Cradled in rural northeastern Indiana is one of the finest Catholic schools in the state. St. Louis Academy, located on Lincoln Highway East, has been giving children and teens a solid educational foundation since 1915.
St. Louis Academy, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, welcomes new families and keeps the spirit of tradition alive for families who have been part of the community for generations.
At St. Louis Academy people come first. Our student-centered approach to teaching is distinguished by: personal attention, parent involvement, dedicated staff and Christian values in all subjects.
At St. Louis Academy we understand family life in the 21st century.
Come meet our family
Exciting opportunities await your family at St. Louis Academy. You can arrange to meet the members of our school family and see our facilities by calling (260) 749-5815.
School History
Under Construction
Academics With A Plus
At St. Louis Academy we believe in preparing students for a lifetime of learning by building a strong foundation in reading, writing, mathematics and science. Our math and science classes blend hands-on activities and creative problem solving skills with more traditional classroom techniques.
Each student's academic experience is enhanced by regular instruction in:
* Art
* Computer training
* Classroom music physical education
* Liturgical music religious education
St. Louis students do well historically on the ISTEP test. Eighth grade achieved 100% pass rate, number one of all non-public schools in the state in 2000. Our third grade achieved the same honor in 2001.
In addition to technology available in the school's computer lab, St. Louis students have access to computers in their classrooms. Visits to museums, historical sites and nature preserves also supplement the academic program at St. Louis Academy.
Our teachers, fully certified by the State of Indiana, add to the strength of our curriculum. With an average of 12 years of teaching experience, our faculty renews its commitment to exemplary teaching each year.
Every Student Counts
St. Louis Academy operates as a family. With fewer than 110 students, our average class size is 17. Because of our small size and personal approach to instruction, each student benefits from individual attention in the classroom.
Another distinctive feature of St. Louis Academy is the warm spirit of cooperation among school, staff, parents, alumni and parishioners. Volunteers assist school employees on a daily basis in helping students reach their full potential.
The school board and the Home and School Association (HASA) also provide an opportunity for parents to become involved.
* Christ-centered teaching
* Our Catholic tradition sets the tone for every aspect of learning at St. Louis Academy. From the way students are taught to treat one another to their community service projects, St. Louis students embrace the Catholic faith throughout the school day.
* Daily religion lessons
* Traditional daily prayers
* Weekly liturgies
* Celebration of Christian feast days
* Traditions marking church seasons
* Involvement in daily parish life
Accreditation
St. Louis Academy is accredited by the state of Indiana and in April, 2003 earned accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. All textbooks and course materials are adopted to meet state as well as diocesan standards of excellence. Students receive instruction in the basic academic subjects. Music, physical education, art and computer instruction are also important components. Religious education, the fundamental core of the curriculum, meets both diocesan criteria and St. Louis Parish enrichments.
Administration, Faculty and Staff
Fr. Stephen E. Colchin, Pastor
Mrs. Carolyn Kirkendall, Principal
Mrs. Anita Bowers, Secretary
Mrs. JoEllen Smith, Kindergarten
Mrs. Sue Rost, First and Second Grades
Mrs. Marianne Hammon, Third and Fourth Grades
Mrs. Amy Wilson, Fifth and Sixth Grades
Mrs. Rita Brueggeman, Teachers' Aide
Mrs. Cindy Givens, Art Instructor
Mrs. Leslie LeCoque, Computer Instructor
Ms. Abby Amstutz, Music Instructor
Mrs. Rachelle Burkhead, Physical Education
Mrs. Janice Robbins, Cafeteria Manager
Mrs. Nicole Voglewede, Librarian
Mrs. Kelly Hamman, School Nurse
Mrs. Phyllis Stuerzenberger, School Nurse
2007-2008 Home and School Association Officers
Mrs. Kelly Hamman, President
Mrs. Nicole Platter, Vice President
Mrs. Ellen Oberley, Secretary
Mrs. Deb Herschberger, Treasurer
2007-2008 School Board
Mr. Denny Smith, President
Mrs. Pam Berning, Vice President
Mrs. Janice Robbins, Secretary
Mrs. Margaret Witham
Mrs. Jane Knight
Mr. Mike Weissert
St. Louis/St. Rose Athletic Advisory Board
Mr. Mike Castleman
Mrs. Devonna Davis
Mr. Ted Jacquay
Mrs. Ava Meyer
Mrs. Kim Sheehan
Mr. Mark Stuerzenberger
Mission Statement
It is the mission of St. Louis Academy to provide a Christ-centered education guided by the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith. In our community children are educated in collaboration with their families in these teachings and traditions.
