St. Hilary School

For the second time in seven years,
St. Hilary School in Fairlawn has been named a “Blue Ribbon School” by the U.S. Department of Education. Here’s how its teachers and staff are putting students on a path toward remarkable success—and how your child could be among them.

By: Paula Singleton
Date: 09/23/2008 Challenging ourselves not to be content with just doing well—but to become the best we can be—is at the very heart of greatness.

The staff at St. Hilary School in Fairlawn knows firsthand what it means to be among the best. The school was recently named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for the second time in seven years. It is one of only 14 elementary schools in Ohio, one of only 50 private schools nationally, and the only elementary school in Summit County to receive the prestigious award in 2008.

That means it’s one of the best schools in the country.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s No Child Left Behind initiative. St. Hilary School was named a Blue Ribbon School in 2001 and became eligible to re-apply for the distinction last fall.  

“This award is a tribute to our entire school and parish community,” says Dr. Patricia Nugent, principal of St. Hilary School. “It’s an incredible honor that wouldn’t be possible without the exemplary work of our students, staff, parents, administrators, pastor and associate pastor—all of whom strive to make the school the best it can be.”

Dr. Nugent, along with assistant principal Karen Alestock and teachers Judi Piekarski and Mary Kelly, will travel to Washington, D.C. to receive the award on October 20. “These individuals are representative of the excellence of our entire staff,” smiles Dr. Nugent.

St. Hilary School provides state-of-the-art SmartBoards in every classroom, a full complement of extracurricular activities, and an innovative enrichment program unique to St. Hilary that focuses on the arts. It is in the top 10 percent of schools in the nation in reading and mathematics as measured by standardized tests.
All St. Hilary School grade levels consistently score in the 98th to 99th percentile on the IOWA Test of Basic Skills, which the school administers annually.  

“Most of our graduating students attend one of the four Catholic high schools in Summit County,” explains Dr. Nugent. “The high school teachers often say that St. Hilary graduates immediately stand out because of their strong leadership, academic preparation,  and study skills.”

But the Blue Ribbon Schools Program is not just about doing well on tests. St. Hilary also met the requirements for excelling in all areas of academic leadership, professional staff development, curriculum and instruction. Additionally, the school focuses on service.

“Our students learn the importance of service to others from the very beginning,” Dr. Nugent says. “We help kids grow in faith and provide an excellent elementary education. This gives them a solid foundation on which to build their lives so that they learn to be the best they can be.”

St. Hilary School, serving 684 students in grades K-8, is located at 645 Moorfield Road in Fairlawn, across West Market Street from Fairlawn Towne Center. In addition to its core curriculum, St. Hilary School offers instruction in two foreign languages, art, music, physical education and technology. Students of every faith, race, heritage, and ability level are welcome, and financial aid is available. For more information on the school, its curriculum and programs, contact Debbie Sinopoli, Director of Marketing, at 330-867-8720 ext. 343, or visit www.st-hilaryschool.org.

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