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- For over 143 years, St. Peter's school has been providing a quality Catholic education to boys and girls in Haverstraw. When the first school opened in 1863, it was the first Catholic school of Rockland County. 110 students were enrolled and taught by lay teachers.
- In 1884, the Sisters of Charity of New York taught not only the elementary grades, but opened an academy for older girls who could not leave the village for higher education. At this time, there was a "November class" for boys who attended school in the winter and worked in the brickyards in the spring, summer, and fall. In the 1920's, the Marist Brothers came to Haverstraw and St. Peter's School saw the establishment of a boys' department in fifth through eighth grade as well as a girls' department.
- In the second millennium, St. Peter's School is once again served by eleven full time and two part-time lay teachers whose dedication and determination builds on a long tradition.
- Through the years, St. Peter's School has always welcomed the immigrant. Today, descendents of the first students of St. Peter's School sit side by side with children of new immigrants. Families of diverse ethnic backgrounds throughout Rockland County send their children to St. Peter's School. Its reputation for academic excellence and the welcoming atmosphere that exists towards all children are well known throughout the county.
- Our mission statement is very specific. At St. Peter's School, each child is welcomed, loved, and respected as a child of God. By fostering spiritual, cultural, and physical growth through a united effort of parents and school community, the philosophy of St. Peter's School is to provide a quality Catholic education so that each child can develop his/her full human potential. We place the teachers of the Catholic faith at the core of the curriculum so that religious values permeate all subject areas.
- Since 1863, St. Peter's School has educated students of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Today, our multi-cultural school continues to welcome the poor, the immigrant, the Catholic, and the non-Catholic, who seek and appreciate a value-centered, quality education.
- The day begins at 6:45am for some of St. Peter's students when they are dropped off in the before school program. This program allows parents who work in New York City, or elsewhere, to get to work on time. At 7:55am, the bell rings and the school day begins for students in pre kindergarten through eighth grade. Both the pre kindergarten program, which serves three and four year olds, and the kindergarten program are full day programs.
- Morning prayers are prayed over the public address system at 8:05am. In addition to the regular classes, there are special ones. There are gym and art classes in all grades, pre kindergarten through eighth grade; weekly computer class in our computer lab for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Lunch and recess are enjoyed between 11:20am and 12:25pm. Then, it is back to work until 2:40pm when students gather in the gym for prayers and dismissal.
- Every day, there is an after school day care program until 6pm. On Mondays and Tuesdays, special art classes are offered for children in the program at a minimal cost with plenty of supervision. In addition to the regular teacher and assistant, often there are eighth grade students who volunteer their time. On Wednesdays, the sound of band music fills the school hallways. The Paul Effmann band program conducts classes for students in fourth through eighth grade until 5pm. These students, along with students in the school choir perform in the winter and spring concerts.
- Today, St. Peter's School continues to be a place where Catholic Christian values are infused into the curriculum. Teachers are challenged to be and do their best and the children are encouraged to strive for academic excellence. Because a sense of community is fostered in the school, people care about each other. In St. Peter's School each child is recognized as a gift from God, redeemed by Jesus, and worthy of love and respect from teachers, other students, parents, and staff.
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| O God, who hast given unto Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and the power to bind and loose: grant that we may be delivered, through the help of this intercession, from the slavery of all our sins: Who livest and reignest world without end. |
| Amen. |
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