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 and administrator. 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 am often asked, “Why?” Why choose teaching, or even more so, school leadership? My answer is always the same: because I love 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
I am often asked the question by parents who are not part of the Catholic tradition, “Why are your people willing to pay tuition for a grade school education that is already available in the public school system without personal cost to them?” Part of the answer is that Catholic parochial schools are known for the quality of the education their students receive. Part of the answer is that Catholic schools can teach the information in the context of traditional Judeo-Christian morality. This is no longer possible in the public school system. Some may cite the emphasis on discipline. This too is prohibited by the rules applied in the public school context.
For me the answer includes the reasons already mentioned, but I am also a bit more philosophical. Seedlings grow faster and stronger in a greenhouse than they do facing early spring cold and snow. The greenhouse provides warmth and sunlight, nutritious soil and constant watering, and a caretaker with a green thumb. A well run Catholic parochial school provides quality instruction in a context of belief in Jesus Christ, moral principles that form the foundation for a life of faith, and a nurturing community in which the child knows he or she “belongs.” Most parishes (Sacred Heart included) spend between two-thirds and three-fourths of their Sunday collection on their parish school. This sacrifice is not made only so that each student can become a better Catholic. This sacrifice is intended to make better persons who form a more moral community. A parochial Catholic school is a commitment to the community and the nation. Everyone who puts their contribution in the Sunday collection basket is sacrificing to nurture good kids into good people who will become productive citizens contributing to the common good.
You may ask “Father, did you go to a Catholic grade school?” The answer is “No!” I attended one of the last rural community schools. We prayed in school each day. Our teachers demanded adherence to Judeo-Christian moral principles. Today such public schools are deemed politically incorrect and forbidden by law. This is precisely why Catholic parochial schools are so valuable for our parish, community, and nation. This is why we are all willing to sacrifice for Sacred Heart School.
God bless you in your decision. If you see Sacred Heart School as I do, a nursery growing good citizens and souls for eternity, please consider making the sacrifice to educate your child here.
