History

Sacred Heart Nativity Schools began operations in August 2001 as Sacred Heart Nativity School for Boys, committed to meeting the needs of middle-school boys in the Washington and Gardner Districts of San José, California.

The program proved to be so successful that the community expressed its need for a girls’ school. In 2006, Our Lady of Grace Nativity School for Girls opened with its first class of 23 6th graders.

SHNS’ mission is to educate socio-economically disadvantaged youth in grades 6-8,who have the ability for college preparatory work, but might fail to reach their potential. We recruit young men and women who:

• Have the potential for success
• Are supported by at least one caring adult in their lives
• Are eager to participate in the program

Sacred Heart Nativity Schools are co-sponsored by the Jesuits, Sacred Heart Parish, and The Diocese of San José, and operate from the old Sacred Heart School building. A religious benefit corporation serves the boys and girls of the area around Sacred Heart Parish (Washington/Gardner District), regardless of religion, race, or nationality.