Education is a lifelong learning process. Students are challenged as members of the world community to live faith-filled lives; to contribute their talents in serving others; and to seek justice and peace as they witness the Good News.
Philosophy
As a Catholic school, St. Louis Academy is responsible for supporting the Christian principles of Jesus' life as well as those of the Catholic faith. These principles are practiced through our experiences in the parish community, in matters of faith, and in efforts to emphasize the individuality and self-worth of each student.
Our basic philosophy is that all people are unique and carry God's image within them. This presence of God makes us wholly human and deserving of respect, care, and love. In addition, this "God Within Us" demands that we extend our respect and loving care to all other people. Beyond this basic philosophy, there are several objectives included in the efforts of our Catholic school that reflect the dimensions of message, service, community, and worship:
* To set a foundation for future growth in religious faith so that students will enjoy a personal relationship with God throughout their lives.
* To develop students' respect for all life ~ born or unborn, young or old, healthy or ill.
* To help students demonstrate their understanding of the gospel values (community, forgiveness, peace and justice) in their everyday activities.
* To teach peaceful resolutions to conflict.
* To develop the students' sense of belonging to a Christian community; the school and parish family are a source of support and friendship.
* To develop the relationships among students and faculty as a faith-sharing community.
* To make students aware of the world-wide problems hurting all God's people and to help them identify realistic ways in which we participate in the solutions.
* To help students show others their willingness to forgive.
* To help students grow alert to the needs and feelings of their fellow classmates.
* To encourage family participation through home prayer and sacramental preparation.
* To develop student participation in the many forms of worship: Mass, prayer service and individual prayer.
* To teach students to use alternative methods of prayer: formal prayer, spontaneous prayer and reflective prayer.
* To develop a positive atmosphere for academic and spiritual growth for all students.
We support the Christian family as having the greatest role in teaching Christian and human values. Parents are the child's first and most important teachers. St. Louis Academy operates with the understanding that parents care about their children's education and have the responsibility to be a vital part of anything that involves this education.
Support from alumni and friends is more important now than ever with the rising cost of education. Consider investing in the future by making a tax-deductible donation to the St. Louis Academy Alumni Appeal.
Please consider calculating your support based on the year you graduated from SLA. For example, if you graduated in 1957, you may wish to contribute $1,957.00, $195.70 or $19.57.
Our Alumni list is just half completed. Please assist us in compiling and maintaining our records by notifying our Alumni Coordinator of any address changes or missed graduates.
Scrip is a fund raising program that allows nonprofit organizations like St. Louis Academy to raise thousands of dollars at no extra cost to its families and supporters.
How Does Scrip Work?
Each week the school buys gift certificates (scrips) at discounts from grocery, restaurant, retail, drug, department, and specialty stores all over the United States. A percentage discount is given to us at the time of purchase. We then resell the Scrip to you, the school families and other parish members, at full face value and realize substantial profits. These profits are then passed directly on to you in the form of tuition assistance. St. Louis is one of the only schools in the diocese that gives directly back to its school families. Each quarter you will see 75% of your families profit deducted right off of your tuition statement.
SCRIP is not a fundraiser like raffle tickets, selling candy or magazines. SCRIP can be referred to as "shopping cart fundraising". Your family can produce revenue by making purchases you would make anyway. Groceries, clothing, toys, gifts, and gasoline can be purchased with SCRIP. Studies show that a school of our size can easily spend nearly one million dollars per year on these essentials. If we can use SCRIP for these purchases, we can raise as much as $15,000 PROFIT per year for our families--- without spending an additional penny. It is crazy not to!
That is why we are asking EACH of the families in our school to try SCRIP. Then, the key is, to incorporate it into your budget and spending habits on a permanent basis. Once you start, it can become easy to support the generous merchants in our area who give us these deep discounts by shopping with SCRIP. There is no reason St. Louis should not take full advantage of this program. NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO START!
Where Can I Get Scrip?
SCRIP is available in the parish office from 8:00 a.m. - noon each weekday, after both weekend masses in the cry room, and/or by sending in an order form with your child each Friday. You simply fill out the order form and pay with cash or make your check payable to ST. LOUIS SCRIP. We encourage and welcome your participation. If you have further questions on just how SCRIP works, now is the time to ask!
