Holy Redeemer School in College Park, Maryland, was opened September 1, 1931, by the Sisters of Providence. Holy Redeemer School is a Catholic parish school rooted in Gospel values, and is committed to excellence in education with the power of faith. The school offers an educational program designed to respect the dignity of all students, grades pre-kindergarten through 8, recognize individual differences, and promote social justice and other Gospel values as integral elements of Christian living. Holy Redeemer School promotes structure and discipline as an aspect of moral guidance while providing opportunities to worship, to learn, and to grow in character. We strive to encourage and motivate our students to realize their potential for academic excellence, creativity, self-discipline, spirituality, physical fitness, and social awareness.
Our "small town" community of Berwyn and College Park is also home to the University of Maryland, the National Archives, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in nearby Greenbelt, Maryland. Most of our students live in the Berwyn, College Park, Hyattsville, University Park and Greenbelt municipalities. However, due to our location, just off Interstates 95 and 495, it is convenient for families who commute from as far away as Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Landover, Laurel, and Silver Spring.
Our teachers are state-certified educators, with most holding a Master’s Degree in their field of expertise. We have three, full-time Instructional Assistants and a full-time Special Education/Resource Teacher. It is Holy Redeemer School’s mission to provide a Catholic education to all students. Therefore, we accept students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) and special learning needs.
Our school curriculum is based on the Archdiocese of Washington’s educational standards (http://www.adw.org/academic-standards/) and our school meets the requirements established by the AdvancED® Accreditation Commission and Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
Holy Redeemer School’s standardized test scores, in reading and mathematics, consistently rank above the national standard, and our whole-school score is consistently in the 85th percentile or above.
Our 8th graders have a 100% acceptance rate into a high school of their choice and receive over $95,000 in scholarships annually. Many of our 8th graders have also been accepted into the elite and highly competitive Eleanor Roosevelt High School Science and Tech program.
One of Holy Redeemer School’s biggest investments has been updating and installing a new Technology Center. New computers were purchased for each classroom and office, with an additional 36 new computers in our newly installed wireless, state-of-the-art computer lab. Interactive smart technology with whiteboards, is in every classroom throughout the building, including the art studio and library. A class-set of iPads are utilized daily via a syncing cart and professional development in the use of technology in the classroom is on-going. We are also proud of our new website, which parents find easy to use and it serves as our most effective way of communication.
In addition to the core subjects of Mathematics, Science, English, Reading and Literature, Social Studies, and Religion, we offer Spanish, Art Studio, Music and Drama, Computer Technology, Library/Media, and Physical Education to all students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8. Our after school clubs are co-curricular and include Literary Magazine, Debate Club, 2nd Grade Book Club, Chess Club, Chef’s Club, Science Club, Yearbook, Liturgical Service Club and Art Club. Our Student Council, National Junior Honor, and School Safety Patrols meet regularly during school hours, serving as ambassadors for Holy Redeemer School functions and leading us in our monthly service projects.
Extra-curricular clubs include athletics (soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, and track), with our parish Catholic Youth Organization, and a very active Boy/Girl Scouts program.
Holy Redeemer School has a strong Parent Advisory Board and an active Home and School Association with a dynamic parent volunteer network. Our many special events would not take place without the dedication and hard work from our parent community. These special events include International Day, Grandparents’ Day, Family Fun Night, Field Day, Pumpkin Patch, Beer & Brats, Principal and Padre’s Wine & Cheese, Muffins for Moms, Doughnuts for Dads, Holy Redeemer Day, Open Houses, Walk-A-thon and Silent Auction fundraisers and our many athletic events.
Holy Redeemer School’s Catholic identity is integrated within each aspect of school life; weekly Mass, daily prayer, service to others, and moral guidance. With over 80 years of excellence, we remain dedicated to fostering our Catholic identity, providing a warm and welcoming community, and working to ensure that all students reap the benefits of Excellence in Education with the Power of Faith.