St. Stanislaus School Highlights Polish National Catholic Church Heritage Through Education and Community Involvement

The St. Stanislaus school in South Scranton honors its century-old Polish heritage through its curriculum and community ties. Established in 1897, the school was created shortly after the founding of the Polish National Catholic Church. The institution serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, with classrooms organized by grade levels. The school’s physical layout includes classrooms, lockers, and a lunch room on a lower level of the building, adjacent to the Polish National Catholic Church. A gym and indoor recess area are located on the first floor.

The school’s annual budget is supported by enrollment and donations from a Polish food festival held each May. Three full-time teachers, including a part-time music teacher who also serves as the organist at the church, provide instruction. Bishop Bernard Nowicki’s wife, a retired music teacher, assists with the school’s activities. St. Stanislaus also receives support from the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit.

Students at St. Stanislaus learn English, math, science, reading, and spelling, alongside religion. The religion curriculum is rooted in Catholic teachings, emphasizing the Bible and the importance of loving God. Mrs. Kaszuba noted that students are also taught to “do good things for other people.” The school’s small size allows for a personalized educational experience, with students engaging in both independent and group work.

The school’s structure fosters a sense of community, with older students often taking on teaching roles when Mrs. Kaszuba is unavailable. They read books to younger students and help prepare lunches for the cafeteria. This collaborative environment reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing both academic and social growth.

While the school does not administer standardized tests like the Keystone Exams, it offers music theory classes and opportunities for students to sing and play recorders and small percussion instruments. Due to its size, the school does not have the resources to teach larger instruments such as violins. After eighth grade, many students attend local parochial or private schools or return to their home districts.

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