ST. JOHN PAUL II ELEMENTARY

Catholic Education

St. John Paul II Elementary School of a mission of the Mitchell Catholic Parishes and follows the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Implementation of Catholic Curriculum: St. John Paul II began a transition in the fall of 2024 implement Catholic curriculum and an overall renewal in the culture of our beloved school:

• Implementing Catholic classical curriculum over a three-year period.
• Focusing on “how students learn” just as much as “what they learn” so that students become critical thinkers.
• Formation for staff and faculty to empower them.
• Focusing all curriculum and teaching around the foundational truths of the Church and that the student is a child of God.

Catholic Culture: St. JPII has rich history and partnership with the Catholic parishes, including regular weekly opportunities for the students:

• Weekly visits with the Pro Ecclesia Sancta (PES) priests & brothers
• Weekly lunch & recess with the PES brothers
• Mass every Wednesday with liturgies led by the students
• Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday
• Confessions on Friday
• Rosary on Friday led by the Franciscan sisters

While our school follows the teachings of the Catholic Church, students and families are not required to be Catholic or of Christian denomination. All students and families will be welcomed and involved in the school family and culture.

Strategic Vision

St. John Paul II Elementary is actively assessing and growing according to the Rise Up Strategic Plan 2023-2026, with committees focusing on objectives in the following pillars:

1. Catholic Values
2. Academic Excellence
3. Increased Enrollment
4. Financial Stewardship

Financial Support & Investment

St. John Paul II and Mitchell Catholic Parishes are committed to offering a Catholic education to all who desire it. St. John Paul II families can receive tuition support through scholarships and other opportunities such as the SD Partners in Education program.

For more information on tuition support, contact our office at 605-996-2365.

2024-2025 Tuition Costs (subject to change next school year)

K-6th Grade

• One Child – $3,163
• Two children – $4,595
• Three children – $5,549

Preschool

• Full-day – $4,836
• Half-day – $2,172

Points of Interest

• Approximately 90% of St. JPII alumni achieve the Honor Roll in middle school & high school
• Specials include Music, Band, Show Choir, PE, and the Mark & Chris Buche SmartLab
• St. JPII offers half-day or full-day preschool options, including preschool starting at 3 years old
• St. JPII offers after-school care for all students from 3:15-5:45 P.M.
• St. John Paul II Elementary is accredited by the South Dakota Department of Education
• St. John Paul II Elementary is a member of the National Catholic Education Association and SD Christian School Association
• 100% of St. John Paul II Elementary classroom teachers are certified

Check us out!

2025 Preschool/Kindergarten & New Student Open House

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 5:30 – 6:30 P.M.

Families can visit the classrooms, take a tour of the school, meet the staff and faculty, and register for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are unable to attend, private tours are also available by contacting the school.