St. Katherine School
Giving Hope to Special Needs Children

“My husband and I were lost. My son, Dylan, had some developmental delays, and we weren’t sure what school we could send him to. My older son, Matthew, attended St. Lucy School for Children with Visual Impairments, and I knew I wanted a similar school for Dylan. I wanted an environment of love, respect, and acceptance. The principal at the time suggested Saint Katherine School, and it has been a perfect fit! Dylan is now 19 years old and has been at Saint Katherine since he was 7. He is currently enrolled in the program at Archbishop John Carroll High School. You don’t just find a school for a child with special needs, you find a home, which is what we found at Saint Katherine. Dylan feels safe here, has friends, and is receiving a quality Catholic education. We are so fortunate in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to have three schools of Special Education. It is so important to find a place where the kids can fit in and be part of the community. We have four children, and we wanted a Catholic school education for all of them, and that has been a struggle. Without the help of the Catholic Charities Appeal, I don’t know if we would be here. Please support the Appeal because children with special needs are depending on your help and generosity. Places like Saint Katherine cannot operate without you.” 

– Monica Shields, St. Katherine School, Parent