Let it be known to all who enter here that Jesus Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in all its classes, the model for its faculty, and the inspiration for its students.
Developing the Whole Child in Mind, Body, Spirit.
17104 Spring Mill Road, Westfield, IN 46074
(317) 896-5582
Saint Maria Goretti Parish is a vibrant Catholic community located north of Indianapolis in Westfield, Indiana. Saint Maria Goretti School has offered a quality Catholic education since 1996 and is currently serving over 420 students in grades Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Upon entering the school structure stakeholders and guests are immediately welcomed by the school’s mission statement which is prominently displayed in the entrance hallway.
Let it be known to all who enter here that Jesus Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in all its classes, the model for its faculty, and the inspiration for its students.
Embodying the mission statement through all facets of the educational process is the essential element that sets the school apart from the many high achieving public schools within the surrounding communities.
Saint Maria Goretti School is distinctive among many Catholic schools as it is a stewardship school which is based on four fundamental philosophical pillars:
· Attend Mass regularly at Saint Maria Goretti Parish
· Regularly tithe at Saint Maria Goretti Parish
· Complete at least 30 hours of service hours per family within the parish
· Participate in the Diocese’s Capital Campaign to support Diocesan programs
Adherence to a stewardship model allows all parish families the opportunity to receive a Catholic education regardless of income.
The teachings of Jesus Christ are consistently modeled within the school environment and are supported through the recitation of the school pledge by all members of the school community at the beginning and end of each day. The vision of developing each child in mind, body, and spirit is exemplified in the following working goal statement for our students and staff:
I am building the Kingdom of God today! I am doing the right thing today! I am treating people right today! I am working my brain! I am happy and healthy! Saint Maria Goretti – pray for us!
This pledge is the focus of the school and provides the guiding principles for all students. The components of the pledge are measured by various data points to allow the community to stay abreast of the school’s progress towards this vision. The data pieces collected are Diocesan religious assessment, classroom formative and summative data, behavior model, growth models using NWEA and ISTEP+ assessments, and fitness/gross motor skills assessments.
The students and staff embrace the concept of “Building the Kingdom of God” as they participate in many community service opportunities. This outreach program allows the students to actively engage in helping others by providing needed items and raising money throughout the school year. The students’ participation in these charitable activities exemplifies an active faith and provides a richer understanding of doing the right thing for others and treating people right.
The students also participate in their faith through many religious traditions that provide exceptional leadership opportunities. During the Lenten Season, which is considered the most holy period of the Catholic calendar, Eighth Grade students lead the school in a Living Stations of the Cross and a reenactment of the Last Supper. All of the students participate in the Right to Life procession each winter, All Saints Day in the fall, and assist with the parish food pantry throughout the year.
Saint Maria Goretti students perennially excel in all academic areas. Our school was designated a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education in 2013. Saint Maria Goretti also receives an “A” rating from the Indiana Department of Education annually. This rating from the State is based on academic performance and demonstrated growth on the state standardized assessment, ISTEP+. The staff continuously evaluates student achievement in order to design and/or adjust appropriate differentiated instruction based on the learning styles and needs of the students. All instruction is focused on the minimum goal of one academic grade level of student growth. Many technological tools and programs are utilized to support the differentiated curriculum. This technology integration allows students to become actively engaged in lessons and authentic exposure to communication and information venues which will be utilized in their future.
In building the Kingdom of God, each student at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School will learn more about and encompass the essence of these Angel Rocks:
Faithfulness
Responsibility
Common Sense
Self-Control
Best Effort
Teamwork
Honesty
Courage
Patience
Caring
Joy