Ad Astra Per Ardua (To the Stars Through Hardwork)
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School is dedicated to providing a Catholic education that nurtures academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual growth. Guided by the principles of St. Francis of Assisi, the school aims to empower students to become compassionate leaders and lifelong learners who positively impact their communities
To be a premier institution recognized for academic excellence, artistic achievement, and leadership development rooted in Catholic values, preparing students to thrive in a global society
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and Bishop Carroll High School form one Catholic educational institution serving the people of Yekepa and surrounding communities in Nimba County, Liberia. While St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School provides primary education, Bishop Carroll High School serves as the secondary division of the institution.
The institution traces its origin to 1969, when Carroll High School was established in Grass Field, Gbapa, Nimba County, Liberia. At its inception, the school enrolled only boys. In the early 1980s, the school was relocated to Yekepa, Nimba County, where it expanded its enrollment to include both boys and girls pursuing secondary education. Alongside the growth of the high school, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School was strengthened to provide a solid Catholic foundation for younger learners who would later continue their education at Bishop Carroll High School.
The school was named in honor of Francis Carroll, and its patron saint is Saint Francis of Assisi. Over the years, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and Bishop Carroll High School have become recognized for their commitment to academic excellence, music, arts, character formation, and Catholic values. Together, they remain among the outstanding Catholic educational institutions in Liberia.
The institution was initially administered by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, whose members were dedicated to evangelization, youth development, and the promotion of Catholic education. Their efforts helped shape generations of students through faith, discipline, and quality education. During the Liberian Civil War, the Christian Brothers returned to their home countries, after which the institution was led by several Liberian principals and administrators from different Christian backgrounds.
In October 2021, a significant milestone was achieved when the institution welcomed its first alumnus as principal. Mr. P. Kohnkahn Cole, a graduate of Bishop Carroll High School, was appointed principal and served with dedication in advancing the mission of both Bishop Carroll High School and St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School. He was later succeeded by Rev. Fr. Alfred Lee Walker, the current principal, and Mr. Paul O. Wowah as adminstrator who continues to provide holistic Catholic education while fostering academic excellence, moral formation, and leadership development. Under his leadership, the institution remains committed to preparing young people to become responsible citizens, faithful Christians, and future leaders in society.
· Faith and Integrity: Upholding Catholic teachings and fostering a culture of honesty, respect, and compassion.
· Academic Excellence: Commitment to rigorous academic standards that inspire intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
· Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation in service to others and promoting a sense of responsibility towards community and society.
· Artistic and Cultural Enrichment: Embracing and celebrating creativity through music, arts, and cultural expression.
· Leadership and Service: Cultivating leadership skills and a commitment to serving others, inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi and the Christian Brothers' legacy.
Through these values the St. Joseph Elementary School seeks to prepare students to lead purposeful lives, guided by faith, knowledge, and a dedication to social justice and the common good
