“Saints and Scholars” is not just a motto. It is the beating heart of St. Peter’s Catholic School.
St. Peter’s Catholic School stands as a beacon of faith and education. It is a place where young minds grow. The school fosters strong relationships and high expectations. It emphasizes emotional and spiritual health.
Many schools offer high standards. They boast good exam results and high aspirations. St. Peter’s offers all this, plus a unique Catholic ethos.
Imagine Father Martin Laughlin, now Monsignor Laughlin. In 1987, he looked at his congregation at St. Peter’s Church. He saw young parents wanting Catholic education for their children. He is known by many as the father of Catholic education. This is especially true in the Low Country area.
In August 1991, parents took a leap of faith. They enrolled 79 children in K4 through 1st grade. The school began in an eight-room education wing of the parish complex.
The new school had five classrooms. It included a library, a work room and an office. As grades were added, space grew scarce. In 1995, the bishop permitted Father Laughlin to build a new building. It was constructed on the church property on Lady’s Island. Parishioners supported the vision of their pastor. St. Peter’s Catholic School was built in its current location.
Following St. Peter’s example, Catholic schools opened elsewhere. One opened on Hilton Head in 1996. Another opened in Bluffton in 2006. This led to an even greater blessing. A Catholic high school opened in the area. In 2013, John Paul II Catholic School opened nearby. Beaufort families now have access to Catholic education from K3 through 12th grade.
Today, St. Peter’s Catholic School serves students from K3 through 6th grade. It operates under the Diocese of Charleston Schools Office. The curriculum stresses academic achievement. It does so within a Christian community. Each child feels loved and respected. Teachers embrace this loving environment.
Vatican II texts guide theology. This ensures compliance with the world’s bishops. Students unite in liturgy and prayer. They grow in understanding of Christian life. At St. Peter’s, educators attempt to teach as Jesus did.
The Diocesan curriculum aligns with South Carolina guidelines. These guidelines apply to all secular subjects. The curriculum features current content. It embraces fresh approaches to methodology. The emphasis is on principles, not just facts. Learning happens through problem-solving, not just by precept.
St. Peter’s offers a rich program. It uses many reading materials. A variety of audio-visual tools enhance learning. A multi-text approach enriches content areas.
The mission of St. Peter’s Catholic School is clear. It prepares students to excel in life. It helps them achieve success through Catholic tradition. Consistent with the motto, the school aims to produce leaders in academics. It strives to develop servants in faith. St. Peter’s Catholic School builds a learning community. Pupils, parents, staff, governors and parish work together. They develop love and concern for each other. Forgiveness is key as they live out the Gospel.