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The Archdiocese of New York is creating a new school model at St. Philip Neri, a K-8 elementary school that has been serving students in the Bedford Park neighborhood of the Bronx for over 100 years.

A multi-year project, the Catholic Education and Family Center at St. Philip Neri will be the blueprint for transforming other schools across the Archdiocese of New York. All aspects of St. Philip Neri, from staffing and curriculum to the physical design of the interior will be enhanced to meet the current and future needs of our Bronx Catholic families.

If you have any questions please email [email protected]. To apply, please visit our Admissions page.

The Center will have six areas of focus, each of which will offer enrolled families access to a whole new level of educational, faith and social services:

1. School Building and Infrastructure.
Our plan involves significant renovation of the classrooms for Kindergarten through 8th grade, an upgraded science lab, renewal of the school lobby, and the creation of a safe and private space for mental health and other counseling services to be provided by the Catholic Charities team. Click here to view our modernization progress!

2. Evangelization and Faith Formation.
The primary goal of the new Center is to create a vibrant and faith-filled community that enhances St. Philip Neri Parish and the Bedford Park community in the Bronx. Embedded in each element of the Center is religious component, and we are hiring a Campus Minister to ensure that this remains our primary focus.

3. Educational Excellence.
We have an aggressive plan for improving the quality of the educational experience at St. Philip Neri. After a detailed review, we have introduced a new integrated curriculum, and will be hiring an Academic Dean whose sole focus will be the improvement of the academic program at St. Philip Neri school.

4. Student Success, Health and Safety.
Parents look to our Catholic Schools as islands of safety and security in an increasingly troubled city and world. To support this need, we will offer activities that complement and support the high-quality academic program, including enrichment opportunities in music, sports, science, and the arts. In addition, the Center will support the mental and physical health of students and their families, including access to mental health resources and treatment/case management resources to families in partnership with Catholic Charities.

5. Family Support and Engagement.
Families have shared with us both the hopes they have for themselves and their children, as well as the significant challenges they all face. Many would welcome assistance. In response, we plan to offer parenting support, create a farmer’s market and food pantry (potentially in partnership with existing Bronx-based organizations) and, over time, support and engagement for seniors.

6. Economic Support.
Communities in other faith traditions have found creative ways to support the economic success of their communities. While not a focus for the coming school year, we are investigating opportunities for support group purchasing, employment support and economic development in the St. Philip Neri community.​