About The Patrick School
A private, not-for-profit secondary school built on Patrician tradition dating to 1863 — committed to the holistic, healthy development and success of every student.
A comprehensive, affordable education — for every background
The Patrick School is a private, not-for-profit secondary school that provides a comprehensive and affordable education to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Our mission is to foster in students a life-long passion for learning, individual growth, and social responsibility in a safe and familial environment.
We seek to inspire and support students to strive for academic and personal excellence within an ethical framework — placing the highest value on honor, while consistently reinforcing progressive thought. While TPS continues to build upon the traditions, values and pride of its namesake, it is expanding its horizons to meet the needs of our ever-evolving society.
Four core values
Everything The Patrick School does is centered upon its commitment to foster these values in all who make up our school community.
Academic Excellence
A competitive, innovative curriculum in preparation for advanced education — enabling each student to develop intellectually to their fullest potential.
Moral Integrity
Honesty and honor; mutual respect and responsibility for self, others and community; a strong ethical foundation built on discipline, tolerance, accountability and confidence.
Leadership
Guiding students to have vision, be progressive thinkers, strive to be accomplished — empowered adults prepared to make a difference in the world.
Holistic Development
Growth of minds, bodies and souls through athletics, the arts, volunteerism and community service — developing the uniqueness of each student.
From Court Street to today
After 149 years of serving students from Elizabethport and communities throughout New Jersey, the Archdiocese of Newark closed St. Patrick High School in June 2012. Thanks to the quick thinking of Principal Joe Picaro and Vice-Principal Chris Chavannes — and the generosity of alumni and supporters — the "Save St. Patrick's" campaign gave the Patrician tradition a new home.
St. Patrick High School is founded — New Jersey's oldest parochial high school.
The Archdiocese closes SPHS. In six short weeks, volunteers turn 547 Morris Avenue in Elizabeth into a brand-new school — and on September 13, The Patrick School opens its doors to 130 students.
TPS moves to a two-story school building on Columbia Avenue in Hillside — another phenomenal feat accomplished in a matter of weeks by selfless volunteers.
Now based in Princeton Junction, The Patrick School serves grades 6–12 — helping our children pursue excellence in every walk of life.
"We are a family."
Our students, faculty and alumni form a close-knit community bound by the traditions, values and pride of our namesake. I invite you to visit and experience what makes this place so special.
Chris Chavannes
Head of School & President
Fully accredited & recognized
The Patrick School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association, the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, and the NCAA, is an NJSIAA affiliated member, and is registered with the NJ Department of Education for Non-Public Schools.
95% college acceptance to nationally recognized basketball programs — recent graduates have attended Canisius, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Monmouth, Seton Hall, St. Peter's, Tulane, and UConn.
Faculty & staff
The Patrick School's teaching tradition calls upon faculty members to serve beyond the classroom as mentors, coaches, and advisors.
Chris Chavannes
Head of School
Dr. James Catalano
Principal
Katie Messinger
English Department Chair
William Holley
Athletic General Manager
Joe Ross
Head Basketball Trainer
Joseph Jordan
Director of Athletic Compliance
Ike Iwu
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Meet the full basketball staff on the Basketball Family page.
Philosophy, discipline & employment
Philosophy of Discipline +
The philosophy of discipline at The Patrick School aligns with its core values of Academic Excellence, Moral Integrity, Leadership and Holistic Development. Each student at TPS is expected to display class and dignified conduct during the school day, before school, after school and at external events.
Holding our students accountable for proper conduct allows them and their classmates to pursue academic excellence in the classroom and fosters a sense of moral integrity through respect towards others. We hope that students learn the art of self-discipline and display leadership by example to their peers.
Employment Opportunities +
The Patrick School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks candidates who will embrace our mission and are dedicated to building up our school family. Recruitment for faculty typically begins in February for the following academic year, though positions may open at any time — letters of interest are accepted year-round.
- Submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
- Suitable candidates complete the TPS Employment Application (references must include at least one past supervisor).
- Preliminary candidates are contacted for a phone/Zoom interview, then interview with the President and faculty members.
- All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process.
Transfer Students +
The Patrick School accepts applications from transfer students, evaluated on transcripts and previous standardized test scores, admitted where space exists in that grade level. If no spaces are available, strong applications can be placed on a waiting list. Transfer applicants use the standard application forms, and families are strongly encouraged to visit and tour the school as a Student for a Day.
See it for yourself
The best way to understand what makes The Patrick School so unique is to experience it first-hand. Schedule a campus tour or spend a full day with us.