Discover DePaul Catholic
Mission Statement
DePaul Catholic High School is a co-educational diocesan college preparatory high school whose mission is to foster the spiritual, intellectual, physical and social growth of its students.
Vision Statement
The school’s vision is to transform young men and women from varying backgrounds into skilled, compassionate citizens who respect the dignity of all people and are striving to become leaders willing to meet the challenges of a complex global society. This is accomplished by teaching a rigorous college preparatory curriculum as well as the doctrine, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church, partaking in Christian Service activities and providing opportunities to participate in competitive athletics as well as a variety of quality co-curricular activities.
History
DePaul Catholic High School was founded by the Diocese of Paterson and the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton of Convent Station N.J. in 1956.
While construction ensued on Alps Road in Wayne, the second floor of Holy Spirit Elementary School in Pequannock was the original home to DePaul Catholic High School. Director, Reverend Msgr. John P. McHugh supervised the completion of the building. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in late fall of 1957 as DePaul Catholic opened its doors to is first 200 students. The one-story building had fourteen classrooms, one cafeteria, one gym, and one practice multi-use field in the back the size of a normal football field. Groundbreaking for the "New Wing" began in 1959 and the two-story addition was completed in 1963.
In 2002 the convent was renovated and changed into Flarity Hall. The renovated convent chapel was then embraced as a part of DePaul Catholic High School. In 2010, DePaul Catholic instituted an 8th Grade Prep Program. Currently, the High School and the Prep, host approximately 500 students from 80 towns. It is this diversity that makes DePaul a vibrant and dynamic co-educational environment.
The Vincentian Catholic Advantage
We strive to emulate the values of the Sisters of Charity who were founded in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Daughters of Charity. The values of Saint Vincent de Paul are reflected in our Theology classes, Campus Ministry programs and Christian Service Program, which are central to the preparation of our students for their role in the global society. Saint Vincent de Paul, the "Great Apostle of Charity" who was born in France to a family of peasant farmers, was ordained a Priest in 1600 and devoted his life to preaching and serving the poor. He founded an order of missionary priests known as the "Vincentians" and with the assistance of Saint Louise de Marillac, founded the Daughters of Charity. Saint Vincent de Paul was renowned for his compassion, humility and generosity.
The Sisters of Charity in the US, who were founded by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, are committed to education, healthcare and serving the poor. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was a wife, mother, teacher and foundress, and is the patroness of Catholic Schools and Teachers. In keeping with her spirit and inspired by the life and work of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, DePaul Catholic High School students are encouraged to promote, protect and nurture the dignity of each person while fostering a communal commitment of love and service to others.
The Co-educational Advantage
Preparing students socially and emotionally for college and life thereafter requires an environment that is reflective of the real world, a co-educational world. DePaul Catholic graduates are prepared to interact and work with members of the opposite gender both in the college classroom and in the workplace. This co-educational partnership fosters individual growth while preparing each to thrive within their community.
In a co-educational setting, both boys and girls take on leadership roles, learn to take risks in front of their peers, and are exposed to various management styles and personalities. Each interaction helps to breakdown negative gender stereotypes and allows students to learn invaluable lessons in working with members of the opposite gender and growing as young adults.