Welcome to the new Alumni page on The Patrick School (TPS) website. This page is dedicated to the Alumni from Saint Patrick’s High School (SPHS) and the future Alumni of TPS.

After 149 years of serving not just students from Elizabeth port but students from other communities throughout New Jersey, the Archdiocese of Newark decided to close St. Patrick High School & Academy in June, 2012. This did not bode well with many “Patricians,” and was especially true of two very dedicated men ~ Principal Joe Picaro and Vice-Principal Chris Chavannes. Thanks to their quick-thinking, a “Save St. Patrick’s” campaign was under way before the doors on Court Street were closed for the last time. With the help of new and longtime St. Pat’s supporters & a number of SPHS Alumni, they got to work. Between donations received and a very successful event held at the school, “Farewell to Court Street”, enough money was raised to search for a new “home.”

In July, the committee selected 547 Morris Avenue in Elizabeth, as the new location for our school. Many Elizabethan’s may remember our new home as “the old Social Security building.” Words cannot describe ALL it took to turn this building into a school… Yet, in six very short weeks, an amazing group of people somehow managed to perform miracles and turn this “gutted” building into a beautiful school! On September 13, 2012 The Patrick School opened its doors and welcomed 130 students to their (and our!) brand new home. On October 21, 2012 TPS opened its doors to friends and family of TPS during our “Open House”, during which time several memorable dedications were made honor those that continue to be “Patricians”.

In April of 2016, The Patrick School made another move to a more appropriate school building in Hillside. 397 Columbia Avenue is a 2-story former school building with classrooms, a cafeteria and a gymnasium / auditorium. Again, this was a phenomenal feat accomplished in a matter of weeks through the help of many selfless volunteers. The Patrick School already feels at home in the new location, and held an Alumni Barbecue in August on the school grounds.

It’s important our Alumni understand The Patrick School continues to build upon the traditions, values and pride of its namesake, St. Patrick’s High School. TPS was born out of necessity, and seeks to inspire and support students to strive for academic and personal excellence within an ethical framework by placing the highest value on honor, while consistently reinforcing progressive thought. Think back to when you attended SPHS ~ Sound like the same school you once attended? Please, if at all possible, stop by our new “home” and take a look for yourself. We think you will be pleasantly surprised!