Families from surrounding Midlands Catholic parishes have driven to part of this growth, especially from areas without a Catholic school. Demand has been particularly strong for early childhood programs, where the school has doubled the number of classrooms for two-, three- and fouryear-olds, now with two classes at each level, 20 students per class, and space for more than 120 students. Notably, St. Peter’s is the only Catholic school in the region offering a two-year-old program, creating an early and continuous pathway into its faith-based education model.
For Principal Kylie Skotniski, this progress reflects not just growth, but the strength of an intentionally structured, faith-driven education system that prioritizes the holistic development of every student.
“We nurture children’s spiritual growth, academic development and the values and virtues to help them become productive citizens who can serve their communities,” says Skotniski.
Personalized Learning with Real World Experiences
At St. Peter’s Catholic School, academic instruction is built on a structured, data-driven system designed to deliver measurable outcomes. Every day, students receive 30 minutes of dedicated math and reading instruction tailored to their individual learning needs. Academic teams analyze assessment data to identify skill gaps and determine each student’s readiness, then group them with peers at a similar level. This disciplined approach has resulted in over 90 percent of students meeting or exceeding National Test Standards.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through structured experiential opportunities. Located in the heart of the city, St. Peter’s students benefit from unparalleled access to Columbia’s rich cultural and civic institutions, allowing the city itself to serve as an extension of the classroom. From service initiatives such as food drives and polio campaigns to curated field experiences at landmarks like the State House, the Governor’s Mansion, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Columbia Museum of Art, students actively engage with the world around them. A longstanding 32-year partnership with the University of South Carolina’s Music Education Program further strengthens academic depth, giving students access to university-level instruction.
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We nurture children’s spiritual growth, academic development and the values and virtues to help them become productive citizens who can serve their communities.
A Community Grounded in Catholic Values
At every step, St. Peter’s Catholic School places Christ at the center of the student experience. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, the school's mission goes beyond simply teaching religion as a subject. Faculty and staff strive to nurture a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a lifelong commitment to the faith. Catholic traditions are woven throughout each day as students begin and end with prayer, offer grace before meals, attend weekly Children's Mass, participate in the liturgical seasons, and grow in virtue through intentional formation and real-life application.
This model has distinguished St. Peter’s Catholic School in Columbia as one of the top five scoring schools in the Diocese of Charleston on last year's Assessment of Religious Knowledge. The faculty is composed entirely of practicing Catholics, with all teachers EC4 and above holding state certification and upholding both diocesan and South Carolina academic standards. Through this exceptional integration of faith formation, highly credentialed educators, and rigorous academics, St. Peter’s stands as a premier Catholic institution, trusted and respected throughout the Midlands and across the state.
"You do not need to be Catholic to attend St. Peter's Catholic School, but I inform every parent during their tour of our phenomenal, loving school that we let every child know that they are a product of God, serve a very special place in this world, and are loved," says Ms. Renee Emery.
Beyond academics, St. Peter’s Catholic School is distinguished by a vibrant, faith-filled community that offers an experience truly set apart from other schools. Families who join become part of a dynamic and welcoming network, united not only by shared values but by meaningful traditions and innovative programming. Signature experiences such as STEAM Day and the Spring Art Promenade reflect the school’s commitment to creativity and intellectual curiosity, while community-building events like Slices & Ices warmly welcome families at the start of each year.
Students are further enriched through prestigious performance opportunities, including annual Christmas and spring music concerts held at The Basilica of Saint Peter and the University of South Carolina, as well as participation in Junior Achievement, which fosters strong foundations in financial literacy. Career Day serves as another hallmark experience, welcoming family and community leaders, including elected officials, medical professionals, university professors, and law enforcement officers who provide students with meaningful exposure to a wide range of vocations while strengthening community connections and inspiring future aspirations.
Through a valued partnership with the local Rotary Club, students participate in EarlyAct service learning, actively living out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy alongside their families, serving both the local community and the global Church. Together, these distinctive offerings form well-rounded scholars and compassionate leaders, grounded in faith, service, and excellence, ensuring that a St. Peter’s education leaves a lasting and enduring impact far beyond the classroom.
