Our Beginnings
St. Jude the Apostle School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a shining example of blending academic excellence with Christian values. Founded in 1983 as a satellite campus and becoming independent in 1985, the school has grown significantly, now serving around 570 students and employing 60 staff members. This steady growth reflects the school’s dedication to offering a high standard of education while fostering personal development and a strong sense of community and faith.
In 2020, St. Jude received national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School, affirming its commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience while remaining grounded in faith-based values. This recognition has contributed to the school’s growth, including the expansion of its Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs to meet rising demand.
Our Mission
St. Jude the Apostle School provides a Catholic family environment, dedicated to the formation of each student’s relationship with Christ through faith, academics, and excellence.
Our Catholic Roots
Faith is at the heart of daily life at St. Jude. Each day begins with prayer, and students are encouraged to attend Mass regularly, strengthening their relationship with Christ. Special traditions throughout the year highlight the school’s Catholic identity, including the Living Rosary and Nativity presented by the second graders, and the May Crowning led by our Kindergarten students. Our Mass Buddies program, which pairs 7th and 8th graders with Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students, fosters mentorship, community, and a shared love of the faith.
Grade-level retreats provide students with meaningful opportunities for reflection, prayer, and fellowship. These retreats allow students to grow in their personal faith while also strengthening bonds with their classmates, helping them carry their Catholic identity beyond the classroom. Religion classes further support this mission by teaching Christian morality, giving students a strong foundation to make faith-filled choices in their daily lives.
The school also celebrates its patron, St. Jude, with special events and participates in charitable activities such as fundraisers for local causes. These experiences teach students the value of generosity, empathy, and service, while deepening their understanding of what it means to live their faith each day.
Academic Excellence
Striving for academic excellence, St. Jude School promotes and provides for the overall growth and development of all students by addressing their specific needs and abilities. The school offers honors courses in math and literature, providing challenges for middle school students who excel in these areas.
St. Jude provides specialized programs, including a dyslexia lab and intervention services in math and reading. These programs ensure that students meet grade-level expectations and receive additional assistance where necessary, demonstrating the school’s commitment to inclusivity and academic support for all learners.
Students also participate in academic competitions such as Quiz Bowl, Math Tournaments, and Beta Convention, promoting intellectual curiosity and academic achievement.
Our Community
Community involvement is central to St. Jude’s success. About 87% of families regularly volunteer, contributing to school and church events. Parents actively participate in coaching sports, leading activities, and taking on leadership roles. The school’s strong community ties extend to alumni, with five current teachers being graduates of St. Jude, highlighting the lasting impact the school has on its students. This spirit of collaboration between students, parents, teachers, and alumni strengthens the school’s mission of academic and spiritual excellence.
Each school day at St. Jude begins with announcements by a middle school student, followed by a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and birthday acknowledgments. Middle school students move into study hall providing them with a quiet space to organize their day or complete assignments, and meet with teacher to clarify homework questions before the school day officially begins. These rituals help shape the school’s culture, motivating students to pursue excellence. The school’s motto, “Faith, Academics, and Excellence,” guides students and staff, ensuring that achievements are celebrated, and personal growth is prioritized.
What We Offer
- Highly qualified and certified faculty
- Lumen accredited, state certified school
- Dedicated science lab for middle school students
- One-to-one Chromebooks for middle school students
- Rotating enrichment schedule including Music, Art, PE, French and Computer
