About SHJS
"Learning, Loving, Living in Christ’s Heart."
Our motto here at Sacred Heart reminds us daily that we are God’s children. We are on a journey of learning academically, but more importantly in our faith. We are loved by Christ, and we are continually learning to be faithful stewards of His creation.
Our History
Sacred Heart Church was founded in 1957 by Archbishop Karl J. Alter with Father Hugo Mentink as the first pastor. The first church and school were dedicated in 1960 and six additional classrooms were built in 1963 and a small gym in 1980. The present church was completed in 1989. Thanks to the generous support of our parishioners and community, Sacred Heart completed a $1.8 million expansion that opened for the 2003/2004 school year. In 2012, Sacred Heart received approval to add Kindergarten starting with the 2013/2014 school year.
Sacred Heart of Jesus School was founded under the direction of the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenberg, Indiana, which staffed the day school and taught CCD classes for many years. A long litany of lay men and women have served the day school.
We are accredited by Ohio Catholic Schools Accrediting Association and provide religious instruction daily. Sacred Heart of Jesus School complies with all Archdiocese of Cincinnati policy regarding background checks for teaching and non-teaching employees and for volunteers who have direct contact with children. Sacred Heart of Jesus School strictly adheres to the policy of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati governing security and student safety.
We currently offer grades K-8 with two classes per grade and have graduated over 2,600 students. There were 467 students enrolled in the school as of October 31, 2025.
A Message from our Principal, Heather Wagner
Education is a lifelong journey, and one I have been blessed to walk for more than 30 years as both a teacher, administrator, and parent. My love of learning began in childhood, and at a young age I knew I was called to teach. Watching my fourth-grade teacher and later being inspired by my high school English teacher—both for their passion for learning and their deep care for students—set the course for my life’s work.
As I enter my 30th year in education, I feel blessed to be sharing our faith each day with students, families, and colleagues. I love witnessing the “aha” moment when a student grasps a challenging concept, the pride on a child’s face after doing their very best, and the joy and excitement that fill the building on the first day of school. Most of all, I cherish the privilege of watching children grow and develop over many years within a strong, faith-filled community.
At Sacred Heart of Jesus School, we are committed to providing a well-rounded, rigorous education grounded in faith. Our program includes daily religious instruction; integrated technology including iPads and SmartBoards and a 1:1 iPad program for grades K–8.
We emphasize the development of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through vibrant, research-based instruction delivered by teachers dedicated to ongoing professional growth.
Our rigorous core curriculum is enriched by library, art, music, physical education, STEAM, and Spanish instruction for grades K–8. Students also benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including drama, choir, band, athletics, youth ministry, and reading mentors.
Sacred Heart is a welcoming, faith-centered community committed to partnering with families in guiding children as they grow into the very best version of themselves. We feel truly blessed to walk this journey with you and your family.
A Message from our Pastor, Fr. Dave Sunberg
Welcome to Sacred Heart School. I can look back over my years in grade school. I attended Catholic
grade school, high school and then entered seminary. I have found that my Catholic education not only
helped me to come to know Christ, but also helped me to hear His voice to be His priest.
Besides learning about Jesus, faith, and morals, my school prepared me through academics to achieve
and move forward from one grade to another. With faith, academics, and discipline, it helped form me
for my future.
Besides all that I have expressed, I still keep in touch with two of my grade school friends. There was a
common bond between us, through our grade school years, which I am grateful to this day.
I am pleased with what our school offers. I am grateful to our principal and assistant principal for their
leadership and the years of experience they bring to our school. I am grateful to our teachers who work
very hard for the education of our students. They could be more financially advanced in the public school system, but they want to be here and share their gifts and talents with our students.
I am grateful for the parents who volunteer and help us with so many activities, fundraisers and sporting events. They are great people to partner with us.
If you are searching for a place for your children, stop by for a visit, take a tour of our facilities, see what we offer. Even if you are not Catholic, your children are welcome. Everyone finds a place at Sacred Heart School. Come join us for the future.
