Mission & Philosophy

“The fundamental purpose of catholic Schools is to advance the educational mission of the church!”

Catholic Schools educate diverse student bodies to form catholic, person-centered learning communities; provide quality teaching through traditional and innovative educational programs infused with Catholic Social Teachings; involve students to serve and support parish life and the local civic communities; graduate students who are critical thinkers, productive moral citizens, and spiritual leaders; and recognize and appreciate parents as the primary educators of their children.

St. Matthew School is committed to the education of the whole child by recognizing and accepting each individual regardless of age, gender, creed, socio-economic status or race as a unique creation loved by God.

As a faith community, priests, sisters, lay faculty, staff, parents, parishioners and students are committed to impart the Gospel as a way of life by striving to actively live and spread this Christian message.  As we work together to educate students spiritually, academically, and socially we prepare them to become contributing Christian members of society.  It is our responsibility to follow the policies and guidelines of the Archdiocese of Hartford and therefore provide challenges and opportunities for all students to experience growth in all aspects of their development.

St. Matthew School serves the members of St. Matthew Parish, local parishes and the surrounding communities. We fulfill the religious and academic purpose of Catholic Education by guiding students’ minds, hearts and souls to live as Jesus did.

To achieve the goals of this mission statement:

The faculty and staff of St. Matthew School strive to teach Catholic faith and values which exemplify God’s love by:

• modeling beliefs and values for students to imitate
• teaching the content of the religion curriculum
• integrating Christian values throughout the curriculum
• preparing students for reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
• providing various prayer experiences

The teaching community of St. Matthew School nurtures and challenges the intellectual and physical development of the student by:

• using an eclectic teaching approach
• building a strong foundation of basic skills
• developing creative thinking skills, critical thinking skills, and logical reasoning
• providing opportunities for students to apply these skills in all curriculum areas
• preparing students to use these skills independently
• teaching students the importance of taking care of their physical body
• developing knowledge and skills of human movement
• encouraging the creation of intellectual writing projects and developing artistic talents which reflect originality and high standards
• teaching students computer skills in preparation for technologically advanced society stressing the need for students to assume the responsibility for becoming life-long learners and effective communicators

The faith community at St. Matthew School guides the social and emotional development of their students by:

• encouraging students to develop responsibility, self- confidence, and self-discipline
• teaching an awareness of the spiritual and social needs of society
• providing opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities
• providing opportunities for leadership and decision making
• instructing students in good sportsmanship and team cooperation
• encouraging students to respect and accept each others’ differences
• guiding students in solving problems through conflict resolution techniques and in taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions
• creating opportunities for maintaining positive interpersonal relationships