Sacred Heart Nativity School of San Jose

An urban Catholic middle school dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education for students of low-income families.

About the School:
The Sacred Heart Nativity School and Our Lady of Grace Nativity School are urban Catholic middle schools in San Jose, California that seek to provide students from low-income families with equal access to education. On average, the children who attend the school come from families earning $29,000 or less. Moreover, roughly 90% of the elementary students qualify for free or disco

unted lunch programs (shnativity.org). As a non-profit organization, many of these students at the Nativity school will be the first in their families to receive formal education in high school and college. This exemplifies the unfortunate reality of unequal access to education within our own community. The Sacred Heart Nativity School is making an admirable difference in the lives of many. Since the establishment of this school, school administration has observed an 86% graduation rate for their students matriculating from high schools, while the national average for Latinos is 53% (shnativity.org). While the school receives aid from the Society of Jesus, the Diocese of San Jose, and the Parish of Sacred Heart, the Nativity school relies on donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to cover the school’s operating costs. Please consider making a small donation to the Nativity school by clicking on this link: http://www.razoo.com/story/Sacred-Heart-Nativity-School
Your donation is greatly appreciated. Facts and Statistics:
• The U.S. education system is one of the most unequal in the industrialized world, with students routinely receiving dramatically different learning opportunities based on their social status (Stanford).
• The wealthiest 10 percent of U.S. school districts spend nearly 10 times more than the poorest 10 percent (Stanford).
• Schools with the highest percentages of minority, limited-English proficient and low-income students are more likely to employ beginning teachers than those with the lowest percentage of minority, limited-English proficient and low-income students.
• Children living in poverty have a higher number of absenteeism or leave school all together because they are more likely to work or care for family members (dosomething.org).
• National Assessment of Educational Progress data show that, on average, African American and Hispanic students trail White students academically by four grade levels by the time they finish high school.
• Students ages 16 through 24 from low-income households have a sevenfold greater drop-out rate than those of the same age group from higher income households. How Can You Help?
• Like our page, tell your friends
• Raise awareness of unequal access to education in America
• Volunteer your time as a tutor or assistant at the Nativity schools
• Donate to the cause: http://www.razoo.com/story/Sacred-Heart-Nativity-School
• Donate school supplies to: 310 Edwards Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110

Interested in Learning More?
• Visit the Sacred Heart Nativity School website: http://www.shnativity.org/
• Watch the documentary, Poor Kids, by Frontline PBS, which explores what poverty means to children and to the country’s future: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poor-kids/
• Read the publication, Inequality in Teaching and Schooling, from Stanford University:http://www.stanford.edu/~ldh/publications/LDH-Post-Inequality.pdf

06/17/2026

OLG 8 Retreat and Bay FC Women's Night

The 8th grade Our Lady of Grace girls recently participated in a special retreat focused on building stronger connections, positivity, and self-love. Through reflection and group activities, students strengthened their bonds and created a supportive, uplifting community.

The experience also included a trip to a Bay FC Women’s Night soccer game, where they celebrated women in sports and were inspired by the teamwork and confidence on display. Together, these moments left the girls feeling empowered, connected, and ready to carry that positivity forward.

06/10/2026

There’s something meaningful about giving back to the same community that once supported you.

In this week’s staff feature, we hear from a teacher who returned to Sacred Heart Nativity Schools to invest in the next generation of students.

“The ability to directly impact the community and be part of the same system that gave me so many opportunities has been a tremendous value.”

For the past 10 years, he has continued the mission of supporting students, opening doors, and giving back to those who need it most.

Photos from Sacred Heart Nativity School of San Jose's post

06/03/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the 300+ attendees who joined us at this year’s Fiesta celebration in support of Sacred Heart Nativity Schools.

Because of your generosity, we raised enough to fund 21 student scholarships for the 2026–2027 school year, nearly an entire class of students!

These scholarships represent more than tuition support. They represent opportunity, belonging, faith, mentorship, and the promise of a brighter future for our students and families.

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us continue transforming lives through education.

05/27/2026

What makes working at Sacred Heart Nativity Schools special?

For our Graduate Support team, it’s the way we show up not just for students, but for families.

“It’s important to work with the parents. They need to hear that they’re doing the best job that they can. This is a place that gives them that.”

From academics to social and emotional growth, this is a community rooted in love, grace, and commitment — supporting students and families every step of the way.

05/20/2026

We are proud to share that 100% of our 8th grade class has been accepted to and will be attending one of six Catholic high schools this fall!

This milestone reflects the hard work of our students and the strength of a model designed to prepare them for what comes next. At Sacred Heart Nativity Schools, our mission is to lay the foundation for young people to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

These outcomes are more than numbers. They are a reflection of what’s possible when students are supported, challenged, and believed in every step of the way.

05/13/2026

We are proud to celebrate our 27 graduates as they take their next step!

This year, 100% of our 8th grade class will be attending Catholic high schools — a reflection of their hard work and the strong foundation built during their time at Sacred Heart Nativity Schools.

Each student is moving forward with the preparation, confidence, and support to succeed in what comes next. We can’t wait to see all they accomplish.

05/06/2026

On March 31, our community came together for our first-ever Day of Service in honor of Farmworkers Day.

From creating prayer cards and rosaries on campus to serving with Martha’s Kitchen, performing Folklórico for seniors, and caring for our local parks, our students lived out their faith through action.

This inaugural Day of Service was a powerful reflection of Sacred Heart Nativity Schools’ mission—encouraging students to live out their faith through action and to honor the dignity and contributions of farmworkers. It was a day filled with purpose, unity, and impact, marking the beginning of what will surely become a cherished tradition.

04/29/2026

There’s something special about coming back to a place that once shaped you.

“Every student I help is a version of myself or a version of my classmates. Every parent is my parents. It’s meaningful to give back to the community that gave me so much.”

Sacred Heart Nativity is a place where students grow, feel supported, and always have a place to return to.

04/22/2026

Voice of Sacred Heart Nativity Schools

What makes Sacred Heart Nativity Schools feel like home?

“At this school, I like that we are connected like a family — not just the students and teachers, but the parents as well.”

It’s more than a school. It’s a community where students, families, and educators grow together.

04/15/2026

Meet Board Member Juan Romo

From the Class of 2004 — Nativity’s very first graduating class — to now serving on the Board, Juan’s journey is a full-circle moment.

After Bellarmine College Prep and Santa Clara University, Juan built a career in sales and now works as a residential realtor in the Bay Area.

He credits Sacred Heart Nativity Schools with shaping the foundation of who he is today — and now returns to invest in the next generation of students walking that same path.

This is what it means to be part of the Nativity community. Once a student, always connected.

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Location

San Jose

Contact the school

Click here to send a message to the school

Telephone

+14089931293

Website

http://www.shnativity.org/

Address

310 Edwards Avenue
San Jose, CA
95110