A family of five smiling for a photo outdoors during daytime, with trees and a bright sky in the background.

Who We Serve

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer.” 
- 1 Timothy 4:4-5

Embracing families with compassion and understanding.

Families of children with disabilities are the heart and soul of One Classroom. Your love for your child and desire to prioritize an inclusive Catholic education drives our work. Together, with our partner schools, the One Classroom model brings parish communities together with a shared mission of serving all children, while ensuring sustainable, thriving Catholic schools. 

Three young males standing together in a classroom, smiling and hugging each other. The background shows a whiteboard with notes and a monitor displaying an outdoor scene.
Two children, a girl with blonde hair and a boy with dark hair, sitting at a table in a classroom, looking at the camera. They are reading a colorful book titled 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom'.

A smiling young boy in a burgundy school uniform sits in a classroom, holding hands with a woman standing behind him. The woman, with blonde hair, glasses, and earrings, also smiles.

Who We Serve

We help schools welcome any child seeking a Catholic education, no matter their abilities. Children in One Classroom programs have a range of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and more. Most Catholic schools have become adept at serving children with minor learning disabilities, but our programs give precedence to students with the most significant needs.

The greater the disability, the higher the priority. One Classroom does not expect contributions from our families, and our partner schools do not charge additional tuition in order for students to access on-site therapies such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy. 

Contact us
Our Partner Schools

“Rose cantored for the first time at Mass today. She sang so beautifully and was so proud of herself. I could hear her above the others, sometimes just slightly off key. But the real beauty was that no one cared at all, and her volume encouraged all the kiddos to sing louder!
I’ve had at least five teachers reach out to tell me how proud they are of her.”

— Erin, Parent, Sacred Heart Catholic School

Why Our Schools Need
Your Children

There is a misconception that the only students who benefit from an inclusive education are students with disabilities and learning differences. As parents of children with IDD, we know nothing could be further from the truth! A large body of research demonstrates that all children in inclusive environments achieve higher academic gains and more long-term success. Furthermore, students with disabilities have much to teach their peers about compassion, honesty, acceptance and love. It is a win-win! 

Programming Areas
A young boy with glasses, wearing a red shirt and a backpack, standing beside a welcome sign for Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic School. The background shows a stone pillar, a black iron fence, and green bushes with pink flowers.

“The good work being done across the Archdiocese of St. Louis, in our nearly 30 Partner Schools, is the result of devoted parents, willing principals, loving pastors, hard-working teachers, joyful students, and very generous donors. That’s how true belonging is fostered for all children.

We must do as chapter 53 of the Rule of St. Benedict says, ‘All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35)’ and foster a culture that welcomes all learners in this brave and holy manner.”

— Kyle Van Frank, One Classroom Executive Director