For the first time in nearly five years, CEF is expanding its roster and adding scholarship programs at two new schools: St. John Catholic Elementary School in Lawrence and Hayden Catholic High School in Topeka. These two schools qualify for CEF traditional scholarships because they support higher percentages of low-income students than other Catholic schools.

St. John Catholic School

Located in the heart of downtown Lawrence, St. John provides a strong academic and spiritual environment for students ranging from preschool to 8th grade, with more than 200 families forming its faith-filled community.

Founded in 1956, St. John was the first Catholic elementary school in the city of Lawrence, serving children who attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and led by members of the Sister of Charity of Leavenworth.

Now led by Principal Christopher Reffett, the school offers an average student-faculty ratio of 16 to 1 and an enriched curriculum, with Spanish, the arts and physical education required for every grade. As their mission proclaims, “All St. John Catholic School students will be challenged to grow in their faith and knowledge, learn to show respect and compassion for themselves and others, and live their beliefs through service in their community and the world.”

Learn more about St. John Catholic School at http://sjevangelist.com/school/

Hayden Catholic High School

Serving students and families in Topeka and the surrounding communities since 1911, Hayden Catholic High School’s mission is to cultivate excellence in faith, academics, community, tradition and service. Hayden is the only Catholic high school in the Topeka-Lawrence area.

Founded by Fr. Francis Hayden, the school began with just 30 students in a single room in the basement of Assumption Grade School. Since then, the high school has grown and flourished along with its students but remains devoted to Fr. Hayden’s call to invest in others. The words “enter to learn, leave to serve” are echoed throughout the school.

Hayden students excel in and outside of the classroom. Hayden has had eight National Merit Commended Scholars since 2015 and 73 state championships. Nearly 95 percent of students are involved in their extensive extracurricular program, which range from debate and forensics to jazz band and theater.

Additionally, to enhance students’ academic, social and spiritual growth, Hayden has a community/house system. Each student is assigned to a community - Matthew, Mark, Luke or John - and one of five houses within each community. Providing leadership and service opportunities, Hayden’s community/house system strengthens bonds across grade levels and connections out in the community. Last year, Hayden students performed 8,600 service hours as part of their community/house system!

Learn more about Hayden High School at https://haydencatholic.org/

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