St. Norbert School History

Saint Norbert History

1956

School Founded

Saint Norbert Parish operates under the auspices of the Norbertine Fathers, who founded our school in 1956.

1957

The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart

The original school building and rectory were both constructed in 1957, and the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart came to begin instruction. Although they are no longer present in the school, the spirit and philosophy of the Grey Nun community continues to live on. The children continue devotion to St. Marguerite d’Youville, as well to our patron, St. Norbert.

1957-1985

The School Flourished

During the period 1957 through 1985 the school flourished. The Chapel, originally located in the school, gave way to a new Church, built in 1985. The first floor of the school building was converted into four classrooms, a computer lab, a library, a music room and an art room.

1992

Parish Activity Center

In 1992, a Parish Activity Center was constructed, featuring a gymnasium that continues to serve the physical education and athletic needs of our children.

1996

The Bell Tower and Accreditation

A magnificent Bell Tower adorned the grounds in 1996. Saint Norbert School received accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools, Commission on Elementary Schools in October 1996.

2000

Modernization and Renovations

The school dining hall was modernized in 2000, and extensive renovations were made to the building in the succeeding years.

2005

The Saint Norbert Education Center

Building on faith, a new addition was erected in 2005 to add classroom space, a reception area, a suite of offices and a faculty lounge. The library, science lab, technology center, art studio, music room and Kindergarten were expanded at this time. The building was named the Saint Norbert Education Center, home to all the educational ministries of the parish.

2007

Re-accreditation

All standards for re-accreditation were met in the Fall of 2007 following an extensive self-study, with special focus in the areas of Reading, Science and Technology. The evaluation report commended the school for excellence not only in these fields, but also in the areas of Philosophy, Leadership and Governance, Student Services, and Resources.

2014

Middle State Re-Accreditation

All standards were met in the Fall of 2014. The accreditation process happens every 7 years.

2015

The Prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award

In 2015, Saint Norbert School was one of only 50 private schools to be named as a Blue Ribbon school. The prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award is given by the Department of Education and honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

2020-2021

Inspiring and Committed

As of the 2020-2021 school year, there are 217 children attending in Grades Pre-K thru 8th, and thriving under our inspiring and committed faculty and under the leadership of our Principal of 11 years, Mrs. Mary Kay Hennessy.

2021

Exemplary High-Performing School

In 2021, Saint Norbert’s School earned the prestigious honor of being named a Blue Ribbon school. St. Norbert is a two time winner of this award and recognized as an Exemplary High-Performing School. Our school was one of only 13 private schools to receive the award in Pennsylvania, which is given by the Department of Education and honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

2022

Middle State Re-Accreditation

All standards were met in the Spring  of 2022. The accreditation process happens every 7 years.