About
Welcome!
My name is Martha Laurent, and as principal of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, I would like to welcome you and thank you for taking the time to learn more about our school.
Holy Name of Jesus School provides preschool through 6th grade students with a Catholic education that nurtures the whole child, academically, spiritually, and personally. We take pride in our rich tradition of faith-filled learning, strong academics, extracurricular opportunities, and service-learning experiences.
Our mission is to provide academic excellence while proclaiming, celebrating, and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here’s what you can expect from our school:
- Individualized learning in “right-sized” classes to meet developmental and personal needs.
- A rich history dating back to 1919.
- Preschool programs for ages three to five, with a full day option for ages four and five.
- Half-day and full-day kindergarten, plus 1st grade through 6th grade classrooms.
- Before and after-school programs that encourage creativity and friendships.
- Weekly Bible studies for 4th through 6th grade to deepen faith and build relationships.
- Annual events such as Christmas and Spring Concerts, Rake-A-Thon, Catholic Schools Week, Field Day and Grandparents Day.
We are a Top 20 School focused on these four cornerstones:
- Help Others Succeed
- Communicate You Matter
- Honor the Absent
- See the Problem, Own the Problem
We would love to welcome you into our school community.
You can schedule a tour through our school office at 763-473-3675 or email us.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family!
Sincerely,
Martha Laurent
Principal of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School
Faith & Service
Spirituality is central to Catholic education, and at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, it is part of every grade level. From preschoolers celebrating Jesus’ birth with a birthday party at Christmas, to 2nd graders receiving their First Reconciliation and First Communion, to weekly Masses for all school families, students grow in faith through a variety of meaningful experiences:
- Daily prayer is part of every school day, beginning and ending each day with it.
- Religion classes are taught in every grade from kindergarten through sixth.
- Classroom visits from Fr. Tim Wratkowski are part of the religion curriculum for each class.
- Student-led Mass involves each class taking turns assisting in Wednesday morning liturgies.
- Sacramental preparation includes guidance and celebration of First Reconciliation and First Communion in 2nd grade.
- Seasonal prayer services include Advent and Lenten services that complement weekly liturgies.
Outreach & Service Projects
Faith also inspires action. Service is a vital part of our mission, helping students live out Christ’s call to love their neighbor. Every grade participates in one or more service projects, offering tangible help to those in need.
As students learn and grow, we guide them to become responsible, compassionate, and active members of their community, both locally and globally. Each grade has opportunities to serve in ways that reflect their gifts and abilities.
First Grade
Letters of Encouragement
First graders write letters of encouragement, prayer, and cheer to members of our school and parish community each December. Families can submit names of recipients.
Second Grade
Toys for Tots
Second graders collect over 500 toys and gift cards annually for children in need through the Toys for Tots program. Students and parents deliver the gifts to the KARE 11 news station, continuing a tradition that has even reconnected alumni with former teachers.
Third Grade
Blankets for my very own bed
Third graders tie blankets for children in need instead of holding a Valentine’s Day Party.
Fourth Grade
Meals on Wheels Notes
Fourth graders send weekly notes and drawings to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels.
First Friday Hospitality
Students in The Edge Program serve breakfast to parishioners after the morning Mass on the first Friday of each month during the school year.
Rake-a-thon
We look forward to a gorgeous Fall weekend, so our tradition of raking yards in our community can continue.
History
Holy Name of Jesus parishioners have supported Catholic education since the parish began. Early church services and classes were held in the homes of parishioners. In 1874, the old log church building, the original Holy Name of Jesus Parish, was used as a school for part of the year.
The first Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School building was completed in 1919, across County Road 24 from the church on the knoll overlooking Holy Name Lake. It was staffed by the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict from Duluth. In its first year, the school enrolled 52 students: 48 in the eight elementary grades and four in the first year of high school.
Classes were held in this two-room building until 1955, when the current school was built. The new four-classroom school housed two grades in each room, an improvement over the four grades per room in the old school. The first floor served as a parish hall and lunchroom for students.
Growth continued in the following decades. In 1965, the parish hall was divided into two additional classrooms. Renovations and expansions followed to meet rising demand, and lay teachers and administrative staff were added.
By January 1989, enrollment had grown to 185 students, with one classroom for each grade from kindergarten through sixth. As numbers increased further, each grade expanded to two classrooms, bringing additional teachers, programs, volunteers, and innovations.
In 1990, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School and Ascension School in North Minneapolis formed a sister relationship, along with their parishes. The diversity of these school communities was celebrated through shared holiday events, choir concerts, service projects, and friendships.
In 2008, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School for delivering academic excellence. After many years as a kindergarten through sixth-grade school, the Little Sparks Preschool opened in Fall 2011.
Today, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School serves an average of 300 students in preschool through sixth grade, continuing a tradition of academic excellence, faith formation, and community connection that began more than a century ago.
Philosophy & Mission
Together, we prepare students to live out their faith, serve others, and embrace lifelong learning.
Mission Statement
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School provides academic excellence in a preschool through sixth-grade Catholic setting while proclaiming, celebrating, and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Philosophy Statement
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School is a place where students achieve academic success and are inspired to grow as confident learners and people of faith and compassion. In partnership with our parish community, we build a strong foundation for each student’s future.
We value student learning, growth, and development in the context of:
- A knowledgeable, talented, and caring faculty, staff, and administration
- Informed and involved parents
- A rigorous curriculum that provides a solid educational foundation for all students
We strive to help students:
- Develop initiative, self-confidence, and creativity
- Reach their academic potential
- Prepare for future educational endeavors
Our school community, rooted in a Christian foundation:
- Encourages accountability and responsibility
- Strengthens each student’s relationship with God
- Recognizes the dignity and worth of every person