Mission Statement & School History

Vision Statement:

St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School embraces the vision of a Christ-centered learning environment rooted in the richness of Roman Catholic Tradition and Gospel values that are learned and lived by its members who grow in faith, knowledge, wisdom, and grace. St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School nurtures personal growth, scholarship, life-long learning, service, and stewardship. Students are empowered to address the challenges of the present and create a future based on the example and teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church.

Mission Statement:

At its foundation, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School supports the Holy Catholic Church and the Diocese of Arlington Office of Catholic School's philosophy of Catholic education. Christ addressed the Apostles at the Ascension and bestowed the office of teacher upon the Catholic Church. Obedient to this divine challenge and guided by the Holy Spirit, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School's mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Catholic education that promotes the full development of each student. Working together, our priests, faculty, staff, students, parents, and parish community achieve this mission in three ways. We provide a Christ-centered school community that communicates God's love, teaches the Catholic faith, and models Catholic values. The community fosters the development of knowledge and skills needed for critical thinking and problem solving in today's changing society. In addition, St. Andrew the Apostle School promotes an integrated curriculum that accommodates diverse learners in a global and technological world.

Philosophy of Learning:

Rooted in the richness of Catholic tradition, Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic School is a Christ-centered learning environment that cultivates the potential of students and adults within the faith community. Students' spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development is promoted through the statement of School-wide Learning Expectations. Participation in prayer, Holy Mass, and the sacraments fosters a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Integrated curriculum and best practices in education are supported and refined by identified student needs and evidence-based research. As an educational center where Gospel values are learned and embraced by all members, this school is a center for life-long learning that challenges and empowers faculty to assess the present, embrace diverse learners, and design the future.

St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School-Wide Learning Expectations:

St. Andrew the Apostle's School-Wide Learning Expectations define the spiritual, academic, social, physical, and emotional characteristics that a student of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School will work towards, attain, and develop throughout the student's years of attendance. A St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School student strives to be a person who is a:

I. Faith-Filled Catholic

a.  Practices Christian virtues by making good moral judgments
b.  Is aware of various forms of prayer
c.  Uses their talents by giving service in school, parish, and community
d.  Locates and understands Scripture passages

II. Lifelong Learner

a.  Values the Fine Arts
b.  Uses research skills
c.  Applies technology
d. Demonstrates inquiry-based learning to achieve academic potential
e. Uses critical thinking skills to solve problems
f.  Has acquired the knowledge and skills that are foundational to future grade levels

III. Effective Communicators

a.  Expresses written and oral ideas clearly
b.  Develops active listening skills
c.  Expresses beliefs and opinions respectfully and with conviction
d.  Demonstrates manners and courtesy appropriately

IV. Responsible Individuals

a.  Strives to live healthy life style and make effective choices
b.  Respects social and cultural differences
c.  Respects different viewpoints and perspectives

V. Creative Achievers

a. Shows curiosity and enthusiasm
b. Interacts positively with diverse groups of people
c. Accepts challenges and pursues learning goals
d. Works independently and collaboratively

VI. Self-Aware Students

           a.  Demonstrates well-rounded spiritual, mental, and physical development
           b.  Reflects upon and analyzes options when making choices
           c.  Adapts to changing conditions

History of the School:

St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church was established in 1989. Members originally met in the Centreville Firehouse before moving to Centreville High School where parishioners remained until March 1993. On April 3, 1993 the late Bishop John R. Keating dedicated the Church as well as a new school building. In August of that year, St. Andrew the Apostle School opened its doors as a one track (one class per grade) school. The School currently offers enrollment in grades Pre-K 4's through 8th.

St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School is a Christ-centered community that is committed to teaching students the Catholic faith, developing Christian values, promoting community service, while always striving for academic excellence. Through this dedication and commitment, the school was accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association in 1997, just four years after its founding — a rare accomplishment. The Virginia Catholic Education Association's accreditation process has been approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education Committee on Accreditation as authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education. St. Andrew School provides an academically challenging curriculum rooted in Catholic faith and tradition.

St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School follows the school curriculum set forth by the Diocese of Arlington. The school curriculum can be viewed at the Arlington Diocesan website. The school has a beginner band program as well as an advanced band program. Extracurricular activities include CYO Basketball, CYO Tennis, Battle of the Books Club, Blanket Buddies Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Student Government, Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Choir, Mileage Club, National Junior Honor Society and others.

Mission Statement & School History

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