The history of Academy of Saint Paul is rooted in a vision of faith, educational excellence, and service to the community. In 1950, twelve acres of property were purchased on Wyckoff Avenue in Ramsey, New Jersey, with the goal of establishing a Catholic school for local families. Under the leadership of Monsignor Lester Quinn, pastor of Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, plans were developed for a building that would serve as both a school and a church. This vision became a reality on September 29, 1952, when Archbishop Thomas Boland joined Monsignor Quinn in laying the cornerstone for the new facility. That same year, Christmas Midnight Mass was celebrated in the school's auditorium, which temporarily served as the church.

In April 1953, the first students transferred from Immaculate Conception School in Mahwah to the newly established Saint Paul School. Beginning with grades one through six and staffed by the Sisters of Charity of Convent Station, enrollment quickly grew. A convent was built adjacent to the school in 1954, and the first graduating class of eighteen students celebrated commencement in 1955. Continued growth led to the addition of classrooms and school expansion in 1960.

Over the decades, the school evolved to meet the changing needs of students and families. In 1990, following initiatives by the Archdiocese of Newark, the school became Saint Paul Interparochial School, strengthening its governance and broadening its community partnerships. In 1998, the library was transformed into a modern Technology Center, marking the beginning of the school's commitment to integrating technology into teaching and learning.

The new millennium brought tremendous growth and innovation. In 2002, the school earned accreditation through the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), affirming its commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement. A state-of-the-art science laboratory was established in 2005 through the generosity of the Ullrich family, providing expanded opportunities for hands-on scientific exploration.

As STEM education emerged as a national priority, Academy of Saint Paul became a leader in innovation. Students began participating in nationally recognized programs such as LEGO Robotics, Toshiba ExploraVision, and the Future City Engineering Competition. In 2011, the traditional Science Fair evolved into a STEM Fair, emphasizing engineering design, innovation, and problem-solving. Spanish instruction was expanded to all students in PreK3 through Grade 8, further enriching the curriculum.

The Academy continued to enhance its campus and programs throughout the 2010s. A full-sized regulation gymnasium was completed in 2008, and the school welcomed its first Little Shepherd PreK students in 2009. Subsequent improvements included expanded early childhood facilities, enhanced security systems, and recognition as both a National Green Ribbon School and recipient of the National School Garden of the Year Award.

A defining milestone occurred in 2015 when the school officially became Academy of Saint Paul. That same year, the United States Department of Education recognized Academy of Saint Paul as a National Blue Ribbon School, one of the highest honors awarded to schools nationwide. The Academy also established its chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, further strengthening opportunities for student leadership and service.

Building on a tradition of excellence, Academy of Saint Paul embraced the Archdiocese of Newark's STEM initiatives in 2017, engaging students in solving real-world challenges through the Engineering Design Process and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Library Media Center was transformed into a collaborative maker space, and Google Classroom, Chromebooks, coding platforms, and one-to-one student devices became integral parts of the learning experience.

Recent years have seen continued investment in future-ready learning. The Academy introduced advanced coding, data analysis, content creation, 3D CAD design, and 3D printing into the technology curriculum. A dedicated STEM Lab was completed in 2022, and students continue to participate in robotics, engineering, and innovation challenges at regional, state, and national levels. Alumni have earned both state and national recognition through the Future City Engineering Competition, reflecting the lasting impact of the Academy's commitment to STEM education.

Today, Academy of Saint Paul serves students from PreK3 through Grade 8 in a faith-filled environment where academic excellence, character formation, service, and innovation work together to prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond. While much has changed since 1953, the Academy's mission remains unchanged: to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional growth of each child while providing an exceptional Catholic education rooted in faith, excellence, and service.

The Academy of Saint Paul provides academic excellence in an atmosphere of love and Catholic Christian values through Scholarship, Spirituality, and Service. Opportunities are offered for integrating learning and life based on the Gospel. Following the example of St. Paul, students are prepared to take their place as faith-filled stewards in the Church and modern world.

The vision of the Academy of Saint Paul is to foster a vibrant community where students grow in scholarship, spirituality, and service, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. We strive to empower each child to become compassionate leaders and responsible citizens committed to serving God by serving others and making a positive impact in the modern world. 

Scholarship: The Academy of Saint Paul prepares students for the modern world by providing a rigorous curriculum that develops intellectual and technological skills.  

Spirituality: The Academy of Saint Paul integrates learning and life based on the Gospel.  Following the example of Saint Paul, students are prepared to take their place as faith-filled stewards in the Church and the modern world.   

Service: The Academy of Saint Paul emphasizes values that encourage students to serve God by serving others and provides service opportunities that develop moral and spiritual values. 

Community: The Academy of Saint Paul has a strong bond among families, St. Paul RC Church, and the community. We promote values that develop social/emotional skills and encourage students to be kind to all people. 

Family Involvement: The Academy of Saint Paul recognizes parents and families as primary educators and integral members of the educational team.  

Graduates of the Academy of Saint Paul are: 

Faithful Christians Who:

• Exhibit compassion, tolerance, justice and respect
• Embody qualities of stewardship
• Make good moral choices
• Serve others
• Have a strong understanding of Catholic doctrine, tradition, Scripture, prayer, and liturgy allowing for active participation in the faith community

Diligent Lifelong Learners Who:

• Possess strong foundational skills leading to independent thinking and learning
• Are effective communicators, collaborators, and decision-makers
• Exhibit an appreciation for the Arts
• Think critically and lead by analyzing the ethical implications of advanced technology in the modern world

Active Individuals Who:

• Explore personal physical potential
• Demonstrate responsibility for personal physical health and well-being
• Show respect for personal gifts and talents of others

Responsible Citizens of the Modern World Who:

• Foster compassion and understanding of our diverse culture
• Respond proactively to current events and provide positive solutions
• Participate actively as responsible citizens in the democratic process
• Respond conscientiously to the needs of the environment as faith-filled stewards
• Apply faith and leadership to have a positive impact on all God's creations

School session:  7:55 am - 2:30 pm.

Before care:  7:00 am - 7:30 am

After care:  2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.