About JPII · Founded 2009
A school built by families, for families.
Our mission is to provide students with excellence in education, both academically and spiritually, in order to prepare them to become faith-filled leaders who will live and defend the Catholic faith with confidence and joy.
Goals for Every Student
Eight goals we hold for every student.
Everything we do at JPII serves the formation of the whole student — intellect, faith, and character together.
Outstanding education
A partnership between teachers and parents in the formation of each student’s education, faith, and character.
Creative minds
Teaching students how to think critically and how to learn — sustaining a lifelong love of learning.
God’s Commandments
Teaching the Commandments and instilling a strong devotion to Jesus Christ.
A personal prayer life
Helping students grow in prayer with Christ, devotion to His Blessed Mother, and love of the Catholic faith.
The New Evangelization
Imparting the charism of St. John Paul II and each student’s role in the New Evangelization.
Individual dignity
Recognizing the dignity and worth of every student and appreciating individual differences.
Responsibility to others
Awakening an awareness of the needs of others through apostolic and service projects.
Virtue and respect
Teaching the virtues — self-respect as well as love and respect for others.
Mission & Vision
Supporting Catholic families to help form the Catholic leaders and saints the world needs today.
Authentically Catholic and aligned with the Magisterium. A rigorous classical curriculum in pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. A hybrid model of three at-school and two at-home days each week. A school culture that collaborates with and supports the domestic church of the family.
Pillars of JPII
Three commitments families choose JPII for.
Catholic Formation
Regular access to the sacraments and the example of faith-filled instructors — formation of the whole student, spiritually and academically.
Our Catholic Formation →Classical Curriculum
One coherent PK–12 curriculum built on the alliance of faith and reason — great literature, rich history, and the pursuit of virtue.
Explore Academics →Hybrid Structure
Rigorous classroom teaching paired with guided study at home — a weekly rhythm that keeps families close to the work of education.
Explore the Hybrid Approach →Our History
Fifteen years, one mission.
From seven students in a borrowed classroom to a PK–12 community on two campuses — an institution of intentional Catholic formation, rigorous classical curriculum, and a hybrid model that grants parents precious time and influence as they build strong families.
A founding vision
When Gateway Academy in Chesterfield closed its high school after 17 years, three lay families resolved to establish a small, independent Catholic high school on a three-day model. Joe and Jessica Zuniga — who had experienced the hybrid model in Atlanta — consulted NAUMS, NAPCIS, and Kolbe Academy before presenting the plan. St. John Paul II Preparatory School was incorporated that summer and opened in August with 7 high school students.
Growing downward: PK–8 added
After Gateway Academy closed its grade school, many families asked JPII to add an elementary program. The Board voted to add grades PK–8, and Jessica Zuniga served as Principal until 2014.
New leadership for a growing school
With enrollment at 140, the Board hired David Williams as Principal and appointed Jessica Zuniga President of the school.
Formal Catholic recognition
At the request of Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, JPII was formally recognized on September 21, 2015 as a Public Association of the Christian Faithful — an official work of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.
A permanent home
JPII grew to 154 students and established a permanent home at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Accreditation and national recognition
Under Principal Lynette Schmitz, JPII earned NAPCIS accreditation, achieved national ranking on the Classic Learning Test, became an A+ school in Missouri, and was designated a Newman List Recommended School by the Cardinal Newman Society.
A second campus
The Board opened JPII South at St. Martin of Tours to serve families in the south county region and appointed Mr. Sebastian Garren Executive Director. Under the combined leadership of Mrs. Schmitz and Mr. Garren, the JPII community grew to 300 students on two campuses in just 15 years.
A new chapter of leadership
The Board hired Dr. Richard Allington as Vice-Principal; he succeeded Mrs. Schmitz as Principal beginning the 2024–2025 school year.
Interested? Let’s Connect
Is the Holy Spirit calling your family to JPII?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll be in touch.