The Board of Regents | Our Way Forward

IN-PERSON LEARNING PLANS FOR 2020-21

More than any other year, the safety of in-person learning and extra curricular activities will be the primary concern of school administrators, teachers and parents across the United States. The St. Vincent de Paul High School administration recognizes that quality education, an engaging high school experience and a return to some sense of normalcy are essential to the academic progress, social development and emotional well-being of students. St. Vincent’s is ready to meet this challenge following the direction of the California Department of Education’s guidebook to reopen schools, released June 15, 2020.

We are aware parents and students in Sonoma County schools were disappointed with their initial experience with remote learning, and are concerned that remote learning at public schools will continue well into the upcoming school year. There are justifiable concerns regarding budget cuts, faculty and staff reductions, the possibility of staggered schedules with alternating weeks, a diminished curriculum, more impacted AP classes and rumors of no activities or sports — and the reality of placing large school populations in a limited space. There is a better way forward for your family.

ST. VINCENT’S | BACK-TO-SCHOOL

With the most experienced and innovative leadership team among Petaluma high schools, St. Vincent de Paul High School is now operating at full capacity. The safety of our students and staff is our first concern, and we are following all applicable health guidelines. With our 12-acre campus and just 200 students on site, our school is ideally suited for this new environment.

These attributes have been assets of the school for generations and remain so at this time; small class sizes, superior instruction and high expectations. The 2020-2021 school year will feature:

Traditional in-person classes starting August 10th — read the July 15, 2020 Update
Our full staff of teachers, class offerings and support services.
Class size limited to 15 students; allowing for safe and personal instruction.
Summer camps beginning June 30th — learn more at Summer Camps
On-campus training for fall sports happening now — see Mustang Athletics

For over 100 years, St. Vincent de Paul High School has attracted motivated students who are seeking admission to the most competitive colleges, a great high school experience and lifelong friendships. Our school has the highest graduation requirements in Sonoma and Marin counties, a college preparatory format with access to AP classes, exceptional and accessible teachers who know their students, all delivered in a safe environment within a small school atmosphere.

FALL ATHLETICS

St. Vincent de Paul High School Athletics is entering the North Bay League beginning with Fall 2020 sports, providing a competitive schedule. We are aware of the possibility that fall sports will be cancelled at all schools in our area, and are exploring alternate options for our student-athletes.

“The St. Vincent High School football team is doing things right. St. Vincent started football conditioning and limited drills last week, following a long list of protocols developed by attorney Austin Bosarge, head coach Trent Herzog and the St. Vincent staff. The St. Vincent plan generally follows guidelines from the National Federation of High School Athletics. The plan has been given county approval.”

St. Vincent starting football conditioning right | John Jackson, Argus-Courier, June 22nd

St. Vincent begins modified football conditioning | John Jackson, Argus-Courier, June 23rd

Back to school for St. Vincent High students | John Jackson, Argus-Courier, June 30th

In recent years, St. Vincent de Paul High School has enjoyed the highest number of transfers into the school over its 103-year history. In 2019, we experienced a 26% increase in first year enrollment, and were the only Catholic High School in Sonoma or Napa counties that experienced increased enrollment in their incoming freshman class. To learn more about the pre-Covid19 developments at St. Vincent’s, please read “A Focus on Growth”.

WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

St. Vincent de Paul High School makes every effort to provide the opportunity to attend our high school to as many families as possible. Through dedicated fundraising and generous benefactors, St. Vincent’s offers many need-based and merit scholarships; 46% of our current students receive some form of financial assistance. Given the current economic and health-related situation, St. Vincent’s has allocated additional resources to meet the needs of local families.

As a school, we celebrate the different ethnicities and religious beliefs in our community. Today, St. Vincent de Paul High School is comprised of the most diverse group of students in our history. We want to assure prospective families that we will not tolerate bigotry on our campus, but instead embrace the cultures and history each family brings to our school. Love, respect and belief in the dignity of human life is essential to a civilized society; they are values we embrace for our school.

LET’S TALK

Your student’s opportunity for a safe and engaging learning environment awaits! There is still an opportunity for incoming freshman and transfer students to apply for the 2020-2021 school year. We have experienced an increase in interest from local families to learn more, but space will be limited. We look forward to hearing from you today and sharing the good news about St. Vincent de Paul High School.