Letter from the Principal

I am pleased to be the principal of St. Cecilia Catholic School.  Our school has a rich tradition of excellence dating back to its foundation in 1925.  The thousands of students who preceded our current student body, as well as those currently enrolled, have always been viewed as treasures, created in the image and likeness of God.  We recognize that each child possesses unique gifts and talents and we take our responsibility seriously to call upon these gifts and talents, nurturing them in a Christ-centered environment.

What separates St. Cecilia Catholic School from other educational opportunities in the Ames area?  Quite simply, it’s our commitment to teaching that’s rooted in the Catholic tradition, an experience of learning and living fully integrated in the light of Christ.  It is in teaching the whole child—intellectual, social, physical, psychological and spiritual.  It is also our reputation for academic excellence, evidenced by standardized test scores, which are consistently at or above the 90th percentile nationally.  Finally it is the fact that all of this happens within a friendly, disciplined and welcoming learning community.

St. Cecilia Catholic School is fully accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.  The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners licenses all of our teachers.  These two important facts separate our school from other nonpublic schools in the Ames area.  Our school staff is committed to offering a curriculum that is rigorous and relevant while building lasting relationships with our students.  The tenants of the new Iowa Core Curriculum will guide staff in a continuing review of our total educational program.  In addition, prayer and liturgy are a strong part of our tradition, augmented by student works of mercy.

We are a Catholic school whose students, faculty, staff and alumni live its mission.  We remain open to students of all faith traditions and invite all who are interested in what we have to offer to become part of our St. Cecilia Catholic School family.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Budnik, PhD
Principal