We Share our gifts and resources with everyone in the community We Treat the differences we see in each other as being special. We Pray together each day to grow as Christians and peace-makers. We Appreciate each other and joyfully work, play and pray together. We Understand the need to respect one another and to always try to do our best. We believe Loyalty and love will make us a stronger community; and, therefore, we can make a difference in our world. Accreditation St. Paul Education Center is a Diocesan parochial elementary school sponsored and supported by St. Paul Catholic parish in New Bern, North Carolina. St. Paul Education Center operates under the direction of the Diocese of Raleigh. S.P.E.C. is accredited with SACS and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association in Washington, D. C. Enrollment St. Paul Education Center has been serving the Catholic Community of Eastern North Carolina since its establishment in 1926. St. Paul Catholic School was founded as a parish school to assist the families in passing on the faith in the traditional academic setting. St. Paul Education Center admits students, regardless of race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin, to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The center does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, admission, athletic or other school administered programs. All students participate in the catholic religious instruction program and in the Catholic practices of our faith life to include daily prayer and regular participation in our Liturgies. St. Paul Education Center educates students ages four through grade eight. Approximately  XX students attend S.P.E.C. Academic Program St. Paul Education Center is committed to educating the whole person. The school follows the Catholic School Curriculum designed and mandated by the Diocese of Raleigh. This curriculum is based on the North Carolina State requirements with the added component of Catholic Identity infused in each area. The Diocese continually strives to update and maintain a spirit of excellence in all academic areas. The Early Childhood program at S.P.E.C. is for children age 4. The program is an Academic Readiness program and has five main curriculum objectives: language and concept development, math and science development, motor skills development, personal/social development and faith development. Our curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade Eight follows the guidelines of the State of North Carolina designed by the Diocese of Raleigh. Therefore, students at S.P.E.C. study all the major disciples: Math, English, Social Studies, Reading and Science. Children in all grades receive daily religious instructions on the principles and practices of Roman Catholicism. A variety of teaching methods is used at S.P.E.C. Students are also exposed weekly to a number of supplementary subjects: computer education, physical education and the fine arts. All programs are designed to prepare students for a successful high school experience. S.P.E.C. in conjunction with the Diocese of Raleigh, currently uses the Iowa Test of Basic Skills to evaluate the progress of our students. S.P.E.C. students average in the 85-98 percentile nationwide in major academic areas. Faculty and Staff S.P.E.C is administered by the Sisters, Servants of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA, who work with lay teachers to form a competent, effective faculty. All teachers are N.C. certified or are certifiable. In addition to the teaching faculty, there are teacher assistants in the primary grades. Extra Curricular Activities Include basketball, cheerleading, scouting, math club, science club, parish choir, newspaper, literary club and drama. Parental Involvement Parents are a vital part of our school community. Their active support and presence are both required and welcome! Volunteers are needed on a daily basis and schedules are coordinated through the Home and School Association. Tuition Fees Tuition rates are set by the Finance Committee each year. Tuition and fee schedules are available upon request. Class Sizes Class sizes are in keeping with the Standards for Accredited Elementary Schools. Early Childhood – approximately 18 students, Kindergarten to Grade Five – approximately 32 students, Grades Six through Eight – approximately 27 students. In Grades Kindergarten to Second, teachers are assisted with teacher aides and/or volunteers in keeping with the Standards. Standards are set by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.