St. Patrick School in Chatham stands as a beacon of academic excellence, rooted in Catholic tradition and a commitment to developing the whole child. For over 150 years, it has served families with a dynamic and values-driven education that prepares students to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
To begin, academic achievement is one of the school’s defining strengths. Students consistently perform above national averages in reading and math, and graduates go on to attend some of the region’s most prestigious high schools, including Delbarton, Regis, Xavier, and The Peddie School. These outcomes reflect the school’s emphasis on personalized instruction, intellectual curiosity, and a culture that celebrates learning.
Equally important, faith is central to daily life at St. Patrick School. As a Catholic institution, it fosters spiritual growth alongside academic development, encouraging students to see their education as a path to serve others with compassion and integrity. From liturgies and sacramental preparation to service projects and community outreach, students are formed in both mind and heart.
Furthermore, St. Patrick School serves children from preschool through eighth grade. Its intentionally small, close-knit environment allows for meaningful relationships among students, teachers, and families, and ensures every child is known, supported, and challenged. The preschool and elementary grades build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and social development, all within a nurturing, faith-filled setting.
To meet diverse needs, the Transitional Kindergarten program serves children who may need more time to develop social-emotional readiness or miss the traditional kindergarten cutoff. It provides a purposeful bridge that respects each child’s pace of growth and helps them confidently transition into the elementary program.
As students progress, the middle school experience at St. Patrick School is rich in both academic rigor and leadership opportunities. With an emphasis on high school preparation, students engage in advanced coursework, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. In addition to core subjects, they take on roles in student government, service leadership, and public speaking, developing the skills and confidence to thrive in the next chapter of their education.
At the heart of the school’s innovation is its nationally certified STEM program. Recognized by Cognia, a leading authority in educational accreditation, St. Patrick School’s STEM approach goes beyond science and math to include language arts, social studies, and the fine arts. Through inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning, students gain experience applying creativity, analysis, and problem-solving across subjects.
For example, recent STEM projects have included second graders researching food deserts and designing rooftop gardens, and seventh graders exploring wildfire-resistant housing and the fireproof properties of certain strawberry plants. These projects highlight the school’s mission to cultivate thoughtful, compassionate problem-solvers who apply their learning to real-world challenges.
St. Patrick School’s excellence is also reflected in the people who lead it. Principal Dr. Christine Ross, a lifelong Catholic educator, brings decades of experience to her role and works alongside a faculty that includes many teachers who have served for more than 20 years. This remarkable stability fosters a deeply rooted culture of trust, tradition, and shared purpose. Calling the school a family is no exaggeration. Dr. Ross’s husband coaches the cross country and track teams, and their two sons are proud graduates of St. Patrick School.
Looking ahead, the community welcomes Father Jared Brogan as pastor of St. Patrick Parish, following the retirement of beloved longtime pastor Father Bob Mitchell. Father Bob has been the spiritual cornerstone of the school community, known for his unwavering support of students, staff, and families. His presence has helped shape the warm and faith-filled environment that defines St. Patrick School. Father Jared's arrival marks a moment of renewal and opportunity for families eager to join during a meaningful time of transition. It is a time when long-held traditions continue, and academic excellence thrives within a faith-centered community.
We invite you to experience the warmth, spirit, and academic excellence of St. Patrick’s School for yourself. Whether you're exploring options for early childhood or middle school, there's no better way to understand what makes this community so special than to see it in action. Schedule a personal tour, meet the dedicated faculty, and witness how faith and learning come together to shape compassionate, confident leaders. Visit www.spschatham.org to learn more and take the first step toward joining the St. Patrick’s family.