A Catholic Foundation
Our students experience their faith each and every day. Students in Kindergarten through eighth grade attend Religion class every school day. Students participate as scripture and petition readers, song leaders, presenters of Eucharistic gifts, and altar servers during school Masses. We instill Christian and Catholic values in every class. Students are taught self-discipline and respect for all. St. Gabriel School promotes positive behavior and applies the Gospel values of justice, truth, love, forgiveness, and redemption. Service to others is placed in the forefront of our students
minds. Service projects that benefit charitable organizations and disadvantaged families instill values of gratitude, generosity, and compassion. We utilize SafeParish (formally VIRTUS) to protect our students, faculty, and volunteers. SafeParish identifies and implements best practices designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote “rightdoing” within religious organizations. SafeParish empowers St. Gabriel School to control risk and improve the experiences of those who interact with the school.
minds. Service projects that benefit charitable organizations and disadvantaged families instill values of gratitude, generosity, and compassion. We utilize SafeParish (formally VIRTUS) to protect our students, faculty, and volunteers. SafeParish identifies and implements best practices designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote “rightdoing” within religious organizations. SafeParish empowers St. Gabriel School to control risk and improve the experiences of those who interact with the school.
Academic Excellence
Our rigorous curriculum exceeds Common Core standards. Art, Physical Education, Music, and Computer Skills are taught at all levels, kindergarten through eighth grade. Students in grades K-6 also receive Spanish instruction. Students visit the school library once each week. Our small class sizes allow our students to receive better one-on-one instruction by their teachers. Homeroom classes consist of 24 or fewer students. Smaller classes facilitate individualized attention and focused lessons while minimizing disruption in the classroom. Students also benefit from meaningful and lasting relationships with their peers.
We are awarded as a National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon School award – created and overseen by the US government – affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon School designation is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
This reflects in our excellent standardized test scores. Students in grades 2 through 7 take the Iowa Assessments which are given in the spring. In 2022, grades 2 through 7 scored at or ABOVE the Archdiocesan scores in 38 of 39 tests. St. Gabriel scores for math in grades 2-7 were an average of 5 percentile points HIGHER than archdiocesan averages for math. St. Gabriel scores for reading in grades 2-7 were an average of 11 percentile points HIGHER than archdiocesan averages for reading. Because of these phenomenal scores, we are able to offer high school level algebra to our students. Qualifying students may complete Algebra I course during their eighth grade year. Nearly 100% of St. Gabriel graduates who have taken eighth-grade Algebra have passed the test required to receive credit for the course at area high schools. Enrichment is available for students in grades three through eight. Students performing below expectations are offered special, individualized assistance in a variety of subjects. Multidisciplinary challenges are provided for gifted students.
Lastly, our DARE program prepares our students for the world beyond our walls. A specially trained, veteran officer from the Glendale Police Department provides Drug Abuse Resistance Education instruction to all sixth graders at St. Gabriel. D.A.R.E. America is an evidence-based education program that equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to resist drugs, alcohol, and other high-risk behaviors.
We are awarded as a National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon School award – created and overseen by the US government – affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon School designation is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
This reflects in our excellent standardized test scores. Students in grades 2 through 7 take the Iowa Assessments which are given in the spring. In 2022, grades 2 through 7 scored at or ABOVE the Archdiocesan scores in 38 of 39 tests. St. Gabriel scores for math in grades 2-7 were an average of 5 percentile points HIGHER than archdiocesan averages for math. St. Gabriel scores for reading in grades 2-7 were an average of 11 percentile points HIGHER than archdiocesan averages for reading. Because of these phenomenal scores, we are able to offer high school level algebra to our students. Qualifying students may complete Algebra I course during their eighth grade year. Nearly 100% of St. Gabriel graduates who have taken eighth-grade Algebra have passed the test required to receive credit for the course at area high schools. Enrichment is available for students in grades three through eight. Students performing below expectations are offered special, individualized assistance in a variety of subjects. Multidisciplinary challenges are provided for gifted students.
Lastly, our DARE program prepares our students for the world beyond our walls. A specially trained, veteran officer from the Glendale Police Department provides Drug Abuse Resistance Education instruction to all sixth graders at St. Gabriel. D.A.R.E. America is an evidence-based education program that equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to resist drugs, alcohol, and other high-risk behaviors.
Community
Volunteers serve as the backbone of St. Gabriel’s Parent Teacher Organization, Athletic Boosters, fundraising efforts, and special events. Safe Parish-certified parent volunteers chaperone field trips and are present in the school daily, assisting in the classrooms, library, cafeteria, and on the playground.
St. Gabriel’s student buddy program that pairs eighth graders with kindergarteners and seventh graders with first graders fosters mutually beneficial relationships among oldest and youngest students.
St. Gabriel prides itself on its diverse student body and commitment to promoting inclusion and cultural awareness. St. Gabriel’s unique population includes African American, Asian American, and first generation Latin American and European American families. All families who seek a solid, Christian education are welcome at St. Gabriel.
Our mentoring program allows experienced families to assist new families as they are welcomed to our St. Gabriel family. We have many opportunities to come together and immerse your family at St. Gabriel. Events like ice cream socials, skate nights and movie nights encourage fellowship and friendship outside of the classroom.
St. Gabriel’s student buddy program that pairs eighth graders with kindergarteners and seventh graders with first graders fosters mutually beneficial relationships among oldest and youngest students.
St. Gabriel prides itself on its diverse student body and commitment to promoting inclusion and cultural awareness. St. Gabriel’s unique population includes African American, Asian American, and first generation Latin American and European American families. All families who seek a solid, Christian education are welcome at St. Gabriel.
