Top 10 Reasons to Enroll at Bishop Leibold School

10. The Spirit of Our School

As Witnessed at the School’s Closing Mass

According to Native American beliefs, the Eagle is considered a messenger of God, and represents honesty, truth, strength, courage, wisdom, power, leadership, and freedom. As Bishop Leibold Eagles, we work everyday to increase our faith in God, live to the high standards Jesus Christ exemplified during His life, and embrace the Eagle values.

At our closing Mass, sometimes we have to say goodbye to students or staff who are leaving us. No matter where their road takes them, we ask them to remember who we are, and what we do.

Principal: "Always remember, once an Eagle…"
Five hundred students: "Always an Eagle!"

9. Involvement of Parents

As Witnessed by a Volunteer

"I love being involved as a volunteer at Bishop Leibold. After a morning of helping out in the classroom, I am usually energized by the positive atmosphere created by the students and staff. Students and teachers are always so appreciative of the help. And I, in return, gain a deeper appreciation for the mission of our school. I love hearing the students pray for one another and their intentions. I get the sense that they (the classmates) have become a family. The family atmosphere extends to the parents as well - everyone looks out for one another and is there to help in any way they are able. I am always amazed by how willing people are to use their talents and give generously of their time to benefit the school. I believe that is a large part of our success."

- Beth Allaire, parent of three BLS students

8. Wonderful Facilities

As Evidenced by a Walk through our Campuses

The West Campus, for students in Preschool through Third Grade, has a newly-established STEM Science Center for the students’ weekly sessions, a new Computer Lab, technology-integrated overhead LCD projectors and Smart Boards throughout the campus, the use of a Parish Center with a physical Education space and Music Room, and an excellent Children’s Section and staff at the Public Library next door in Library Park. A green space has been founded for the children’s play, complete with grade-level gardens, from which to learn, and to enjoy.

The East Campus, for students in Grades Four through Eight, has complete athletic facilities available in the St. Henry Parish Activity Center next door, a state-of-the-art Computer Lab, a Science Center, Smart Boards and LCD Projectors throughout the building, and a school Library.

Both campuses are handicapped accessible, feature full-service cafeterias, and have dedicated space for art and music classes.

7. Spanish

As Witnessed by a Faculty Member
"The school’s Junior High Spanish Program is the equivalent of high school Spanish I. In addition to introducing students to the histories and traditions of different cultures, our program has given hundreds of our graduates a firm foundation to further language studies. An overwhelming majority of our Spanish Program students place into Spanish II in high school. Those students can then take three or four more years of high school Spanish, or two years of Spanish and then another language if they wish. If a fifth year of Spanish is offered to them as AP (Advanced Placement), a high score on the national examination may earn them a college credit."

- Senora Chris Kopec, BLS Spanish instructor

6. Your Invitation to Join: Sports and Extracurriculars

As Witnessed by Strong Student Participation in a Variety of Activities

The Bishop Leibold Athletic Association fields around 800 roster spots throughout the year, and a vast majority of our students participate in at least one sport. Although we have our fair share of champions, our athletic program focuses on providing all students the valuable opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports, promoting good sportsmanship and Christian conduct on the field of play, and encouraging the students to stay fit and have fun. Soccer, Golf, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Baseball and Track are typically offered to the students each year.

Bishop Leibold provides a variety of extracurricular programming to help student develop their interests and talents, and have fun with fellow students. Among those listed as the most popular: After School Spanish (K-3), The QUEST Math and Science Enrichment Program, First Lego® League Robotics Team, Yearbook, Rosary Club, Scouting (Daisies, Cub, Girl and Boy Scouting) School Choir, After-School Spanish for K-3, Leibold Leaders Christian Leadership, and Band.

5. Well-Rounded Graduates

As Witnessed by an Alumnus

"Leibold gave me a great start in working on being the best person I could be. Through the sports program, I enjoyed learning how to play soccer, baseball, and run track – and there and in the classroom, I learned how to be a member of a team. Excellent academics prepared me for doing well in high school. The BLS instruction in faith and expectation of service reinforced understanding of our faith and role as servants, and provided the basis for service and leadership in high school and beyond. This balance of physical, academic, and spiritual was important to me moving forward as a student and learning about myself."

- Tim Fahey, BLS Class of 2002, seminarian

4. Caring and Committed Faculty and Staff

As Witnessed in an "Exit Survey" of Eighth Graders

"The thing I value most is the teachers - I know they care about me and would never give up on me. I can always talk to them if I have a problem and they will listen."

"Our teachers have experience and wisdom. They know what they are doing!"

"Our small class size helps teachers to get close to students and adapt to their learning abilities. It gives everyone a chance."

"The thing I value most at BLS are the nice teachers because they prepared me for high school."

"The teaching staff – they are fun and kind, but also know the work to be done and do their jobs well…"

3. Service

As Witnessed in the Hours that Students Give of Themselves

On average, approximately 80 Christian service hours are performed by our graduates in preparation for their graduation. Our students learn that service to others is a responsibility of their faith, and it is possible to incorporate service in their lives in an ongoing and meaningful way. At Bishop Leibold, we believe that service to Our Lady of Good Hope Parish, St. Henry Parish, and local Catholic and community service organizations is the foundation for future service to the global community. Students are introduced the practice of thinking about other’s need early at BLS, and asked to develop individually in sharing their time and efforts with others.

2. Quality of Academics

As Witnessed by the Success of our Graduates

Our parents list this is as the second most-valued attribute of Bishop Leibold School, and our academic excellence can be certainly quantified in standardized testing scores in both the scholastic and religious domains. Yet the best measure of our success is demonstrated by our students in the high school years and beyond, as they build upon their Leibold foundation and develop their God-given gifts. Area high schools value our students’ preparedness in both academics and personal responsibility.

Our graduates are regularly at the top of their high school classes, and recent years have seen a tradition of Bishop Leibold students as valedictorians and salutatorians of their Catholic high schools. As a national measure, in the past several years, Bishop Leibold graduates have been listed in the top percentage of college-bound students as National Merit Finalists and Commended Students.

1. Learning and Living Our Faith

As Witnessed Daily in Our School and Beyond

"It comes as no surprise that nearly two-thirds of our parents indicate that a faith-based education was what they value most about the education received at Bishop Leibold, for it is the most important aspect of our school. Here you receive excellent academics and many wonderful opportunities, but most importantly, you get a good start on the path to personal redemption. We are indeed blessed: our parents, and the parishioners and religious of both parishes fully understand and support us in that mission."

- Paul Beyerle, Bishop Leibold School Principal