Serving the East Bay since 1959

About

Saint Philip Neri is a supportive, connected community that works together to educate the whole child and promote respectful, responsible, life-long learners. Parents, teachers, and staff work together to prepare our students academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

As a leader in innovative Catholic education, we promote creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, collaboration and communication. From Preschool-8th grade, we build character as well as intellectual curiosity to grow a well rounded, confident individual. Grounded in our faith, service learning projects connect our students globally and locally with real world situations.

Mission

Our mission is to educate children in the Catholic faith and nurture their minds, bodies, and souls.  We aim to inspire them to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, achieve their highest academic and creative potential, and actively serve and enrich the community.

History

Saint Philip Neri Catholic School, built under the leadership of Fr. O’Brien, first opened its doors in September 1959. It was staffed with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, with Sr. Matilda Carmel as its first principal. Initially serving grades 1-4, one grade was added each year until all grades 1-8 were in operation by 1963.

In 1974, the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan, took the helm. Sr. Laura Marie became principal in 1974 and Sr. Adrienne Pinnette replaced her in 1987. In 1991, the Adrian Sisters left the school, and lay principals have served ever since. Saint Philip Neri Catholic School is Accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association and the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and College.

Philosophy

The Faculty and Staff of Saint Philip Neri Catholic School recognize parents as the primary educators. We embrace all children and provide an environment that combines rigorous academics with faith, culture and community. We challenge students to be respectful, responsible, reverent life-long learners. We instill in our students the desire to grow in personal knowledge of Christ, recognize His presence in others, and live out His Gospel message.

Student Learning Expectations

Respectful Individual

  • Mindful of the rights, opinions, and property of others
  • Appreciates and values the differences of others
  • Listens attentively and acts with integrity

Responsible Problem Solver

  • Accountable for own choices and actions and initiates solutions
  • Works independently and cooperatively with others to solve problems
  • Sets achievable goals
  • Follows school rules, routines, and procedures

Reverent Catholic Christian

  • Makes moral decisions and acts upon them based on the teachings of Jesus Christ
  • Actively participates during prayer and Mass experiences
  • Knows and practices Catholic Social Teachings

Life Long Learner

  • Demonstrates an ongoing curiosity for learning
  • Analyzes and synthesizes information logically and critically
  • Contributes to the learning process
  • Takes responsibility for learning