The First Step Towards Transforming Your Child’s Education
Request more information about St. Barnabas Catholic School and schedule a visit. GET STARTEDAcademic Excellence, Safe and Loving Classrooms
High academic achievement. A safe, structured environment. A welcoming, loving community. Serving Southwest Philadelphia since 1927, St. Barnabas Catholic School welcomes students of all faiths in Kindergarten through 8th grade, providing financial aid for all.
One of 14 Independence Mission Schools (IMS), St. Barnabas delivers a rigorous, values-driven curriculum that educates the whole child: academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Financial Aid for All
Based on a sliding scale, tuition at St. Barnabas Catholic School is determined primarily by family income, ensuring accessibility and affordability. Subsidized by philanthropic donors, state tax credits, financial aid for all that apply and numerous scholarship opportunities, the average St. Barnabas family contributes just $2,100 per child per year, spread equally over 10 months. Many pay even less.
Why St. Barnabas?
A strong Math and English Language Arts curriculum rooted in research and driven by data fuels academic achievement.
Enrichment programming includes student council, high school readiness, youth and government and in-class STEM projects.
A comprehensive English as a New Language (ENL) program supporting Spanish and Vietnamese speaking students.
Strong teacher retention and a legacy of multigenerational enrollment amongst school families.
Free breakfast and lunch available through Nutritional Development Services. After school care also available via lottery.
Cello, dance parties, reading buddies and Mindfulness Through Movement provide opportunities to educate the whole child.
“We always thought private school was out of the question. Too expensive. St. Barnabas showed us it’s not.
It’s entirely within reach.”
A Part of Something Bigger
Nearly 15 years ago, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was about to close 14 neighborhood Catholic schools. Independence Mission Schools formed to keep them open.
Ever since, we have thrived.
Our students outpace their public school peers in math and reading. In many of our schools, multiple languages are spoken – from English and Spanish to Vietnamese and Haitian Creole. And perhaps most importantly, we welcome children of all faiths: Over 70% of our students are non-Catholic.
St. Barnabas
At 64th and Buist in Elmwood.
Let’s Get Started
Complete the form below and an IMS enrollment specialist from your school of interest will be in touch.
We can’t wait to meet you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Barnabas a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia?
No. Prior to the formation of Independence Missions Schools, St. Barnabas and its 13 sister schools were a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. When the Archdiocese of Philadelphia determined it would close the 14 schools, Independence Mission Schools was formed not only to keep them open but grow them.
How much is tuition?
Tuition at all Independence Mission Schools is customized. It is based on a sliding scale that takes into account family income and other data points. Thanks to our generous community of donors, Pennsylvania tax credit programs, financial aid awards and scholarship opportunities, families contribute, on average, just $2,100 towards tuition per child, per year, spread evenly over 10 months. Because of our equitable, sliding tuition scale, this amount varies per family. What a family contributes towards their child’s tuition ultimately depends on a variety of data points including household income, social security income and more.
Does my family or child have to be Catholic to attend?
Absolutely not! In fact, over 75% of our students are non-Catholic. We preach and practice love, respect and kindness to everyone, of all faiths.
What high schools do Barnabas graduates attend?
St. Barnabas graduates attend some of the best high schools in the Philadelphia region ranging from St. Joe’s Prep and Little Flower to Christo Rey PHL and Central. Our high school readiness program prepares students for the next step – and beyond.
I have other questions. How can I get in touch?
You can use the form above and we’ll get in touch or you can call our office at 215-729-3603.