Saint Rita School

Visit the school website at: www.saint-rita.org

SCHOOL HISTORY

St. Rita of Cascia School, Aurora has served the people of the parish and community for more than fifty years. During the early years of the parish, the children of St. Rita were educated in six different parochial schools and four public schools in the area. In the fall of 1956, St. Rita pastor, Msgr. Thomas Birmingham rented the vacant Indian Creek public school building of four classrooms for one dollar a year. Additional classes were hosted at St. Joseph School and St. Michael’s. St. Rita School began under the direction of two Sisters of St. Francis from Joliet, Sr. Lorraine and Sr. Dominic. It was with great enthusiasm in 1960 when the parish campus opened at its present site of 770 W. Old Indian Trail. The church and twelve-classroom school were constructed under one roof. Since that time the school has added four additional classrooms and a gymnasium. Having St. Rita Church and School housed under one roof has provided access to the worship space, which has been an important part of the learning atmosphere for the school children.

St. Rita School has maintained a beautiful campus and modern facility. The most recent improvements to the facility include a modern technology lab with Internet capability, a remodeled kitchen in the school lunchroom for the daily lunch program, a well maintained gymnasium with hardwood flooring. In the summer of 2007 the building was remodeled including all new energy efficient windows. The classrooms were upgraded with new heating units and air conditioners.

A visitor to St. Rita of Cascia School will see how the integrity of the historical beauty has been maintained in the slate foyer. Yet, the facility is updated to be a safe and comfortable space for the learner. In the fall of 2006, for the fiftieth anniversary year a former tradition of an annual School Carnival and Fair was begun. It was a reinstatement of the original “Feast and Fun Days” that was instituted in 1956 to raise the necessary building funds but more importantly to celebrate the beginning of the new parish school. Each fall, when we celebrate the opening of a new school year, we give thanks to the many pastors, principals and teachers who have served to provide a faith based education rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. In a special way we celebrate those generations of students, parents, and parishioners who are part of the legacy of St. Rita of Cascia School in Aurora. Our patroness, St. Rita is known as the “Saint of the Impossible.”

 For the people of St. Rita of Cascia Parish and School, we know that “with God all things are possible.” We give thanks to God, our Heavenly Father for the gift of Catholic education at St. Rita of Cascia School.

PROGRAMS

Pre-Kindergarten Children are ready for a school experience at four years old. Think of the days when the main focus of Kindergarten was socialization. It was a time when children moved from the familiar place of home and family to a new setting of school and friends. PreKindergarten for 4 year olds is the new Kindergarten. Children have new opportunities to explore and play with other children. They have experiences cooperating with other children: they learn to wait their turn, work with others, share supplies etc. They learn to use language appropriately and extensively. They develop a sense of self worth and independence. They learn important listening skills. What is the most important reason to choose St. Rita of Cascia PreKindergarten? At St. Rita, we provide a safe and caring environment. As parents you begin to teach your children about their faith and at school we continue to provide experiences to help them learn more about God. Little children learn that “Jesus Loves Us”. 

Full Day Kindergarten 

Today’s five year olds are ready to move on to the experience of becoming readers. In Reading, they are introduced to the sounds that the letters make. When we put the letters together they become words. Words become stories. The world of reading is opened to them. In math, the children learn the meaning of numbers, to add and subtract, to learn to count sets of ten. At St. Rita School, children also learn about the wonders of God’s world. They share stories about how God loves them, how they can grow to love God and how to share that love with others. During center time they can use their imagination and choose to play in the housekeeping area, with blocks and puzzles, writer’s corner or art center. We are very proud of the developmentally appropriate curriculum that we offer at St. Rita School. Our program strives to help students develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. Children are our greatest treasure. The decision to choose a school for your child is very important. We trust that you will be very happy wit a decision to enroll at St. Rita of Cascia School. Grades 1-8 

Students at St. Rita School have a tradition of scoring high on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, frequently scoring in the top 10% on the nation. This happens because teachers work everyday to help students reach their personal best. Each successive year, students are expected to demonstrate significant academic growth. Because of our focus on faith development and service, students are encouraged to grow spiritually and to share their talents generously with the school community. A graduate of St. Rita of Cascia School has successfully met the goals and expectations of our excellent program. They are well prepared for the next stage of education in high school.

ADMISSION

It is the policy of St. Rita of Cascia School to admit students of any gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students. Students are admitted to St. Rita of Cascia School based on the following priority schedule:  1. Students from families with other currently enrolled children. 2. Students from families that are registered members of St. Rita parish but do not have children currently enrolled in the school. 3. Students from families that are not members of St. Rita parish

Transfer students:

Admission to St. Rita of Cascia School will not be finalized until past academic and behavior records are reviewed. A transfer student must be a student in good standing. Current health/immunization records must be presented and complete. New students will have a probationary period.