Sacred Heart is a parish school of approximately 450 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. The school was founded in 1960 under the direction of the Irish order of the Sisters of Mercy and had an initial enrollment of 200 students in eight classrooms. These classrooms were located in two portable buildings at the end of the present site. The years from 1960 to 1964 were difficult and trying ones for Sacred Heart due to increased enrollment and the financial transient population. Since its inception, Sacred Heart School has accepted students without regard to race or gender.
In September 1964, the first permanent Sacred Heart School building was opened. The new building of modern contemporary design is on the western side of the parking area. This building provided three classrooms, a library, and the school’s administrative offices. In 1966, the second floor of the present two-story building was completed which gave a total of 17 classrooms including the portable buildings. In January 1989, a second building with two stories was constructed for grades K through 4 that replaced the two portable buildings.
The new church was built in 1998, and the original church building is now known as the Family Life Center. In 1998 the gymnasium was completed. The computer lab, science lab and classrooms were added to the secondary school in 2001, as well as an upgrade and expansion of the library, faculty lounge, and administrative spaces. The Little Hearts building, located between the Family Life Center and the secondary school building, was built in 2005 and houses the pre-kindergarten classrooms.
Annual events include the Thanksgiving Feast, Living Stations of the Cross, Living Rosary, and Play Day. Parents and grandparents are invited to come and share a Thanksgiving meal with their child/grandchild. It is a wonderful event which feeds approximately 1,000 students and families. The feast is sponsored by the Home and School Association. Each year the fifth grade classes participate in the Living Stations of the Cross. In May, the entire school participates in the Living Rosary. With the second grade communion students in the lead, the school processes around the parking lot while reciting the rosary. The students individually stop at the statue of the Blessed Mother and place a flower at the base of the statue. Play Day gives the students an opportunity for classes to participate in friendly competition that incorporates traditional activities with a twist. The day culminates with a faculty/student volleyball game.
In the spring, usually two weeks after Easter, Sacred Heart School has their annual Carnival. This is a parish sponsored affair that includes food, fun, and fellowship as money is raised for the school. This themed event takes many hours of preparation and dedication from volunteers of both the parish and the school to help make it a successful occasion that brings together members of the church, school, and neighborhood. It is attended by many alumni as well.
Sacred Heart Catholic School has had the direction and leadership of several pastors and principals dedicated to Catholic education. Changes and improvements have occurred through the years by Monsignor T. Leo Danaher, Monsignor Patrick Madden, Father Anthony Sebra, and our current pastor, Father Victor Narivelil, C.M.I. Father Victor joined the parish in 1997 and has served as pastor since 2007.
The initial Florida Catholic Conference Accreditation was granted in 1972 and has been maintained since that time. The school has seen only three principals over the last 49 years. Sister Mary Ethna Blackwell was the first principal. During the 60’s and early 70’s, she and Sister Mary Josephine alternated the position. In the late 70’s Sister Josephine began her final tenure as principal. Ms. Marybeth O’Neill became the third principal in 2008 upon retirement of Sr. Josephine.
Like most schools, Sacred Heart Catholic School has gone through changes in personnel, facility uses, and enrollment. Sacred Heart Catholic School remains a strong, Catholic community adhering to the highest academic standards and adjusting to the ever changing needs of the families it serves while maintaining a solid foundation which is rooted in Scripture and tradition. The Sacred Heart community appreciates those who have created a legacy of faithful education and depend upon the past to guide them. At the same time, they respect the parents and educators of today who sacrifice of themselves to serve God by building knowledge and values in their children.
