Affordability and service are central to education at Sacred Heart in Rockport

Belinda Garcia, Montessori instructor at Sacred Heart School in Rockport, works with James Birdwell, 4, on creating new words with the help of phonetics. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

School children travel from throughout the area to attend Sacred Heart Elementary in Rockport, which has a long history of providing a quality Catholic education. Although the school, which first opened in 1921, has been closed several times over the years, it has remained an important part of Aransas County and the surrounding area since 1981.

“Today, some of our children come in from as far away as Portland, Aransas Pass, Ingleside and Port Aransas,” Kathy Barnes, principal at Sacred Heart, said. “We are the only Catholic school serving this entire Rockport area community.”

Barnes, who has been at Sacred Heart for 22 years—eight years as a teacher and 14 years as principal—noted the close-knit community has been a crucial factor in keeping the school thriving and successful for the past three decades.

“Our volunteers and supporters are vital to the success of our school, as we are blessed to have all kinds of support,” she said. “Our students learn through Scriptures that Jesus gave his life for us, and they see adults every day, starting with our pastor, Father Ray Yrlas, and our staff, who give of themselves and provide great examples of what it means to serve.”

The school is comprised of 172 students from first through fifth grades. The Montessori Program has several classes of three, four and five year-olds.

“We believe that our faith traditions, our love of God and each other, the academic and cultural programs we offer, and our desire to serve and be served are all vital to the overall success of each student as these things address the needs of the whole child,” she said.

Barnes added that the support of the local community has been integral to their success and longevity over the last three decades. Thanks to funding from foundations, individuals and local businesses and groups, those who cannot afford tuition at the school receive assistance. An endowment left by a former teacher who recently passed away provided much-needed funds for a brand new school bus.

“We believe the examples our supporters provide and the products of their service are essential. For example, our dedicated Gregory Personnel volunteer several days a week to provide support for the local resale shop, Castaways. And our Guardian Angel Program is made up of loyal donors who assist families who cannot afford the cost of tuition,” she said.

Gracie Cantu’s Primary Montessori students, comprised of 4 and 5-year-olds, say a short prayer before heading to lunch at Sacred Heart School. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Barnes said she ensures the children are keenly aware of the gift of community service and are constantly giving back to the community for the many gifts they receive.

“This is a great lesson for our students. They learn early that ‘to serve’ is an important part of God’s plan,” Barnes said. “Through teacher-directed lessons and activities, visits from missionaries and needs of individuals, our students serve not only our school, parish and local community, but they also make a difference in the lives of those in need across our nation and the global community through Kids2Kids Mission Outreach and Heifer International’s Read to Feed Program.”

Belinda Garcia, a teacher in the school’s Montessori Program for the past 17 years, said her favorite part of the day with her young students is the morning.

“I love to see all of the students coming together and interacting as a family. We start the day with religion class learning the Golden Rule and respect for one another just as Jesus taught us. The older students love to help guide the younger ones and become an important role model in their lives,” she said.

Garcia also had some gentle words of advice for parents of her students, as they start their academic pursuits.

“Take the time everyday to listen to your child when they want to read or express thoughts or feelings to you,” she said. “Parents will never get that moment back, so it’s important to take the time to listen and interact. Spending quality time with one’s child is always a big positive in both your lives.”

A family’s lack of finances should never be a barrier for children to receive a quality Catholic education, Barnes noted.

“God has been good to us,” she said with a smile. “Our tuition is lower than most Catholic schools. However, if a parent expresses to me that they want to enroll their child in our school but can’t afford the cost, I ask them to pray about what they can afford and apply for tuition assistance.”