Celebrating an Approaching Milestone of 5 years Leading St. Alphonsus into the Future
As Principal Nick Padrnos prepares to mark his fifth year leading St. Alphonsus Parish School in July, our growing community celebrates a remarkable milestone. His vision has guided St. Alphonsus toward a refined and confident identity as a school committed to developing whole children, where learning is deeply human—rich in content, grounded in virtue, and shaped by curiosity.
St. Al’s students relish in great books, not great amounts of screen time. This dedicated effort honors the best of proven, classical education – teaching students how to think, not what to think – while embracing what today’s students need most: the tools to reason, a strong foundation in world literature, math and the arts, and a focus on teacher-led instruction that’s not tethered to endless screentime.
Under Principal Padrnos’s leadership, classrooms have become places where ideas come alive through passionate teaching and meaningful conversation. Students engage in lively discussions, a strong supportive community that champions every child’s education as they experience the joy of discovery and awaken as lifelong learners.
And St. Al’s students demonstrate that it’s working. The school’s MAP test scores are consistently tracking well above state, national and even Catholic school averages, as well as the St. Al’s team winning the Academic Decathlon state championship three years in a row. No wonder enrollment continues to climb.
Under Principal Padrnos’ leadership St. Al’s graduates mature as articulate, curious, leaders, who are intellectually prepared for a complex world and alive with a love of learning.
Parents see the difference in how our children grow as thinkers and community members:
“Having shepherded our older two children through various public and private schools in Seattle over the last 15 years, the ‘St. Al’s difference became obvious to us almost immediately. That difference is Principal Padrnos. On our daughter’s very first day of Pre-K, Nick greeted my husband, myself, and our daughter all by our first names. We were blown away by that level of personal, intentional commitment before we had even stepped into a classroom.”
– Nicole and Jonathan Mastin, student in 1st grade (and 11th and 1st year college)
“My most important job as a parent is to provide my children with an outstanding education, and a school community that allows them to achieve their potential not just as a student but as a fully-alive person who contributes to building a better world through their time and talent. St. Al’s and Principal Padrnos has created that environment and we’re so thankful.”
– Eric Schudiske, students in 2nd and 4th grade
“I’m grateful for a place where screens take a backseat to imagination, where being a good global citizen is woven into daily life. The strong parent community we’ve built together is a testament to the inclusive, collaborative culture Principal Padrnos has nurtured. Thank you for five years of educational leadership that prioritizes childhood, curiosity, and character!”
– Cara Peterman, students in 1st and 3rd grade
At St. Alphonsus Parish School, joyful faith, strong community, and a commitment to each child make it an extraordinary place. Through Nick’s leadership and bias for action, the school is a welcoming home where families feel connected, students thrive, and values are lived each day. From morning announcements to rigorous academics and a vibrant faith life. St. Alphonsus is stronger because of this shared spirit. Congratulations on five years, we look forward to building the future together and so happy to call St Al’s home!
– Manning Family, student in 1st grade
As we look ahead to the next five years, and beyond, Principal Padrnos invites us to continue this work—nurturing confident, virtuous learners who approach the world with wonder and wisdom. St. Alphonsus stands ready to deepen its role as a place where every student learns not just how to succeed, but how to live and learn fully.
Come see what five years of intentional, dedicated leadership looks like, and learn more about enrolling your student and joining the St. Al’s community here.
From the opening scene, our young actors captivated the audience with their confidence, creativity, and joy. The thoughtfully crafted story, combined with high-quality production elements, made this performance feel both festive and polished—an impressive achievement for students in the early elementary grades.
