Robert Sikora, President and Jessica Wagner, PrincipalSaint Andrew Catholic School and Preschool provides a Catholic education designed to help every child grow—academically, spiritually and personally. Serving approximately 720 students from preschool through eighth grade, it operates as the largest elementary school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia while maintaining a close-knit, mission-driven community. The school operates under an open-enrollment model without admissions testing, enrolling students across a wide academic spectrum.
Since 1927, Saint Andrew has welcomed students of all abilities, supporting each child at their level and guiding them toward grade-level mastery through systematic teaching and ongoing assessment. This approach ensures every child builds the skills and self-assurance needed to thrive in high school and beyond while progressing at their own pace within a diverse, nurturing community.
Families choose Saint Andrew knowing their children will be supported individually, encouraged to do their best and guided to develop strong character and a sense of personal responsibility. That growth is driven by a faculty committed to mission and continuous improvement. Teachers bring strong subject expertise and genuine love for their students, challenging advanced learners while providing targeted support where needed. Faculty maintain high professional standards so that every student, regardless of starting point, leaves Saint Andrew prepared for the next stage of academic life.
“We live by the motto ‘work hard and be kind’, and it’s built into everything we do” says Robert Sikora, President.
Why is academic support essential for maintaining accessibility and student success at Saint Andrew?
Academic support reflects the same commitment to access and excellence. A redesigned learning support program, reimagined seven years ago, serves students with identified needs, including dyslexia and formal learning plans. Students who might previously have required specialized programs are now able to receive support while remaining fully part of their classrooms, developing the foundation needed to succeed in high school.
Academic Rigor Grounded in Faith
How does the school integrate faith into daily learning and academic instruction?
Faith, rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, underpins every aspect of the Saint Andrew experience. Religious instruction is not confined to a single class period but woven into daily learning across subjects. Lessons in responsibility, ethical decision-making and compassion are reinforced throughout the school day, supported by close collaboration among parents, educators and parish leadership.
-
We live by the motto ‘work hard and be kind’, and it’s built into everything we do.
Academic rigor is balanced with accessibility. Early grades focus on literacy and numeracy foundations, expanding to honors-level math and enrichment opportunities in later years. Technology, including Chromebooks and Promethean boards, enhances instruction under teacher guidance.
These efforts have earned Saint Andrew two National Blue Ribbon School recognitions and the Archdiocesan School of Distinction Award. Students show year-over-year progress on standardized assessments such as Terra Nova. Graduates consistently earn significant scholarships to top high schools, averaging close to $1 million annually, reflecting both strong achievement and sustained academic growth.
Service That Shapes Character
In what way does service contribute to character development and leadership among students?
Service is integral to character development. Students take an active role in planning and leading charitable initiatives through weekly middle school service clubs. These experiences develop leadership, accountability and community awareness. Recent projects include fundraising for St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital, diaper and canned food drives, a Valentine’s Day collection for a Trenton Soup Kitchen, and creating rosaries for veterans.
“Faith comes first, followed by strong academics and a deep commitment to service,” says Jessica Wagner, Principal.
Graduates move on to Archdiocesan, independent, private and preparatory high schools, sought for both their academic preparation and character. Alumni include scholars and community leaders who credit the school’s emphasis on faith, work ethic, teamwork and kindness as foundational to their success.
As Saint Andrew Catholic School nears its centennial, the school continues to welcome students of varied abilities within its open-enrollment Catholic model, pairing high expectations with individualized support. Anchored in the Catholic faith and strengthened by community, it remains focused on measurable growth, character formation and preparation for each student’s next stage of academic life.
