Lower Mills Campus

at St. Gregory Parish
Early Childhood Elementary Middle School
Learn More

Lower Mills Campus

at St. Gregory Parish
Early Childhood Elementary Middle School
Learn More

Lower Mills Campus

Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Lower Mills Campus educates students ages 2.9 to grade 8 in the Lower Mills neighborhood of Dorchester. Every student at Lower Mills is Known, Loved, and Called to Excellence. #LowerMillsLEADERS are proud to share their leadership skills both in our school community as well as through community partnerships, and across the neighborhoods of the City of Boston in which our school represents. As a school community, we are committed to continuing our work around race, diversity, and equity. Our dedication to social justice continues to take place in our classrooms, throughout our curriculum, discussions and dialogue- grounded and centered in prayer and scripture. Our students' education, rooted in Catholicism, embraces the values of kindness, compassion, and service to others. We look forward to welcoming your family to the Lower Mills school community!

SaintJohnPaull2
Lisa Warshafsky Principal, Lower Mills Campus Campus News

Instagram: @sjp2ca_lowermills 
Twitter: @SJP2CALowerMill 
Facebook: Principal Lower Mills
School Supply List

School Supply List

Please click here to find the 2024-2025 School Year supply list >

What makes your programs unique?

The Academy’s Lower Mills Campus has been at the heart of the Lower Mills neighborhood in Boston since 2008. We attract students from the nearby community as well as the greater Boston area. We emphasize building community both within our school and with the outside world.  In the broader community, our parent corps sponsors and supports many of the Dorchester neighborhood traditions.

What type of technologies do the students use to learn?

At the Academy, students in grades Pre-K to grade 5 have computer once a week.  Students learn the importance of internet safety and what it means to be a good digital citizen. The curriculum includes instruction in the the differentiation of different types of computing, the use of Google Drive and all of its components, and the creation of programs through coding.  Keyboarding is practiced for the most efficient use of the computer, to prepare students for report writing. Online programs that reinforce the students classroom experience are also used during computer instruction time.

Grades 6-8 use chromebooks on a daily basis to enhance classroom instruction.  When additional instruction is needed, the technology specialist is available to work with the students in their classrooms.

What is the cost of yearly tuition?

2025-2026 Tuition Rates

K2 through Grade 8:
1 Student: $6,450
Additional children: $5,500

Preschool, Pre-K, and K1:
K1 Student: $8,100
Pre K Student: $8.100
Preschool Student: $9,300
Do you offer financial aid opportunities?

Yes, we do! All of our students receive a discount on the full cost of tuition when we set tuition rates each year. In addition many qualify for additional support.

  • $2.5M in financial aid was awarded last year to Academy students
  • 68% of early childhood students receive Massachusetts Early Education and Care vouchers for both school tuition (2.9, Pre-K, K1 and K2) and Extended Day programs
  • 60% of Academy students receive financial aid to offset the cost of tuition
How does the application process work?

To secure a seat in one of our classrooms:

  1. Complete an application online
    Application must include a report card (gr. 1-8), birth certificate and health record.
  2. Attend an open house and schedule a visit!
  3. Create a FACTS account
    Once the administration reviews the application, report card and screening tests a decision will be made. Acceptance letter will be mailed along with instructions to set up a FACTS account.
Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

Please download the Massachusetts Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals for the Lower Mills Campus here >

Did you know?

At the Academy, 65% of grade 6 students and 100% of grade 8 students are accepted to their choice of exam school –catholic, independent or private, our programs. As you can see, our student excel.

Learn more
100% of eighth grade students were accepted to two or more high schools
95% of classes beat the national mean in MAP testing in language arts
100% of students participate in community service
30% of Academy students are English Language Learners who benefit from the Academy's literacy development coaching