In 1992, a small school opened its doors next to a chapel in Waxahachie, Texas. It started with just one building and a big vision: to bring quality Catholic education to Ellis County. Today, St. Joseph Catholic School has expanded across three buildings on the St. Joseph Catholic Church campus, mirroring the parish’s own growth. But while the campus has changed, one thing has remained constant: its unwavering commitment to faith-based education. “For more than 30 years, we have stayed true to our mission of providing rigorous, authentically Catholic education,” says Trindad X. Saucedo, President of St. Joseph Catholic School.
That mission goes beyond academics. The school is dedicated to shaping students into spiritually grounded, intellectually curious, and morally responsible leaders. This is achieved through strong academics tailored to different learning styles, leadership opportunities, service projects, and a vibrant community of clubs, sports, and the arts. More importantly, faith is woven into every aspect of daily life—whether through prayer, service, or the values instilled in each student.
Innovation Rooted in Faith
At St. Joseph Catholic School, faith is the foundation of everything. But alongside that strong spiritual core, there’s also a deep commitment to innovation. The school blends tradition with forward-thinking education, creating an environment where students grow both academically and creatively.
One of the standout features is its STREAM program: Science, Technology, Religion, Arts, and Mathematics. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to think critically, problem-solve, and make connections across different subjects. “Our Catholic faith is infused in every facet of our school, but what sets us apart is our dedication to innovation,” says Saucedo.
Beyond STREAM, the school nurtures creativity through music, art, theatre, and band. Students are exposed to the world of storytelling through frequent author visits, have opportunities to publish their own work, and engage with inspiring guest speakers from the community. The goal? To create well-rounded students who are curious, expressive, and engaged in the world around them.
That same spirit of innovation extends to curriculum development. Recently, the school undertook a major overhaul, giving teachers full control over the decision-making process. “Our curriculum committee is made entirely of our teachers. They’re empowered, which allows them to be innovative,” Saucedo explains. As a result, the school has adopted hands-on, engaging, and rigorous learning options that meet the needs of today’s students.
Challenging Minds, Nurturing Hearts
Academic excellence at St. Joseph Catholic School isn’t just about grades; it’s about building confident, capable students who take ownership of their learning. Here, rigorous content goes hand in hand with self-advocacy, leadership, and community engagement.
“We challenge our students while empowering them to advocate for themselves and others,” says Saucedo. This philosophy extends across academics, athletics, and fine arts. Academic competitions hold just as much weight as sports events, and both are celebrated alongside theatre productions and musical performances. The school values the whole student, ensuring every child finds a space where they can shine.
To support students at every level, St. Joseph Catholic School created the Learning Lab, a place where those who need extra time or guidance receive personalized support. Hands-on and experiential learning are central to the school’s approach, making education more engaging and impactful. Along with core subjects, students take part in PE, art, music, band, theatre, Spanish, Mass, religion, and weekly library visits. They also stay deeply connected to their community, regularly participating in service projects and local events.
Technology is another key part of the school’s learning experience. As a 1:1 campus from kindergarten through eighth grade, every student has access to digital tools that enhance their education. Starting in fifth grade, students take a technology class to prepare them for the middle school STREAM curriculum. “In the upper grades, technology becomes an essential medium for discovering key concepts in core subjects,” Saucedo notes.
Faith in Every Moment
From the moment students walk through the doors of St. Joseph Catholic School each morning, they are reminded of their shared mission through prayer, reflection, and community. “Each morning on the announcements, we include a reflection and pray together,” says Saucedo. Prayer isn’t reserved for just the start of the day; it’s woven into every class, every challenge, and every celebration. A daily religion block ensures students engage deeply with their faith, while weekly Mass brings everyone together in worship. The school also honors the liturgical seasons with special events like Advent prayer services, Lenten Stations of the Cross, and a vibrant celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph.
Faith extends beyond structured moments of worship and shapes the way students interact with one another. “School expectations and rules are centered in the inherent dignity of all students as children of God,” Saucedo explains. That belief creates a school culture built on respect, kindness, and forgiveness.
One of the most cherished traditions at St. Joseph is the Mass Buddies program. Older and younger students pair up to assist each other during Mass, but their bond doesn’t stop at the church doors. “We love our Mass Buddies!” Saucedo says enthusiastically. These partnerships continue throughout the year, with students working on projects together, fostering friendships that bridge grade levels.
Parents, too, play an active role in the school’s faith-driven community. Whether they’re organizing events, reading to classes, or serving as guest speakers, they’re not just spectators in their children’s education; they’re participants.
Like any family, there are moments of frustration, but at St. Joseph, forgiveness is freely given. “We share in the joys and sorrows of our school family,” Saucedo reflects. “We celebrate our collective wins and encourage perseverance through our struggles.” It’s this deep-rooted sense of belonging that makes the school more than just an institution—it’s a home.
Building the Future with Faith and Innovation
St. Joseph Catholic School’s goal is to grow, evolve, and innovate while staying true to its mission. “With Christ as our guiding light and the humanity of our students at the forefront, we ask ourselves what motivates them and how we can utilize the intersection of those things to innovate our instruction and offerings,” says Saucedo.
This forward-thinking mindset has led the school to an ambitious five-year plan to strengthen its programs and facilities. Currently in Phase 2, St. Joseph is undergoing major developments, including a gym renovation, campus expansion, and infrastructure improvements.
But it’s not just about the physical environment. The school is making a significant investment in its STREAM curriculum, ensuring that students continue to receive a cutting-edge education that blends faith, technology, and hands-on learning. Every upgrade, every new initiative is designed with the student experience in mind—preparing them not just for high school, but for life.
At St. Joseph, innovation and tradition aren’t at odds. They work together, reinforcing the belief that faith is a foundation, not a limitation. And with that belief, the school continues to move forward, shaping the future while staying true to its roots.
Once a Knight, Always a Knight
There’s something special about a place that keeps calling you back. For the students, parents, and staff of St. Joseph Catholic School, being part of this community doesn’t end at graduation, as it lasts a lifetime.
“Alumni love to visit us, follow us on social media, and are proud of their time here,” says Saucedo. The school’s motto, “Once a Knight, always a Knight”, is more than just a phrase—it’s a promise. A promise that every student who walks through these halls will always have a place in this family.
That same sense of purpose extends to the dedicated staff. “The staff at the school are all working towards the same goal, which is rigorous, authentically Catholic education,” Saucedo explains. With that shared vision, collaboration comes naturally. Teachers don’t just instruct—they innovate, support, and lead with passion.
“We are strategic in hiring people strong in their content who are well-qualified and who understand that education here is mission-driven,” says Saucedo. It’s this commitment to both faith and excellence that attracts educators who want to make a difference.
At the end of the day, success at St. Joseph isn’t just measured in test scores or trophies. It’s measured in the character of its students. “When we look at ourselves—including our staff, students, and parents—we know we’ve been successful if what we see shows a strong spiritual footing, someone who can think critically and acknowledge others’ perspectives and has a heart for those in need. That’s a Knight,” concludes Saucedo.
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