Welcome to St. Augustine Catholic School’s website!

I am very excited to be returning to St. Augustine Catholic School to serve as principal.  

When Pope John Paul II was elected Holy Father by the College of Cardinals in Rome in October 1978, his first words were “Be not afraid!” Fear has the capacity to grow and create more problems. I am adopting a positive mindset, conversely, as we encounter the challenges posed by the COVID-19 in the education of our children. I believe that through working as a team, which includes parents and staff members at our school, that we can overcome any difficulties placed in our way, while keeping our children and staff safe.

St. Augustine (PK-8^th grade) has a very unique history, being founded by free men of color and emancipated slaves in 1858, when it was illegal to educate Black children in the nation’s capital. Many schools have come and gone – including, sadly, many Catholic schools in recent decades – yet, we are still standing, in a very strong position, through the grace of God.

One of our goals is to become a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, and we will work hard toward this distinction and other high marks we have set for ourselves.

I am reminded of the words of the Virgin Mary, as she visited her cousin Elizabeth upon learning that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. “I am the Handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to Thy word.” In a spirit of humility and service to God, we are here to serve you, as we educate the children entrusted to us.

Sincerely,

Sister Emmanuella Ladipo, HHCJ
President, Saint Augustine Catholic School