For families evaluating where to invest in their children’s education, longevity alone is not enough. Results, rigor and values must stand behind the name.
At the School of St. Elizabeth, that investment has unfolded for more than a century through a model that blends academic strength, character formation and forward-looking instruction.
Founded in 1916 and connected to the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the School of St. Elizabeth serves students from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Principal Beth Donley, who has worked at the school for eight years in multiple leadership roles, says the mission is both rooted in tradition and focused on growth.
“We are a legacy school, but we are also a growing and thriving school,” Donley says. “Families invest here not only for academics, but for the formation of the whole child. Strong leadership and strong academics go hand in hand.”
Donley began as a middle school language arts teacher before serving as dean of students and vice principal. She also brings corporate experience, giving her perspective on both educational leadership and operational strategy.
Building the Foundation Early
While much attention often focuses on middle school preparation, Donley emphasizes that the school’s strength begins in its earliest grades.
“Starting in kindergarten and continuing through eighth grade provides children with a strong, consistent foundation during their most formative years — academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually,” she says.
In prekindergarten and elementary school, students develop early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in small class settings that allow for individualized instruction. Teachers differentiate daily, adjusting lessons to meet students where they are.
“Small class size allows us to meet students where they are,” Donley says. “Differentiation is not a buzzword here. It’s daily practice.”
Faith integration also begins early. Donley says exposure to values-based education during prekindergarten and elementary years strengthens integrity, discipline, respect and responsibility.
“Our Catholic identity reinforces character from the start,” she says. “When children are grounded early, that foundation carries with them into middle school and beyond.”
Academic Rigor and Measurable Results
A common misconception about Catholic schools, Donley says, is that they lack academic rigor. At St. Elizabeth, performance data suggests otherwise. The school reports a 100% high school acceptance rate among graduates and ranks at the top of its diocese in MAP testing scores in both math and English language arts.
The school holds advanced STEM certification, internally referred to as STREAM, which integrates religion into science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics instruction. The designation reflects updated science curriculum, engineering concepts and technology integration across all grade levels.
Students have access to a full computer lab and a one-to-one Chromebook program. Technology is used as a learning tool, Donley says, not a replacement for foundational skills.
“We want students to understand how to apply what they are learning to real-world situations,” she says.
Preparing Students for What Comes Next
One signature program is the eighth-grade Capstone project, built around the Design Thinking framework developed at Stanford University. The multi-month assignment requires students to identify a real-world problem, conduct research, consult experts and publicly present solutions.
“It’s an eight-month process,” Donley says. “Students define a problem, research it deeply and build a solution model. That level of project work is often introduced in high school or college. We start earlier.”
Eighth grade also includes structured high school preparation. Students receive testing support, interview coaching and portfolio development. High school fairs connect families with private, Catholic and other secondary institutions.
“Instead of just handing over a resume, they can show who they are and what they’ve built,” Donley says.
Community and Investment
Investment in teacher quality remains a priority. Professional development is supported through school leadership and parent-driven fundraising, coordinated largely through the Home and School Association. Those funds expand curriculum resources, training and extracurricular programming.
“Our parent community is deeply involved,” Donley says. “Their support directly impacts what we can offer students and teachers each year.”
Beyond academics, the school offers athletics, choral programs, musicals and academic fairs. Community events, including the STREAM fair and the annual Shamrock Shuffle fundraiser, strengthen family engagement and local partnerships.
Looking ahead, leadership priorities include enrollment growth, campus improvements and continued academic modernization.
“We want students to be well prepared academically, but also well prepared as people,” Donley says. “Good citizens. People of character. People who contribute positively to society.”
For families weighing educational options, Donley says the investment is clear.
“They are investing in academic strength, character development and individual attention,” she says. “That combination matters.”
School of Saint Elizabeth
Website: steschool.org
Address: 30 Seney Dr, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Phone: (908) 766-0244
“We are a legacy school—but we are also a growing and thriving school. Families invest here not only for academics, but for the formation of the whole child.” - Principal, Beth Donley