5200 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021
We are proud to celebrate over a half-century of Excellence in Catholic Education!
About Us
Educating Toddlers through Eighth Grade Students
Nativity Catholic School is an accredited Catholic elementary school in Hollywood, Florida. Nativity strives to provide a challenging academic as well as spiritual education to its students.
Accreditation
Nativity Catholic School initially received accreditation in 1973. Since that time, the school has continued to operate and develop under the guidelines of the Florida Catholic Conference Accreditation Program. The school successfully completed the re-accreditation process in March of 2019.
Membership
Nativity Catholic School is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association.
Mission Statement
Nativity Catholic School's mission is to fully develop each student's God-given talents and abilities in a safe, respectful, Christ-centered environment based on the principles and traditions of our Catholic faith.
Vision Statement
Nativity Catholic School's vision is to develop students who have a deep faith in God and recognize their responsibilities as members of the Catholic Church to be disciples of Christ. Nativity is dedicated to being an excellent academic institution with robust spiritual, curricular, counseling, fine arts, and athletic programs. These programs are directed by a faculty and staff who are faith-filled, dedicated and qualified, and strive to meet the individual needs of each student.
Our Beliefs
- We believe Catholic education is a powerful instrument through which the Church’s mission of proclaiming the gospel message of Jesus, actively living it, and worshipping through celebration, is fostered and accomplished.
- We believe a Catholic school exemplifies the integration of faith and morals with right conduct, charitable actions, and peaceful resolutions.
- We believe mutual respect is an absolute priority within the school community
- We believe establishing and maintaining a healthy and safe environment is everyone’s responsibility.
- We believe each student is a unique child of God whose self-worth should be continuously fostered.
- We believe a strong academic program enriched by extracurricular activities, such as fine arts and sports, provides a well rounded education and afford students multiple opportunities for success.
- We believe children must be accountable for their own actions and must be responsible academically.
- We believe student learning within a Christian setting, inclusive of faith-based traditions, is the primary purpose of this school.
- We believe a supportive and challenging learning environment increases a student’s potential for responsible decision making.
- We believe all those united in faith, including the pastor, priests, principals, teachers, parents and members of the parish community, share responsibility for the mission of the school.
Our History
a leading educational institution
in South Florida.
Founded in 1961, Nativity Catholic School has long served as a leading educational institution in South Florida. The school opened with an enrollment of 240 students in grades one through four. Today, Nativity Catholic School continues to provide excellence in education to over 800 students ranging from toddlers to eighth graders.
Nativity Parish was founded in the fall of 1960. The first mass was celebrated on October 15, 1960, in a tent. The celebrant was Father Flynn, the first Pastor. The tent collapsed in a downpour and mass had to be held at various community centers.
Groundbreaking for the parish school building took place in June 1961 and in September an elementary school opened for Nativity’s children at Chaminade High School until the new school was ready. The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Monroe, Michigan, were engaged as teachers. The new school was ready on January 3, 1962, and 240 students were enrolled in grades one through four with Mother Bertrand as principal.
Bishop Carroll dedicated the school building in January 1962. The first floor served as a temporary church. The second floor was used for classrooms. The first jamboree was held in November 1962. This tradition is continued today. On October 26, 1968, the new church building was dedicated by Archbishop Carroll. The Parish Hall/Cafeteria was completed in October 1968. In March 1974 a completely renovated school library was dedicated in memory of Douglas Edward Drugan.
The rectory and office building was completed in June 1979. On September 6, 1981, the Father Hugh Flynn Parish Family Center was dedicated. The first Kindergarten classes were held in the fall of 1981. The Prekindergarten program started in the fall of 1989. The Junior Prekindergarten program began in the fall of 1990.
A new Pre-School and Media Center was opened in the fall of 1999.
An accelerated program for junior high students and the Lighthouse program for fourth and fifth graders were instituted in 1999. These programs allowed for a tailored educational experience for students with special needs and abilities.
Throughout the years, the student body has been actively involved in the preparation and support of parish projects to enhance the Catholic spirit of our community. Under the loving guidance of the pastor, Father Patrick Murnane, the beautiful “Our Lady of the Smile Shrine” was dedicated in 1995. At this site, students participate in the stations of the cross, special liturgies for May Crowning and Respect Life, and class prayer services throughout the year. In 2002 we dedicated the St. Francis peace corner. A beautiful statue of St. Francis (purchased with funds raised by the students) serves as the centerpiece of a quiet reflective area where students can meet, pray, and find peace.
Morning and afternoon prayers, weekly grade-level masses, monthly all-school liturgies, reconciliation services, preparation for the sacraments, prayer partners, faith friends, the religion curriculum, and liturgical singers are all elements that help to define our “Catholic” identity. The development of Catholic character is the goal of our H.E.L.P. program (Hope Everyday for the Lord’s Planet). Students participate in fundraisers and service projects throughout the year to help the “poorest of the poor” in our own community and globally. These projects allow us to promote the social justice teachings of our Church.
Nativity Catholic School has and continues to impact the lives of thousands of children by providing them with a stimulating academic program, a safe and loving Christian environment, and resources and opportunities to excel at their strengths. Nativity graduates enter their high school years with a strong academic background and faith in God and their importance in His plan. The community at large benefits from Nativity Catholic School’s presence through the assistance we provide through our service projects. The area also reaps the benefits of having well-trained, respectful, and responsible young men and women as citizens.
Nativity Catholic School’s demographics have remained consistent throughout its history. The surrounding neighborhood is primarily inhabited by church parishioners and has consistently been the primary source of new students. A substantial percentage of the student body are second-generation “Knights”.
