The First Step Towards Transforming Your Child’s Education

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Academic Excellence, Safe and Welcoming Classrooms

High academic achievement. A safe, structured environment. A welcoming, loving community. Serving Philadelphia’s Overbrook neighborhood for over 100 years, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School welcomes students of all faiths in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, providing financial aid for all.

One of 14 Independence Mission Schools (IMS), St. Rose of Lima delivers a rigorous, values-driven curriculum that educates the whole child: academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Financial Aid for All

Based on a sliding scale, tuition at St. Rose of Lima is determined primarily by family income, ensuring accessibility and affordability. Subsidized by philanthropic donors, state tax credits, financial aid for all that apply and numerous scholarship opportunities, the average St. Rose of Lima family contributes just $2,100 per child per year, spread equally over 10 months. Many pay even less.

Why St. Rose of Lima?

Robust creative and performing arts programming includes musicals, choirs, dance team, orchestra and Christmas and spring concerts.

Volunteer-led advisory council invests time and talent to keep donors engaged, developing new opportunities for students.

    Before and after school program, Beyond the Bell, offers enrichment opportunities for students and helpful care support to parents.

      Consistently strong academic outcomes include advanced high school math placement and high school scholarships. Test prep for high school placement tests starts in 6th grade.

      STEM initiatives include a full-time science teacher, strong math curriculum and a live, student-managed garden.

      Free breakfast and lunch available through Nutritional Development Services.

      “We always thought private school was out of the question. Too expensive. St. Rose of Lima showed us it’s not.

      It’s entirely within reach.”

      A Part of Something Bigger

      Nearly 15 years ago, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was about to close 14 neighborhood Catholic schools. Independence Mission Schools formed to keep them open. 

      Ever since, we have thrived. 

      Our students outpace their public school peers in math and reading. In many of our schools, multiple languages are spoken – from English and Spanish to Vietnamese and Haitian Creole. And perhaps most importantly, we welcome children of all faiths: Over 70% of our students are non-Catholic. 

      St. Malachy

      At 12th and Thompson, just south of Temple University.

      St. Barnabas

      At 64th and Buist in Elmwood.

      SS. Cyril & Philomena

      In Lansdowne, Delaware County, just over City Line.

      St. Frances Cabrini

      On N. 65 St in Overbrook.

      St. Helena-Incarnation

      In the Olney neighborhood of North Philadelphia.

      Holy Cross

      In Mount Airy, on E. Mt. Airy Ave.

      St. Martin de Porres

      In North Philadelphia, at 23rd and Lehigh.

      St. Martin of Tours

      In the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.

      Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius of Loyola

      In West Philadelphia, just off Haverford Ave.

      St. Raymond of Penafort

      In the Oak Lane neighborhood of North Philadelphia.

      St. Rose of Lima

      On N. Wanamaker St., just off Lansdowne Ave. in Overbrook.

      The DePaul Catholic School

      In Germantown, at Germantown Ave. and Logan St.

      St. Thomas Aquinas

      At 18th and Morris in South Philadelphia.

      St. Veronica

      In North Philadelphia, at 6th and Sedgley. 

      Let’s Get Started

      Complete the form below and a member of our staff will be in touch shortly.

      We can’t wait to meet you and your family.

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      Is St. Rose of Lima a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia?

      No. Prior to the formation of Independence Missions Schools, St. Rose of Lima and its 13 sister schools were a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. When the Archdiocese of Philadelphia determined it would close the 14 schools, Independence Mission Schools was formed not only to keep them open but grow them.

      How much is tuition?

      Tuition at all Independence Mission Schools is customized. It is based on a sliding scale that takes into account family income and other data points. Thanks to our generous community of donors, Pennsylvania tax credit programs, financial aid awards and scholarship opportunities, families contribute, on average, just $2,100 towards tuition per child, per year, spread evenly over 10 months. Because of our equitable, sliding tuition scale, this amount varies per family. What a family contributes towards their child’s tuition ultimately depends on a variety of data points including household income, social security income and more.

      Does my family or child have to be Catholic to attend?

      Absolutely not! In fact, over 75% of our students are non-Catholic. We preach and practice love, respect and kindness to everyone, of all faiths.

      Is financial aid available?

      Yes! All families receive financial aid based on need. Each year, our students collectively receive over $10M in scholarships and financial aid!

      What high schools do St. Rose of Lima graduates attend?

      St. Helena-Incarnation graduates attend some of the best high schools in the Philadelphia region ranging from Merion Mercy Academy and Malvern Prep to Roman and The Shipley School. Our high school readiness program prepares students for the next step – and beyond.

      I have other questions. How can I get in touch?

      You can use the form above and we’ll get in touch or you can call our office at 215-473-6030.