Our Principal
Welcome! It is my sincere pleasure and privilege to greet you on behalf of St. Joan of Arc Catholic School – a truly special place where young hearts and minds flourish in faith, knowledge, and community.
Here at SJA, we live by our commitment to "Faith, Excellence, and Service." This isn't just a motto; it's the spirit that animates our classrooms, hallways, and every interaction. Every day, from our joyful Preschool program through our dynamic Grade 8, we strive to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where academic rigor and spiritual growth go hand-in-hand.
Our passionate and dedicated educators are committed to knowing each child, understanding their unique gifts, and inspiring them to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate citizens, all rooted in the teachings and love of Christ. We aim to prepare our students not only for academic success in high school and beyond but for a life lived with purpose and integrity.
We deeply value our partnership with parents and believe that by working together, we build the strongest foundation for our students' success and well-being. St. Joan of Arc is more than a school; it’s a vibrant, supportive community where families feel connected, and children feel cherished, challenged, and encouraged to be their best selves.
I warmly invite you to explore our website to learn more about the SJA difference – our robust academic programs, our enriching extracurricular activities, and the many ways we live our faith. To truly experience the spirit of our school, I wholeheartedly encourage you to schedule a visit. We would love the opportunity to show you firsthand how your child can thrive within our halls.
We look forward to welcoming you to our St. Joan of Arc family!
Blessings,
Dan Mitchell
Principal
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School
Our History
For more than seven decades, St. Joan of Arc School has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in the Canton-Massillon community, embodying the courage and devotion of our patron saint. What began in 1944 as a vision to serve 180 Catholic families has blossomed into a vibrant educational institution that has shaped countless lives through faith-centered learning. From humble beginnings with Sunday liturgies celebrated in borrowed spaces to our beautiful campus today, our school's journey reflects the dedication of generations of families, clergy, and educators who believed in the transformative power of Catholic education. Named after the brave French saint who answered God's call with unwavering faith, St. Joan of Arc School continues to inspire students to live with courage, integrity, and purpose. Through decades of growth, renovation, and adaptation, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to nurturing both the minds and souls of our students, preparing them not just for academic success, but for lives of service and faith in their communities and beyond.
The Diocese of Youngstown approved the establishment of a new parish between Canton and Massillon, dedicated to St. Joan of Arc. The parish was founded to serve 180 Catholic families in the growing community.
Monsignor William Fitzgerald and the Precious Blood fathers celebrated Sunday and holy day liturgies at what is now the gymnasium of Central Catholic High School, nurturing the faith community during its formative years.
The parish purchased property and broke ground for both the school building and temporary church, marking the beginning of our permanent campus.
A milestone week in our history: the first Mass was celebrated on parish property, and St. Joan of Arc School opened its doors to 272 students. The Ursuline sisters took residence in the newly built convent and began their dedicated service as educators.
As our community continued to grow, ground was broken for our current church to accommodate the expanding parish family.
Through various Capital Campaigns, the parish invested in significant improvements including storm windows and screens to protect our beautiful stained glass windows, a new heating and cooling system, parking lot resurfacing, roof repairs, and pew refinishing.
The school underwent an extensive remodeling process to enhance our educational facilities and create a more modern learning environment.
The school rededication ceremony celebrated the completion of our major renovations and marked a new chapter in our educational mission.
The original convent has been transformed into our Parish Center, housing administrative offices, meeting rooms, work spaces, the school library, and our preschool program, continuing to serve our community's evolving needs.
Today, St. Joan of Arc School continues to build on this rich foundation, providing quality Catholic education while honoring the vision of those who established our community over seven decades ago.
We invite you to explore how our dedicated educators, enriching programs, and close-knit community create an exceptional learning experience for every child. See for yourself what makes our school a beloved choice for families in Canton.