St. Joseph School in Needham has begun the 2026-2027 academic year with 439 students and a new schoolwide theme, "Growing in Faith and Wisdom." Rooted in the school's Catholic mission and four pillars of faith, virtue, intellect, and stewardship, the theme invites students to strengthen their roots, develop their gifts, and grow together as a community.

Inspired by Matthew 13:23 and the image of seed sown on rich soil, Growing in Faith and Wisdom will shape prayer, learning, service, and community life throughout the year. Its accompanying message -- "Growing hearts. Growing minds. Growing together" -- reflects St. Joseph School's commitment to educating the whole child from age 2.9 through grade eight.

The new school year also marks St. Joseph School's second consecutive year of enrollment growth. Enrollment has risen from 401 students in 2024-2025 to 425 students in 2025-2026 and 439 students this year. That represents an increase of 38 students, or nearly 10 percent, over the past two years.

"We are grateful that more families are choosing St. Joseph School and placing their trust in our faculty, staff, and mission," said Head of School Kristen Fiumara. "This growth is about much more than a number. It reflects the strength of a community, where children are known, challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow in both faith and wisdom."

St. Joseph School enters the year building on a strong foundation of academic excellence and institutional strength. The school was named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, and in June 2025, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges granted St. Joseph School Continued Accreditation. NEASC commended the school's authentic integration of Catholic identity and its comprehensive support for students' academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs. The accrediting body also cited the school's strategic leadership and forward-looking vision.

Continued investment in the campus has accompanied that momentum. Summer improvements included new security cameras, upgrades to interior doors and locks, updated Kennedy Center doors, and five new water-filling stations. These projects reflect the school's commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and well-supported environment for students and faculty.

Throughout the year, the theme will help students connect what they learn with who they are becoming. Faith provides the roots, virtue shapes their character, intellect deepens their understanding, and stewardship calls them to use their gifts in service to others. Together, these pillars help students grow in faith and wisdom and reinforce the enduring purpose of a St. Joseph School education: to help each student flourish academically, spiritually, and socially.

Families interested in learning more about St. Joseph School and upcoming admissions events are invited to visit www.SaintJoes.com.



TORI BANU IS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS (TBANU@SJS-NEEDHAM.ORG OR 781-444-4459) AT ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL IN NEEDHAM, MASS., A TRADITIONAL ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH SCHOOL EDUCATING BOYS AND GIRLS FROM AGE 2.9 THROUGH GRADE EIGHT. NAMED A 2024 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL IS DEDICATED TO FOSTERING STUDENTS' ACADEMIC, SPIRITUAL, AND SOCIAL GROWTH THROUGH ITS CORE VALUES OF FAITH, VIRTUE, INTELLECT, AND STEWARDSHIP. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES, THE SCHOOL PREPARES WELL-ROUNDED INDIVIDUALS WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SAINTJOES.COM.