"May the Church be a place... where all feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to live according to the good life of the Gospel." - Pope Francis.
A Catholic Church
A Catholic Church is an expression of the Catholic faith found in pictures, furniture, and windows. It is a home for the Church, the people, the parish family.
Our Patron Saint
"The love of Christ impels us to be a Family of Faith to serve our God."
Born "Saul in present day Turkey four years before Jesus' birth. Originally a persecutor, Saul roughs up and mistreats followers of Jesus of Nazareth. He was later converted, becoming a follower and believer in Jesus the Messiah, and was given the name Paul. He preached, did missionary work, wrote many letters, established many churches and was a disciple. Thirteen of the 27 books in the New Testament are attributed to Paul, and approximately half of the Acts of the Apostles deal with Paul's life and works. He was later martyred in Rome, Italy sometime between 62 and 64 AD, making him a Saint.
A Rich History of Serving Catholics
St. Paul Parish of Highland, IL is but a few years younger than Highland itself. In December 1843, the Catholics in and around Highland (a village of 60 families) decided to build a frame church. The cornerstone was laid on May 1, 1844 and was ready for occupancy in 1846. In 1854, a new brick church was built and on Easter Sunday, 1856, the first services were held. In 1951, the second church was razed to make room for a much needed larger church with a seating capacity of 800. On October, 12, 1952, the dedication of the present church was held. Through the years, St. Paul’s has grown to meet the needs of its congregation. Today, the parish serves more than 5,000 area Catholics.
About Our School
Since our founding in 1854, it has been our calling to nurture faith, academic growth, and character in a safe, welcoming environment. Partnering with families, we instill resilience, self-discipline, and a love for learning rooted in Christian values.
Through face-to-face instruction, we prioritize health, safety, and a strong sense of community where faith and friendships flourish. Supported by our parish and families, we cultivate leaders of confidence, character, and service. Centered on Christ, we are committed to forming hearts, minds, and souls for generations to come.
Academics
St. Paul Catholic School encourages each student to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Our advanced program aligns itself with Illinois State Standards and includes the following: Language Arts, Science, Math, Spanish, Pre-algebra & Algebra, Social Studies, Technology, Religion, Vocal & Instrumental Music, Physical Education, Reading, Art
Faith
All students attend Mass, led by a different class each week (K-8th), practice public speaking through His Word, and gain a deeper relationship with our Priests, the Church, and the Lord, our God.
Athletics
Boys Sports Include: Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Track & Field, Soccer, Bowling
Girls Sports Include: Basketball, Softball, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track & Field, Soccer, Bowling
Clubs and Activities
Student Council, Math Team, Scholar Bowl, Science Fair, Speech Meets, Spelling Bee, Young Authors, Chess Club, Yearbook Club, Euchre Club, Safety Patrol, Recycling Club, Beginning Band, Band, Chorus, Model UN
Your Kids Deserve the Best Education
St. Paul Catholic School is committed to the four-fold purpose of Catholic Education: Message, Community, Worship, and Service
We believe in the value of each child as a unique individual loved by God. We strive to create surroundings which will challenge students to grow in their faith, to reach their fullest potential, and to develop a healthy acceptance of self and a christian respect for others.
Our education journey begins as early as Pre-3 Preschool and continues through 8th Grade. We offer before and after care for our families if and when they may require it.
St. Paul teachers and staff welcome you with open arms and loving hearts, knowing each child is a gift from God.