East Brunswick school earns prestigious community recognition

For the second time in seven years, East Brunswick-based St. Bartholomew School has been named the top private school in Central Jersey.

The honor came as part of the 2024 Central Jersey Community Choice Awards, sponsored by My Central Jersey Gannett Company. Each year, residents vote for the “best of” in a range of categories, and St. Bartholomew landed the “Best Private School” honors – which the school also earned in 2017.

“Being voted Best Private School in Central Jersey is not just a personal achievement for each teacher, staff member, and student, it is also a proud moment for the entire school and parish community,” said principal Theresa Craig. “Knowing that everyone’s hard work and dedication have brought recognition to St. Bartholomew School serves as a reminder that teamwork and perseverance plays a huge role in our success.”

Craig shared that the school celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, as well.

“Every day we strive to live the mission of the school,” she said, “which is to love, educate, and inspire our children to live the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

Father Thomas Walsh has been pastor of St Bartholomew Parish since November 2007, and he recalls the challenges facing the parish school at the time.

“When I arrived here, the school was struggling with the problem of decreasing enrollment and a need to update our facilities,” he said. “Presently, we have over 400 students enrolled for this academic year and our school facilities have been completely updated.”

He noted that the school is closely connected with its parish, and that faith is at the center of everything they do. Students enjoy morning prayer and Friday school Masses, with each class given the opportunity to help in the preparation of the liturgy. The school has supported a choir, as well.

Father Walsh – who in the 1980s served as director of the religion department at St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, before becoming a priest – believes strongly in the value of Catholic education, and seeks to support that in each of the students who attend St. Bartholomew.

“I hope that they will be successful in all their future endeavors, but I want them to be good Catholics and good citizens,” he said. “Our community has endeavored to guide them in the way of the Gospel. We have provided them with a ‘compass’ (of) the teachings of Jesus Christ to guide them throughout the years ahead. This is the true hallmark of a Catholic education.”