Our Mission

Morning Star Catholic School, a mission of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, recognizes the unique educational needs of students.

The administration, faculty, staff, and parents work together to provide an ungraded academic curriculum in which students can achieve their potential academically, socially, and spiritually.

About Our Program

Students with special educational requirements need more care and attention than is offered in a traditional school setting. These students necessitate individualized instruction from caring professionals who are trained to understand and meet each student's unique needs.

The purpose of Morning Star School is to offer students a Christian and caring learning environment where they are able to succeed. The positive is accentuated to help the students recognize their potential. Building self-esteem and self-confidence is integrated into the curriculum of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, computer, library, art, and music. Students receive the specialized services of speech and occupational therapy as part of the school day.

The ultimate goal is to help students develop into educated, well-rounded, productive, and successful members of society.

Morning Star School currently holds two state accreditations: Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

History of Morning Star Pinellas Park

On October 30, 1967 Archbishop Hurley suddenly passed away. The newly formed Diocese of St. Petersburg was led by Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin. He accepted the call to build the school and in May 1969 ground was broken for the first phase of Morning Star School. The first phase was to provide classroom space for the students needing specialized educational services from the St. Petersburg area.

In August of 1969 the school year began with the first six students in a temporary facility. The completed Morning Star School was dedicated on February 1, 1970 and the doors opened to receive 20 students. Thus began the ministry to meet the special educational needs of children in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, located in Pinellas County, without regard to race, creed, or ethnic background.

Thanks to the financial support of the O.T.H.E.R.S. (Opportunity To Help Educate Receptive Students) organization the facility was expanded in 1979 to include a multi-purpose hall. In 1986, O.T.H.E.R.S. organization was able to fund the addition of an administration building.

At the present time the enrollment capacity of Morning Star School is 55 students.