Our mentoring program allows experienced families to assist new families as they are welcomed to our St. Gabriel family. We have many opportunities to come together and immerse your family at St. Gabriel. Events like ice cream socials, skate nights and movie nights encourage fellowship and friendship outside of the classroom.
Extracurricular Activities
Our students have many options to get involved with their peers in extracurricular activities. These include, but are not limited, to:
- Scouting for boys and girls
- GCCYS and Golden Bear Sports (basketball, cheerleading, golf, track & field, cross country, volleyball, football)
- VEXIQ robotics (5-8 graders build and program smart robots to compete in regional and statewide tournaments.)
- School band (beginner band for fourth graders; advanced band for fifth through eighth graders)
- WEBBY dance (creative movement, dance, gymnastics, cheer and yoga, hosted by WEBBY Dance Company)
- Student council (6-8 graders are elected to participate in student government.)
- Family Science Night (Annual science event for 1-3 graders with junior high students that lead hands-on activities.)
- Annual junior high play (7th and 8th graders serve as cast and crew for the annual production)
Safety
We understand that student safety is of utmost concern to parents. St. Gabriel faculty and staff take precautions to ensure student safety and to work with students to be aware of helping us maintain a safe environment. In order to achieve a high level of safety, here are the steps that we have taken to protect our students and staff.
We partner with the Glendale Police Department who are conveniently located less than .5 mile away from school. The administration and school safety team meet with officers to review our safety plans each year. A member of the department comes in to do grade level and age appropriate training on school safety, online safety, and personal safety throughout the year. They take part in our safety drills to give us continuous feedback on maintaining a safe environment. Our faculty and staff meet with the police department yearly, before school begins, to review our procedures, to practice scenarios that may arise involving student safety, and to implement best practices in our training. Our police representative has also met with parents during PTO meetings to provide updates and training on safety.
On a daily basis, all doors in the building are secured, and any visitors have to be buzzed into the building and register at the school office. Visitors must wear identification stickers so all school personnel and students can see that they checked in properly. Morning drop-off and afternoon pick-ups are supervised by faculty and staff to ensure the safety of our students. Students are trained to keep access points closed and to alert adults if they notice anything amiss. All volunteers for in-school and school sponsored activities are trained and have background checks through Safe Parish. Volunteers must maintain their Safe Parish status to continue to volunteer. St. Gabriel employs a full-time school nurse who is trained and ready to address any health related concerns.
In 2022, St. Gabriel was awarded a $70,000 safety grant from the government in order to upgrade our intercom system to include hallways and outdoor spaces, to upgrade to a keyless entry system, and to further protect our glass doors with protective film. We are committed to continuous improvement in our practices while still keeping the welcoming atmosphere that is appropriate for an elementary school.
We have a web-based system to be able to communicate quickly and efficiently with parents for any reason through email and phone calls. Our system allows us to contact all of our families or specific groups in a matter of minutes to provide pertinent information about student safety.
We partner with the Glendale Police Department who are conveniently located less than .5 mile away from school. The administration and school safety team meet with officers to review our safety plans each year. A member of the department comes in to do grade level and age appropriate training on school safety, online safety, and personal safety throughout the year. They take part in our safety drills to give us continuous feedback on maintaining a safe environment. Our faculty and staff meet with the police department yearly, before school begins, to review our procedures, to practice scenarios that may arise involving student safety, and to implement best practices in our training. Our police representative has also met with parents during PTO meetings to provide updates and training on safety.
On a daily basis, all doors in the building are secured, and any visitors have to be buzzed into the building and register at the school office. Visitors must wear identification stickers so all school personnel and students can see that they checked in properly. Morning drop-off and afternoon pick-ups are supervised by faculty and staff to ensure the safety of our students. Students are trained to keep access points closed and to alert adults if they notice anything amiss. All volunteers for in-school and school sponsored activities are trained and have background checks through Safe Parish. Volunteers must maintain their Safe Parish status to continue to volunteer. St. Gabriel employs a full-time school nurse who is trained and ready to address any health related concerns.
In 2022, St. Gabriel was awarded a $70,000 safety grant from the government in order to upgrade our intercom system to include hallways and outdoor spaces, to upgrade to a keyless entry system, and to further protect our glass doors with protective film. We are committed to continuous improvement in our practices while still keeping the welcoming atmosphere that is appropriate for an elementary school.
We have a web-based system to be able to communicate quickly and efficiently with parents for any reason through email and phone calls. Our system allows us to contact all of our families or specific groups in a matter of minutes to provide pertinent information about student safety.
The Value of a Catholic Education
Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is $5,500 for grades K-8. All families will be assessed a $175 non-refundable application fee when submitting the application. Free bussing is available for all students in Lakota, Fairfield, Princeton, and Winton Woods school districts. Latchkey services are available daily until 6:00 PM for $15 per student per day. Students can socialize and work on school assignments.
There is an Angel Grant available for families to help make tuition more affordable for families who are in need. Please visit our application page for more information.
St. Gabriel’s birthdate deadline for kindergarten admission (August 31) is a full month later than most local schools (August 1). The total cost of full-day kindergarten at St. Gabriel plus before- and aftercare (7:35 AM – 6:00 PM) is HALF the cost of full-time daycare.
There is an Angel Grant available for families to help make tuition more affordable for families who are in need. Please visit our application page for more information.
St. Gabriel’s birthdate deadline for kindergarten admission (August 31) is a full month later than most local schools (August 1). The total cost of full-day kindergarten at St. Gabriel plus before- and aftercare (7:35 AM – 6:00 PM) is HALF the cost of full-time daycare.