Founded in 1927, Saint Andrew Catholic elementary school and preschool has come a long way in the past 96 years. The school opened its two doors, one for each room of the original building, to 47 students during August of that originating year. Fast-forward to the incoming class of 2023, where Principal Robert Sikora proudly managed a school of 730-plus students ranging from PreK-3 years old through eighth grade.
Saint Andrew, the parochial powerhouse of Bucks County, specifically Newtown, now hosts 37 classrooms, state-of-the-art facilities, which include computer science labs, a chapel and a student banking branch. The staff of this award-winning school prides themselves on delivering a top-notch religious and academic education while preparing their students for high school and beyond.
Newtown City Lifestyle asked Robert for updates as he just wrapped up his fourth year as principal.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, SPECIFICALLY SAINT ANDREW?
Our goal is to get our kids to heaven. We teach them love and kindness while demanding strong academics from them. We have a team of teachers that push them to be the best they can be.
WHAT ABOUT THE SIZE OF SAINT ANDREW?
We are the perfect size. We have 55 to 70 kids per grade level, with three to four homerooms. Kids get to know everyone in their grade level without being in the same homeroom every year and getting to experience change each year. The kids push each other to be successful. Also, the size allows us to have access to more and better resources including full-time teachers for all subjects.
TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT?
Monsignor (Michael) Picard is the consistent factor. Previously being a principal at Lansdale Catholic and having a long career teaching in the Archdiocese, he has a love for Catholic school and his leadership along with a great dedicated team of teachers and staff has driven growth. Also, just word-of-mouth from parents and the community who highly recommend our school.
WHAT CAN PARENTS EXPECT THEIR CHILDREN TO GAIN FROM A CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION AT SAINT ANDREW?
A Catholic education, formation of lasting relationships and a strong academic foundation. Many of our kids go on to attend great high schools and are successful which then positions them to go on to be wanted by colleges of choice.
SAINT ANDREW IS A BLUE-RIBBON SCHOOL. CAN YOU SPEAK TO OTHER AWARDS THE SCHOOL HAS WON?
Our school consistently wins the “School of Distinguished Instruction” awarded by the Archdiocese. Last year, we were only one of two schools who received it for overall performance and meeting expected growth. We also were featured nationally for our financial literacy program where the school operates a bank and stock market club.
ANY RECENT UPGRADES COMING TO THE SCHOOL?
The gym is being completely remodeled and modernized. Additional classrooms are being built out to support growth. Last year all our technology was upgraded. And the school added air conditioning four years ago.
SAINT ANDREW OFFERS PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS; TELL US ABOUT THAT.
We have a great early childhood program for Pre-K3 through full-day kindergarten that starts with 3-year-olds. More than 85% of our preschool students continue their education at Saint Andrew. We've grown to four classes per year and currently have a waiting list.
“Our goal is to set a strong foundation and drive our kids to be successful, which leads to freedom of choice when selecting a premier high school and college because the schools want them," says this proud principal.
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“If you want your child to be surrounded by adults who love them and classmates who care, while being pushed to reach their full potential, Saint Andrew is a great place for that." ~Robert Sikora, Saint Andrew School principal in Newtown.