High School students follow an eight-block schedule, taking four, 87-minute
courses per day on alternating days.
FACULTY
Caring, professional educators provide excellent instruction, challenging our students in all academic areas. Our faculty works to find innovative ways to connect learning to life. Many of the St. Peter's faculty hold Masters degrees and have many years of teaching experience.
SCHOOL HOURS
The school day at St. Peter's High School begins at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. Bus transportation is available in most districts. High school phone: 419-524-0979.
Alumni Testimonials
In addition to providing the opportunity to learn in the academic arena, St. Peter's challenges the emerging young adult to think on what they want their lives to be in the moral, spiritual and ethical sense. This opportunity is unique to parochial education.
--Commander Daniel P. Moloney, United States Navy, currently serving as Department Head of Primary Care at the Naval Health Clinic, Hawaii;
Department Head of Radiology at the Navy Medical Center at Great Lakes, Illinois;
radiology resident of the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia; '99 graduate of The Johns Hopkins University School
of Medicine; '95 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; '91 graduate of St. Peter's High School.
The faculty of St. Peter's had a profound impact on my life. At no other school have I heard of there being such a close-knit relationship between the students and the teachers as there is at St. Peter's. They care about the grades you are receiving, but even more important, they care about you. The faculty of St. Peter's goes out of their way to learn more about you as an individual and support you in the goals you are trying to achieve. They have opened my eyes to the things that are really important in life.
--Heather Mulherin, currently employed as Senior Business Analyst with Adesa, Inc., at
their corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana; '99 graduate of the University of Dayton; '95 graduate
of St. Peter's High School.
The education at St. Peter's is a great combination of formal subject matter along with development of spirituality and social interaction skills. After graduation I was able to successfully complete an engineering degree and become involved in my local community and church. The student organizations and service experiences available at St. Peter's forma complete educational program and are critical to preparation of youth for our communities.
--John Geiger, Past Founder and Director, Catholic Volunteers, Florida.
Currently employed by Orange County Florida in the Environmental Protection
Division as an environmental engineer; Masters in
Environmental Engineering, University of Florida, '77;
Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, University of Central Florida, '74; '69 graduate of St. Peter's High School.
Teacher Testimonials
I continue to teach to and with the wonderful students and staff at St. Peter's High School because teaching at this Catholic, Christian school is not simply a job and a paycheck; it is a ministry.
--Charlie Henrich, Theology Department,
I am thankful to be able to pray every day with my students.
--Monica Sved
Teaching at St. Peters after going to high school here many years ago, remains an incredibly rewarding experience. I know that I am doing something really important in terms of the faith and value formation of young people who are starving for the opportunity to discover themselves and where they fit into an incredibly complex world. St. Peters continues to produce people who make a positive difference in our world and I am proud to be a very small part of that process.
--Mike Mulherin, Theology Department
