St. Helen Catholic School opened its doors in 1940 and has served the Vero Beach community continuously to date. St. Helen Catholic School continues its strong tradition of quality education in a Christian environment. Vatican II reminded us of our baptismal call to become "people of God," a people who share responsibility and mission in the name of Jesus Christ. The parochial school is both process and an institution which respond to that baptismal call by educating and preparing young people to accept and share more fully the task of continuing the Church's work. An active parish community supports St. Helen Catholic School. The Parish Council, operating through the Education Commission, provides the school with direction. Our Home and School Association is a service group "Making Good Things Happen."

Every seven years catholic schools must be recertified by the Florida Catholic Conference Accreditation Program.  This year, 2010, St. Helen Catholic School will be applying for recertification.  This is a year long process.  The purpose of the School Improvement Plan is to ensure that the school does comply with the accreditation standards set forth.   The faculty and staff will assess what we are doing and what we strive to do.  The following year, we will be visited by a team sent by the Florida Catholic Conference.  Its purpose is to ensure that we are meeting the standards set forth. 

The curriculum includes religion, language arts, (reading, phonics, spelling, handwriting, composition and grammar), math, science, social studies, music, physical education and art. Academic performance objectives are set for each grade level and instruction is geared to meet and expand these objectives.

Staff

Administrators
Howard C. Avril (Principal)
Gerry Mayes (Peripheral Teacher)
John Negherbon (Administrative Support Team)

Faculty and Staff
Madeline Negherbon (School Secretary)
Margaret Geary (Bookkeeper)
Kathi Neuberger (Kindergarten Teacher)
Maria Morgan (1st Grade Teacher)
Jennifer Howard (2nd Grade Teacher)
Tara McGowan (3rd Grade Teacher)
Mary Lewis (4th Grade Teacher)
Jenae Collins (5th Grade Teacher)
Sharon Lowell (6th Grade Teacher)
John Negherbon (7th Grade Teacher; Algebra)
Pat Marshall (8th Grade Teacher)
Joanne Bartolucci (Computer; Art)
Dolores Chambers (Music)
Teresita Collins (Math)
Cindy Langlois (2nd and 3rd Grade Aide)
Jim Mattingly (Social Studies Teacher; Boys' PE)
Lisa Moses (Counselor)
Judy Willmot (Kindergarten and 1st Grade Aide)
Karen Santangelo (Aide and Office)
Kat Yampolsky (Media Specialist)

Admission Policy

It is parish policy that all parishioners wishing their children to attend St. Helen Catholic School should be registered with the Rectory immediately upon moving into the parish. Family registration and parish support through weekly use of offertory envelopes are essential requirements for enrollment of children in our school. 

All student including those presently enrolled in all grades must pre-register in February of each year. A registration fee must be paid at the time of the preregistration for each student. If financial aid is necessary, application may be made. All student currently enrolled in St. Helen Catholic School will be automatically reaccepted for the following year, except for disciplinary reasons, academic reasons, or for non-payment of tuition. Student records may be held until tuition is current. Students must be five on or before September 1st for acceptance into kindergarten. Students must be six on or before September 1st for acceptance into 1st grade, and must have successfully completed kindergarten.

Class size will follow Florida Catholic Conference Guidelines

St. Helen Catholic School may refuse admission to any student for disciplinary or academic reasons. At the close of pre-registration the above admission of students and compilation of the waiting list will be carried out by the administrator of the school. Admission information can be obtained in person at the school office or by mail for those living out of the country. Admission information may be given by telephone with a follow-up in writing.

Schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic orogin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded o made available to students at the school. The do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and practices, admissions policies, athletic and other school administered programs.

All students new to St. Helen Catholic School are admitted on a 90 day probationary status.

Programs Enhancing St. Helen's Catholic School

A well balanced curriculum serves to educate the WHOLE child. St. Helen Catholic School is accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference. Daily Classroom Prayer, Confession, Sacramental Preparation, Religious Instruction, Weekly liturgies prepared by the students. After school student care program to assist working parents. Computer: K-8th grade Library/Media Center open beyond school hours. School Paper and Yearbook. Active Student Council. Interschool athletic teams for girls and boys. Intramurals, Field Days, Interscholastic Academic Games, County Science Fair, 100 Day Museum, Annual School Programs include: Christmas Programs, Science Fair, Variety Show, Mission Program, D.A.R.E., Eighth Grade Dinner Theater, Patriotism Week, Book Fairs, Student Council Mission Program.