History
On Thursday, September 5, 1957, the Day School opened with an enrollment of 160 students. The school was staffed by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and two lay teachers at that time. From 1965 until 1971 the population in the Olney area accelerated significantly. This growth was reflected in the increase in the student population in the Day School. It was in response to this growth that the reconfiguration of both the front and back of the school was planned. This construction included additional classrooms, offices, and a new library.

In the late 1970's, due to declining religious vocations, the Sisters of Saint Joseph no longer had sufficient members to staff all their schools. In June 1983, the Sisters left Saint Peter's after 26 years of service to our parish. The commitment to offer a Catholic education to the parish's children continued as the school went to an all lay staff.

Saint Peter's Day School was granted accreditation by the Assembly of Elementary School Middle States Association in October 1985 and reaccredited in October 1996. The standards are established by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Major renovation of the school began in June 1995, including reconfiguration of the roof and the renovation of the chapel into two rooms for the general use of the parish, especially its educational ministries.

In 1997 the educational facilities of Saint Peter's were expanded once again to meet the needs of the growing population of the Olney community. This addition added 18,200 square feet to the school building to include: seven new classrooms, a science lab, and a media center. For the 2000-2001 school year we anticipate that enrollment will be around 472 students, with two classes of each grade level K-8. The generosity and collaboration of the parish community made the new building a reality, with many people contributing their time, ideas, and resources. Parishioners volunteered to serve on numerous committees and attend countless meetings to see the project through to completion.

Mission Statement
Saint Peter's Catholic School is part of the community of believers that forms Saint Peter's Parish, the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Universal Church. Saint Peter's School bears witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by helping families nurture their children in the love of God, the love of neighbor, and sound moral values.

Saint Peter's School seeks to unlock all the doors of the human character to release the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical potential of each child. Toward this end, the school is committed to continual self-evaluation and growth.

Saint Peter's School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national origin in its admissions policies, educational programs, nor in the administration of such programs and benefits.

Objectives
Environment for Learning - To create an academic environment in which every child's gifts are recognized, challenged, and developed.

Responsibility - To foster a sense of responsible behavior in each child rooted in self-respect and respect for the rights of others.

Partnership with Parents - To proclaim the role of parents as the primary educators of their children, and to work closely with the Education Ministry of the Parish Pastoral Council, the Home and School Association, the School Advisory Board, and the entire community of parents.

Service - To help create in our children an awareness of all people's needs and their right to a just society and to encourage participation in activities of Christian service.

Parish Life - To assist persons in fostering a love of Saint Peter's Parish and to develop a commitment to its spiritual and social life.