Academic Excellence

Cathedral School’s Iowa Tests of Basic Skills scores are consistently in the top 10-15% of the nation every school year for over twenty years.

Cathedral School students qualify for and participate in gifted programs, such as Duke University’s “Talented Student Identification (TIP) program, Truman State University’s Joseph Baldwin Academy, Concordia College’s Academy of Excellence, and the National Young Scholars program due to their outstanding test scores and academic excellence.

Students participate in an accelerated math program which provides them with the opportunity to advance to higher levels in math at the local high schools and at MWSU.

Cathedral School partners with the St. Joseph Public School District through its Rainbow Gifted program and English as Second Language program.

Outstanding Facilities and Resources

Cathedral School has a well-equipped Science Lab, three age-appropriate playgrounds, a children’s garden, updated restrooms, and a renovated gym.  Thanks to several grants, Grandparent Appeal, and Family Challenge, and several generous donors, the classrooms are being equipped with more technology and the teachers will be using it as another of their classroom instructional tools.

Cathedral School offers many enrichment opportunities for its students through its special programs of music education, bell choir, physical education, technology and art instruction, library, Spanish middle school electives and extracurricular activities.

Cathedral School partners with the Cathedral Early Childhood Center for its prekindergarten & preschool programs, its before and after school program, its summer program, and early childhood program for infants & toddlers.  Cathedral Early Childhood Center is state licensed and nationally accredited.

Cathedral School, Gym and Early Childhood Center have installed limited access security systems to provide a more secure learning environment.

Faith and Mission

Cathedral has a dedicated and devoted staff with years of experience.  Cathedral School’s staff has been trained in several nationally prominent, brain-compatible, research-based educational initiatives and best practices.  The Diocesan School Office considers Cathedral as one of its leaders in staff development and implementation.

Cathedral School students regularly practice their faith by participating in weekly liturgies, by helping with parish projects, by participating in numerous service projects, and by taking care of their “buddy” partners.

Cathedral School students participate in small Christian communities (Tribes) in every classroom in order to learn and apply life skills, problem-solving skills, and character education to their everyday interaction with their family and friends.

I am truly amazed at the difference in my daughter, her attitude, her respect towards others and overall her grades. She has done a complete turnaround since she started at Cathedral.                                      

Our family has been with Cathedral School for fifteen years. This will be our last year at Cathedral with our last about to graduate. We and all four of our children love Cathedral. Our graduated children have expressed how they would love to go back to Cathedral if they could. Just a safe place to be, and learn while making friend, and having fun. It’s a great family!

I believe that the staff cares deeply about each and every child.  They are willing to meet my child where he is at and help him to become the students he is truly capable of being.

After having our son in public school for Kindergarten we decided to pursue other options.  After looking at Cathedral we knew we made the right decision.  Everyone is so caring and they really go out of their way to help children learn.  I see such a difference in my son; I cannot imagine not making the change to Cathedral.