St. Norbert Catholic School Children's Center, Orange

In September of 1965, St. Norbert Catholic School opened as a diocesan school staffed by Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary congregation. That first year, the school’s enrollment was 232 students in grades one through four. An additional class was added each ensuing year until it became an eight-grade school with one class of each grade. Today, St. Norbert Catholic School, which is now staffed by lay teachers, serves children primarily from St. Norbert Parish, as well as those from other parishes in the area. Emphasizing strong Catholic values and striving for academic excellence are hallmarks of the school’s successful history. The school facilities have grown with enrollment, and expanded in 1984 with the addition of a wing comprised of the computer lab, library, learning center, utility room and meeting room on the north side of the campus. Further, in 1991, the Monsignor Falvey Building was built on the easternmost side of the property adding rooms for our kindergarten, extended day care, faculty room, restrooms, faculty library and storage. The first kindergarten class started in the fall of 1991. Capital improvements have been consistent and ongoing. In 2008, new construction and repurposing of space accommodated further growth. A large meeting room, small office, kitchen, restrooms and storage area became available, when the church’s Youth Ministry moved its office and meeting areas into the parish’s brand new Family & Youth Center. Renovations in this space included moving our school library and faculty room. Additionally, a surplus classroom was converted into a state of the art technology lab that is set up with 36 computer stations, along with a teacher’s station. Our school is blessed with a diverse and talented faculty. Each member holds a current teaching certificate and holds religious certification. To guarantee the safety of our students, every faculty member also holds a current first aid and CPR card, and has completed fingerprinting and training in safe environment education. The longevity of our faculty members ranges from one to 29 years. Extending their participation in our parish school even further, three current teachers are graduates of St. Norbert Catholic School! Supporting this talented faculty is a gifted support staff, comprised of employees at the parish and school. We enjoy the leadership in faith formation of our pastor and parish priests, and our deacon and seminary students. On campus, we have 12 staff members supporting the mission of our school on a daily basis. This staff includes a secretary, part-time bookkeeper, part-time development director, custodian, librarian and classroom assistants.