EST. 1896 · TAMPA, FLORIDA
St. Joseph Catholic School
A Legacy in Motion: 130 Years & Beyond
813-879-7720 · *Se habla español*
St. Joseph Catholic School
Escuela Católica San José · Tampa, Florida
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Why St. Joseph?
Why St. Joseph?
¿Por qué San José?
For 130 years, families have trusted us with what they hold most precious. Here is what makes our school different.
OUR MISSION · NUESTRA MISIÓN
Leading students on the path to College and Heaven by doing the right thing at the right time for the love of God.
OUR THREE ROOT BELIEFS
Everything grows from three roots.
I
God is in all things.
We seek and honor God in every subject, every friendship, and every corner of campus — faith is not a class period, it is the air we breathe.
II
We offer our best to God.
Excellence is gratitude — students give their best in study, in prayer, and in service, because everything we have is a gift.
III
Every moment matters.
Doing the right thing at the right time, for the love of God — from morning prayer in the cafeteria to the last bell.
OUR STORY · NUESTRA HISTORIA
Rooted in West Tampa since 1896
1896
A school for immigrant Tampa
St. Joseph opens its doors to serve the children of West Tampa's cigar-worker families — welcoming every background from the very first day.
1927
The Salesian Sisters arrive
The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco bring their joyful tradition of reason, religion, and loving-kindness — a spirit that still shapes every classroom.
1952
Home on Gomez Avenue
The school leaves its first home on Albany Street and moves to 2200 N. Gomez Avenue — the campus our students still walk onto every morning.
2007
A pavilion for the teams
A covered pavilion is built on campus, housing a basketball court and a volleyball court — practice and home games on campus.
2025
Tee ball on our own field
A partnership with West Tampa Little League brings tee ball to the school's field — neighborhood families playing on the same grounds our students share.
Today
130 years of the same promise
VPK through 8th grade — we will do whatever it takes to put your child on the path to college and heaven.
THE ST. JOSEPH DIFFERENCE
Small school. Big expectations.
A Catholic school of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, we are small enough that every teacher knows every child by name — and every decision is made with one question in mind: does this help our students reach college and heaven?
VPK–8one campus, one family
100%commitment to your child
SCHOOL PROFILE · PERFIL ESCOLAR
A legacy in motion
Six pages on who we are, who we serve, and what comes next. Use the arrows, or your keyboard.
St. Joseph’s Identity & Purpose
MISSION
Our mission is to lead students on the path to College and Heaven by doing the right thing at the right time for the love of God.
St. Joseph Catholic School has served the Tampa community since 1896. Our parish school provides academic excellence in a quality Catholic setting to children of varied backgrounds, EC4/VPK through 8th grade.
ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL
- Provides holistic education based on the Gospel and Tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Commits to developing the spiritual and intellectual needs of each student.
- Models and teaches the message of Christ by fostering life-long values and growth in the spirit of worship.
St. Joseph serves an ethnically diverse community, creating a safe, loving, and disciplined environment that allows its students to feel accepted and valued. In this family spirit, we welcome and encourage all to live in true Catholic unity.
WHAT WE STAND ON
Three Root Beliefs
Five Core Values
- SEEK
- PERSIST
- EXCEL
- LOVE
- SERVE
THE ST. JOSEPH FOUNDATION
What makes St. Joseph a special place to learn, grow, serve, and belong?
Faith in everyday life
Our school day is grounded in prayer, Catholic formation, and the belief that every moment matters. In 2025–26, 25 students received First Communion and 21 were Confirmed.
Strong academics
Our students consistently outperform national readiness averages, with especially strong results in middle school mathematics. We are working toward 60%+ readiness across all subjects.
A school where service matters
Students begin serving as early as Kindergarten, with a goal of 8 service hours each year. Service is part of the culture, not just an activity.
Opportunities beyond the classroom
Students are active in the arts, athletics, and community partnerships. Our Junior Thespian Troupe competed at the state level and earned 9 “Superior” and 2 “Excellent” ratings.
Wrap-around support
A team of 22 full-time professional staff provide additional academic and safety-net support, and a partnership with the YMCA brings after-school care on-site.
WHO OUR STUDENTS ARE
Student Body Demographics
Our student body reflects a diverse racial and ethnic population. Hispanic/Latino students are the largest group, with 210 students, while 38 are White, 21 identify as two or more races, 12 are Black/African American, and 3 are Asian. Overall, 248 students are Hispanic/Latino or Hispanic/Latino and another race.
66%speak Spanish as their first language
86%of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch
179students receive Title I services and support
255students access funding through parental choice programs
AFFORDABLE PRIVATE CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Offsetting the tuition gap for families
Tuition for the 2026–27 school year is $9,590. Step Up scholarships cover $8,429 for K–3 and $7,837 for grades 4–8, with families responsible for the remaining out-of-pocket cost. Financial support and philanthropy help bridge the gap and keep the school within reach.
“Let the little children come to me … for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
MATTHEW 19:142027 GOALS
What is next for St. Joseph?
Goals include raising academic readiness, deepening Catholic virtue formation, increasing student services, and engaging alumni and community supporters. The goal is simple: build on 130 years of history while preparing today's students for the next chapter.
FUTURE INITIATIVES
Federal Tax Credit Program
Capital Campaign for a Multi-Purpose / Arts Building
School-wide Technology Upgrades
Helping St. Joseph students thrive
Tony Crafa, M.Ed.
Principal
[email protected]
A. Nicole Capitano Nassif, J.D.
Director of Development
[email protected]
EDUCATING CHILDREN SINCE 1896WWW.STJOSEPHTAMPA.ORG
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