School Spotlight: St. Jerome’s School, Maplewood, MN

This new School Spotlight series is an invitation for supporters and friends to learn about individual schools’ life-transforming work – and why we provide access to all 80 schools serving grades K-8 in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

St. Jerome’s School, located in Maplewood, MN, is one of the most diverse of the 80 Catholic schools serving grades K-8 in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: 94% are students of color and 70% come from families where English is the second language.

“Our arms are open and our hearts are ready to welcome all families who desire the faith-based education and learning environment we offer,” shares Principal Anne Gattman. “St. Jerome School is a beautiful culturally and socioeconomically diverse community. As an example, we have many families from the country of Myanmar whose first language is Karen (ka-REN), and we are committed to meeting the unique needs of these students with specialized language and cultural support. I am proud to lead a crew of dedicated, loving, and brilliant educators who are dedicated to providing an excellent, personal, and fulfilling Catholic education. They love this community; it’s what keeps our talented and dedicated faculty here.”

The staff’s dedication is readily apparent. Mr. Tyler Small, counselor, shares, “I love working at St. Jerome’s School because the students vibrantly represent all that is great in the world and in their cultures, displayed with unmatched humor and insight. They know they can ask for help because this loving community will wrap itself around anyone with personalized support, deliver it with compassion, and share success in joyful celebration!”

St. Jerome’s commitment to welcome all who desire the life-transforming benefits of Catholic education is, in large part, dependent on the broader community’s support. The Aim Higher Foundation is a significant piece of the financial aid picture at St. Jerome’s. Mrs. Gattman relays the community’s appreciation, “The Aim Higher Foundation has been right there with us for many years as we’ve grown our enrollment and our need for financial scholarships. We are deeply grateful to the supporters of the Aim Higher Foundation’s mission who understand how important it is to open doors throughout the archdiocese. Aim Higher alone has provided nearly 500 scholarships for our families since our partnership began in school year 2014-15.”

Over 90% of the families receive tuition assistance.

Florence Amenya whose children have received Aim Higher Scholarships for a number of years expresses her appreciation. “I am grateful for the Aim Higher Foundation, for their committed partnership in my children’s education. Their financial assistance makes the tuition glass half full! My children and I are forever indebted to them for making Catholic education possible.” Pah Chi, another parent of an Aim Higher Scholars, agrees. “Our kids simply wouldn’t be able to attend Catholic school without your support. Thank you.”

Craig Fiedler, Director of Advancement, notes the impact that this partnership has made on the school as a whole. “Our partnership with the Aim Higher Foundation is a powerful example of how strong community relationships create a lasting impact on the families we serve. Their investment in our students drives our mission forward in meaningful ways. We do this work together — in true partnership — with the dedicated Aim Higher team. Their unwavering support and shared commitment to our students inspire us every step of the way, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them by our side.”

About St. Jerome
St. Jerome School opened its doors in 1951. The school, offering a classical, liberal arts focus, serves children from Preschool through Grade 8, and offers multiple extracurricular activities and community engagement opportunities. Enrollment is 210 in the current school year. The school staff is particularly intentional about embracing its beautiful culturally and socioeconomically diverse population.

Learn more about St. Jerome School.