Submitted Photo Pictured are some students from Northern Chautauqua Catholic School in Dunkirk.

Registration is now underway for the 2024-25 school year at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. Open to students in grades Pre-K 3 through 8, NCCS provides high quality academic instruction and the foundation of faith in a close-knit “family” atmosphere uncommon in other academic settings. Service to others, whether it be a classmate, a teacher or someone in the community, is a value learned early on at NCCS, but one which is carried with them throughout life.

The experienced, caring team of teachers at NCCS provide a solid core of academics that encourages every student to reach his or her full potential. Full-day pre-school programs for 3- and 4-year-olds are available, as is after school care on-site. Advanced placement math and Spanish curriculum, plus support service efforts such as AIS, OT and PT are also offered on site

“Opportunity” plays a big part in the school’s advantage. According to Andrew Ludwig, principal and chief operating officer, “NCCS is a great choice because our school provides opportunities that children will not receive anywhere else in this area,” ranging from such simple things as lunchtime outdoor recess, lunch with a parent or classroom visit, life skill lessons such as the 5th graders’ fun, basic banking math project, to learning the ins and outs of credit card and loan applications, to bracelet-making as a service project for the needy.

NCCS students have many unique opportunities in the arts, athletics and extracurricular activities, too. Ms. Janie Sharon and Ms. Reagan Pieniazek lead a superior music department that features: two full-length musicals a year, participation in area vocal and instrumental solo competitions where their students have consistently earned top ratings, chorus, band, instrumental and vocal lessons, plus annual winter, spring and pops concerts to showcase these talents. In the areas of athletics, NCCS students have a chance to play organized team sports early on. Children in grades 3 and up may participate in track, softball, volleyball, cross country, basketball and baseball. Many of these have resulted in league championships when facing much larger opponents within the Buffalo area Catholic schools.

Enrollment at NCCS is open to all faiths and cultures. The quality of academic instruction and spiritual “life values” give each student the opportunity to thrive and grow as a whole person – academically, socially and spiritually. As NCCS is the only remaining Catholic school in Chautauqua County, it is holding strong to these goals to make every student become the best he or she can be successful in high school, college and life.

Schedule a visit to NCCS with your child today! For more information or to arrange a visit, call (716) 366-0630 or visit https://www.nccschool.us. Registration packets are available at the school, 3336 Washington Ave. Dunkirk. Tuition assistance may be available, and students may receive busing depending upon residence.