The first graduating class in 1950 consisted of 13 students. By 1952 the three classrooms formerly used as convent housing were needed, so a new convent was built for the sisters. In 1954 a second school building, "The Primary Building", was made ready for use. The total enrollment at that time was 774. The second floor of the primary building was needed for classes by 1959. An additional four classrooms were added to the main building in 1961. Enrollment grew to 1,257 children by 1965. In 1975, St. Bernadette School was one of the first Catholic schools to open a Preschool.

New & Exciting Plans For the 2010/2011 School Year

3/1/10

 Saint Bernadette School is happy to announce a new stepping-stone in our history. Building on 60 years of tradition in faith, values and excellence, we are venturing on to new places in the 21^st century.

From the Principal:  "I have truly felt blessed to be a part of the 60 years of tradition at St. Bernadette – a place of academic excellence and a strong formation of faith and values. I feel equally blessed to be a part of the exciting plans for St. Bernadette’s future. When Sr. Mary Paul (the Superintendent of the Archdiocesan schools) and Ms. Paty Welagala (our Associate Superintendent) proposed that St. Bernadette School become a “model” for the Archdiocese and become a multiage academy fostering Inquiry Learning skills and the implementation of technology in all curricular areas, the idea of changing our name to St. Bernadette Catholic Academy became a serious consideration. It was very important that the traditions of “St. Bernadette” and being “Catholic” remain a part of us yet we felt that we were becoming something more than the traditional school of learning. When we looked up the definition of “academy” in the dictionary it was defined as “a school of specialized learning” which is exactly what we are planning to become.

Our children will learn differently than others. The days of “Open up your Science book to p. 34 and begin reading” are over. We will still use textbooks as one of our learning tools but there will be many other additional learning strategies - websites on the computer, trade books, collaborative learning, learning centers, creative projects, and manipulatives."  Mrs. Arlene Baumann

21^st Century learning skills will be implemented in all grades. Inquiry skills go beyond content knowledge. Students are engaged in thinking skills that involve them in learning beyond a textbook – hands on activities, group projects and computer-based learning.

Students learn how to use productivity tools: word processor, spreadsheets, database and presentation software in our state-of-the-art Technology lab. They apply and integrate these skills as well as acquire new knowledge using designated websites and virtual tours. Older students will use individual laptops while younger students will work at mini-computer labs in each classroom.

In multi-age classes, students are grouped together by ages-not by grade. Teachers will focus on students’ individual learning needs. Research shows that this grouping promotes cognitive and social growth and increases active learning.