School Spotlight: Saint Stephen’s Catholic School

The 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. Stephen’s Catholic School: where every individual is valued and treated with kindness.

For over 160 years the parish of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church has served the Anoka area. Seventy-five years ago, St. Stephen’s Catholic school was opened to continue the parish mission “to seek, love, and serve Jesus Christ.”

Mr. Gerald Rehder has been serving students through education for 12 years, 6 of which have been dedicated to St. Stephen’s Catholic School. As principal of St. Stephen’s, Mr. Rehder has witnessed what makes the school stand out. He shares,

“In our school community, we are proud to serve a diverse group of students and families. What makes our school truly unique is our commitment to teaching respect and honoring one another. We emphasize the importance of respecting not only adults, but also fellow students—creating a culture where every individual is valued and treated with kindness.”

Mr. Rehder believes that the foundation of a well-educated community begins with a recognition of the dignity of every individual. He explains, “The mission of St. Stephen’s School is to seek academic excellence, love one another with dignity, and serve as disciples of Christ. I am proud to play a role in shaping students into individuals who will grow to be respectful, kind adults—committed to working hard and serving the Lord in all they do.” 

With its focus on forming not only excellent students, but also exceptional citizens, the Aim Higher Foundation is proud to support families who desire access to St. Stephen’s but without support, would likely not be able to enroll. 

A parent of an Aim Higher scholar shares the blessings on her family from the scholarships. “I grew up in West Africa and went to Catholic school, so after I relocated to the US and having my children, I wanted them to attend a Catholic school as well. I found the amazing St. Stephen’s Catholic school in Anoka, and my kids fell in love with learning there. However, I found myself straining to afford the full tuition for my both kids. Blessedly, my children were granted Aim Higher Scholarships, which have greatly eased the financial strain of tuition. My kids and I are so grateful for that assistance.”

Principal Rehder expounds on Aim Higher’s impact in the school community. “The Aim Higher Foundation has provided children with the opportunity to attend a Catholic school—an opportunity they might not have had otherwise. This financial support has made a lasting difference in the lives of many families. Mr. O’Keefe, in particular, has shown genuine care and heartfelt concern in helping these children receive not only a strong academic education, but also a deep love for their Catholic faith.”

About St. Stephen’s Catholic School
St. Stephen’s Catholic school is an extension of the mission of its flourishing founding parish. The school serves children and families in preschool through 8th grade. Each grade level has two classes of children, supporting their enrollment of approximately 380 students from over 250 families. The Aim Higher Foundation is grateful for its partnership with St. Stephen’s to extend the gift of education of the mind and soul to every family who seeks it. Learn more here.