Who We Are
For over 60 years, St. Bartholomew School has been educating the minds of young people in Wayzata and our neighboring communities.
Our challenging curriculum, combined with a balance of technology and traditional teaching methods encourages each child to strive for academic and moral excellence.
Our faculty and staff are committed to modeling and teaching the skills necessary for students to become prepared for success academically, spiritually and socially.
Our Vision
To cultivate a vibrant community of faithful scholars and virtuous leaders who illuminate the world through truth, wisdom, and service.
Our Mission
St. Bartholomew Catholic School exists to transform lives through faith and learning. We invite students to encounter God’s presence in prayer and community, equip them with the intellectual tools and virtues necessary for excellence, and inspire them to engage in a lifetime of service and witness to the Truth.
History
The foundation for today's St. Bartholomew Catholic Faith Community was put into motion by a dozen Wayzata families who came together with a vision for a parish of their own. On October 8, 1916, the cornerstone for the small, white stucco church was laid.
In 1955, St. Bartholomew opened the school and the first students began their educational journey during the Fall of 1956. The School Sisters of Notre Dame came from Mankato to staff the new school and taught students in grades one through six. Within three years of building the one-story school, a second floor was added.
In 1989, the church and school buildings were tied together by the addition of an expanded narthex and fellowship hall which also serves as the school gymnasium. In 2003 the lower level of the school was renovated to include two more classrooms and the school library was moved to the lower level of the church.
In the summer of 2007 the school was renovated and updated. The renovation included the addition of a new early childhood center, library and media center, and fully renovated classrooms. Other important improvements included making the school handicapped accessible on all levels and providing a secure environment for the school. By creating this high quality learning environment, we have enhanced the daily lives of our students and are better able to prepare them for their future.
Our school is named for the Apostle Saint Bartholomew - called by Christ "...a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him (Jn 1:47). Christ recognized in St. Bartholomew a prayerful man, good inside and out, truthful and trustworthy. A wonderful example for our students to follow!
Our Commitment to Safe & Welcoming Environments
At our school, the safety, well-being, and dignity of every student are at the heart of our mission. We partner with families to create a secure, supportive, and nurturing environment where all children can learn, grow, and thrive.
In alignment with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, we maintain rigorous standards to ensure our school remains a safe haven for every child.
Requirements for Our Volunteers & Staff: The Essential 3
To ensure the safety of our students, all employees, as well as volunteers who interact with minors, complete the Archdiocese’s Essential 3 (E3) requirements prior to service:
- Background Check: A confidential criminal background check.
- Code of Conduct: A commitment to clear, professional standards of behavior.
- Safe Environment Training: Online training through VIRTUS® focused on child protection, awareness, and safety protocols.
These requirements are renewed every three years to keep our safety measures up to date.
Reporting Suspected Abuse
We believe that protecting children is a shared responsibility. If you suspect or have knowledge of child abuse or neglect, your first step should always be to contact local law enforcement or child protective services.
- Emergency: Call 911 immediately.
- Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Program: For confidential support, guidance, or to report abuse within the church/school setting, contact the Archdiocese Victim Assistance Hotline at 651-291-4475.
Questions or Getting Started with Volunteering?
If you plan to volunteer at school events, field trips, or in the classroom, or if you have questions about our safety protocols, please reach out to us!
Contact our Safe Environment Coordinator through the school main office:
- Phone: 952-473-6189
