Opened in 1949 to serve the growing suburban population of the Whitehaven area, St. Paul Catholic School has maintained a continuous presence in the city for over 50 years. The school serves 300 children in pre-kindergarten through grade 6. The St. Paul school community is a diverse one, gathering children from 28 zip codes and three states, six Catholic parishes, and many non-Catholic Christian churches.

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee staff the school, along with a talented lay faculty. Over half of St. Paul's teachers have, or are pursuing, advanced degrees.

St. Paul School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and School.

True to its mission for "the development of the whole child in an environment based on Catholic doctrine and values," St. Paul School offers a variety of activities. Children participate in a "Festival of Saints" around All Saints Day; they celebrate Heritage Month in February, as an extension of Black History Month. The school sponsors a day-long school-wide Arts Festival to celebrate the visual and performing arts through exhibits and guest artists.

The school offers all children an opportunity to put faith into action through various activities. Students visit nursing homes, hospitals, and neighborhood shut-ins; the school sponsors several families annually in the "Christmas for Kids" project. The annual Mardi Gras Carnival sends proceeds to help children in Haiti; the school's annual May Procession gathers gifts for infants and newborns on behalf of Birthright.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Saint Paul School to foster the development of the whole child in an environment which is based on Christian doctrine and values.

Saint Paul School is in the privileged position to contribute to the accomplishment of all five goals comprising the Strategic Plan of the Diocese of Memphis.

Goal 1: Nourishment of the spiritual and liturgical life occurs through gathering daily as a school community for morning prayer, daily religious instruction, participating in weekly school-wide liturgies, celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebration of special feast days in the Church year, maintaining a special prayer list that unites faculty, students, their families, and all in need.

Goal 2: Providing opportunities for life-long learning and growth is achieved through offering various parent programs, including those for sacramental preparation; by providing opportunities for parental and family involvement; and especially by developing in the students' values, habits and skills which contribute to living a Christian life.

Goal 3: To support parish and family life is accomplished by support of and participation in parish-sponsored programs and events, by joining with parish organizations in support of their ministries. This mutual support enables children from seven Catholic parishes, many non-Catholic denominations, three states (and 26 zip codes) to feel at home at St. Paul.

Goal 4: We serve the social needs of all God's people through frequent special Christian service projects including annual Thanksgiving food drives, sponsoring those in need at Christmas, contribution to Camp Friendship, pumpkin patch for area hospitals, and school supply drive for Catholic school on an Indian reservation.

Goal 5: Guiding the development and stewardship of all resources involves the responsible use of human, educational and fiscal resources, showing respect for all of God's creation; and especially identifying, fostering and developing the talents of all students and teachers.

A St. Paul parent writes "I chose St. Paul for my child because of the environment it provides for the children. They are nurtured and challenged . . . The strong academic program, the discipline, and the religious atmosphere were all factors that influenced my decision."

Student Kimberly Nickelberry agrees: "St. Paul teachers care about your learning. St. Paul School teaches you to love God first, then love yourself and others."

"St. Paul teaches us to resolve conflicts peaceful and pray at a young age so we can grow to be mature and respectful adults." (student)

"St. Paul is our home. We attend church there and our children go to school there. I thank God everyday that we have such a wonderful place in our lives!" (parent)