Meet Our Principal
Dr. Mariagnes Menden
Rooted in Faith, Focused on the Future
Dear St. Nick’s Families and Friends,
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Welcome! I’m Dr. Mariagnes Menden, and it is my honor to serve a school community where faith, love, and learning intersect. At St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, we are united around our mission: to Engage, Inspire, and Empower the Whole Child—spiritually, emotionally, cognitively, socially, and physically. Daily, our students experience rich and rigorous lessons that elevate their voices, strengthen critical thinking, and empower them to become lifelong learners. When a child joins us, the entire family becomes part of the St. Nick’s family.
Academic Excellence with Measurable Impact
St. Nick’s has thrived for over 115 years, and we continue to grow with a strong commitment to individualized education. Our enrollment has remained steady with over 400 students, and we maintain small class sizes so every learner is seen, supported, and challenged. In the 2024‑25 school year, our students achieved exceptional academic growth — with 145% growth in Reading and 112% growth in Math on i‑Ready benchmarks. We are also proud to have earned a Well‑Organized rating on the 5‑Essentials Survey, reflecting strong instruction, leadership, and student support across the school.
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Beyond the classroom, our commitment to fine arts, STEM innovation, athletics, and inclusive services ensures every child discovers their gifts and builds confidence. These opportunities, grounded in Catholic values and community, make St. Nick’s uniquely robust among Catholic elementary schools.
A Community of Light & Belonging
What truly matters most is that our students are happy to come to school every day, eager to learn and grow in a community that reflects Christ’s love. Our dedicated teachers, staff, and families work in partnership to create a safe, joyful, and inspiring environment for every child.
For prospective families, I warmly invite you to visit our campus and experience the St. Nick’s difference firsthand. Come see why so many students thrive here—academically, socially, and spiritually.
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With gratitude and blessings,
Dr. Mariagnes Menden
Principal, St. Nicholas of Tolentine School