Sacred Heart School (Saratoga, California)

Sacred Heart School in Saratoga, California, USA is a private co-educational Roman Catholic school. The school grades range from pre-school for 4–5 year olds through junior high school (8th grade). The school is attached to Sacred Heart Church which was the first Roman Catholic church in Saratoga. Both the school and church are attached to the Diocese of San Jose. The current principal of Sacred Heart is Thomas Pulchny, a Canadian, and current enrollment is approximately 250 students. The school's colors are red, blue and white and its mascot is the Mustang.HistorySacred Heart School was founded in 1957 after Sacred Heart Parish moved from what is now downtown Saratoga to the school's current location on Saratoga Avenue. The school opened its doors in 1957 as a 4-grade school to address the growing need for a Catholic school in the area. However the school was quickly expanded both physically and in the number of grades to incorporate K–8 educational levels to serve the community needs. It would remain as such until the school was further expanded in 2000 with the addition of the Pre-K program. The average class size of Sacred Heart is 26 students in a homeroom class. Sacred Heart accepts Catholics and non-Catholics. Subjects taught include all state mandated subjects such as Social Studies, Math as well as the addition of Religious Studies courses. Other programs offered by specialty teachers are Spanish, Music, P.E., Art, Science and Math. Students in the 2nd Grade that are Roman Catholic participate in the sacraments first communion and first reconciliation. Students who reach the 8th grade and are Roman Catholic participate in the sacrament of Confirmation. Student Council is also available to those who choose to run for a position. The school offers opportunities for the students to participate in community service programs throughout the year. Extra-curricular classes such as piano, art, academic chess, league sports, choir and altar service are offered after school.