1801 Union Street | Schenectady, NY 12309 | Ph/
518-382-8225
Saint Helen's School History
Saint Helen's School was founded in 1955 and is served by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
Parents of prospective students often ask "Why should I send my child to St. Helen's?" Here at St. Helen's,
we thought it might be helpful to let you hear from the parent community directly. As part of our strategic planning
process, we polled the parent community, faculty and administration and asked some of the questions that might
be on your mind. Here are their responses.
Why choose Saint Helen's School?
St. Helen's serves students from a dozen different school districts in the area. Each parent's decision is unique
and generally for several good reasons. The most common reasons for choosing St. Helen's School include:
· Exposure to Religious Values
· Caring and Safe Environment
· Strong/Challenging Academics
St. Helen's is committed to creating a learning environment where children can thrive and where they can acquire
more than just the academic basics. That learning includes helping young minds to develop values and self-respect
that will help them choose wisely in future years.
What makes Saint Helen's School a Good Choice?
#1 Positive Environment
A caring and dedicated teaching staff and administration plus an active parent community plus a common belief in
the teachings of Christ equals an environment where children can grow both spiritually and intellectually. Positive
surroundings yield positive results.
#2 Dedicated, Experienced Faculty
At Saint Helen's, the average tenure of the faculty is 16.5 years. Even our newest teachers joined Saint Helen's
with years of teaching experience to their credit. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of educators.
Class sizes range from 13 to 25 students per classroom. With dedicated staff for Art, Music, Chorus, Computer Science,
Library, Physical Education, Spanish, Enrichment and Remediation, the student-to-teacher ratio is a little over
14 to 1.
#3 Religious Presence
The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary staff 25% of the teaching positions at Saint Helen's.
The Principal is also a member of the community. The Sisters of the Presentation combined with the dedicated and
devout lay staff create an academic environment enveloped in caring and compassion.
#4 Challenging Academics
Children thrive in the disciplined yet fun atmosphere of Saint Helen's School. Academically, Saint Helen's sets
standards and expectations that challenge all students. Saint Helen's 4th graders participate in New York State
Language Arts and Mathematics testing. Our average test scores demonstrate that Saint Helen's does indeed strive
for academic excellence.
View our scores.
How Can You Choose Saint Helen's School?
Registration for the 2006-2007 academic years begins in February. If you have any questions about the school, call
the office at 382-8225 or email us, or fill out our online form. We can put you in touch with a teacher, administrator
or a parent ambassador who will help you.
