At Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School, we are proud to serve a vibrant student body of more than 600 children—nearly half of whom come from military-connected or NATO families. It is an honor to partner with these families in nurturing both the minds and hearts of their children through a strong academic foundation and faith-filled community.
Military Family Testimonial
The spirit of service runs deep at SGGS—not only among our students but also within our faculty and staff. Many members of our team have personal ties to the military, bringing valuable perspective, empathy, and understanding to our classrooms. Our educators are trained in “Supporting Our Military-Connected Children in School Settings: Moving Them from Risk to Resilience,” ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and at home.
Having experienced firsthand the challenges of frequent relocations, we are committed to making every transition as smooth and welcoming as possible. We’re grateful for your interest in our school and invite you to become part of the SGGS family—where faith, learning, and community come together to serve those who serve us.
Helpful Links
Meet our New Saint Ambassadors!
The New Saints Ambassador Program reflects the welcoming spirit and strong traditions of Saint Gregory the Great School. With nearly half of our students coming from military-connected families, SGGS values the importance of helping new and returning students feel at home. Our Saints Ambassadors play a vital role in creating this warm, inclusive environment by extending friendship, guidance, and support to every new Saint who joins our community.
The program is made up of dedicated middle school students who have demonstrated strong character, leadership, and a genuine commitment to service. Saints Ambassadors uphold the mission and values of SGGS by modeling respect, kindness, and integrity in and beyond the classroom. They are expected to maintain solid academic standing, demonstrate exemplary behavior, and serve as positive role models for their peers.
Ambassadors meet twice a month to plan and organize activities that welcome new students and foster connections across grade levels. Their responsibilities include assisting with school tours and open houses, supporting shadow days, participating in service projects, and helping new families navigate school life. Reliability, punctuality, and active engagement are essential components of their role.
Above all, Saints Ambassadors serve as trusted leaders and compassionate peers—students who look out for others, communicate respectfully, and ensure that every Saint feels valued and included. Through their leadership and service, the New Saints Ambassador Program helps SGGS remain a place where all students, especially those from military families, feel welcomed, supported, and truly belong.
Let’s get started!
Contacts
School-Based Military Student Point of Contact
Mrs. Heather Van Scoten
Director of Admissions
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School
hvanscoten@sggsvb.org
Beth Kimberly
4th Grade Teacher
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School
bkimberly@sggsvb.org
Mariah Brownfield
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School
mbrownfield@sggsb.org
Office of Catholic Schools Point of Contact for School-Based Military Student Support Staff Member and for Military Families
Mr. Jim Grillo
7800 Carousel Lane
Richmond, VA 23294
804-359-5661
School-Based Student New Saint Ambassador Coordinators
Mrs. Heather Van Scoten
Director of Admissions
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School
hvanscoten@sggsvb.org
Planning your Arrival to SGGS
We are so excited that you are considering St. Gregory the Great Catholic School! SGGS is blessed to have Mrs. Heather Van Scoten as our Director of Admissions, and we are thrilled to welcome her and her family back to our school community.
Mrs. Van Scoten returned to SGGS with her 8th-grade son following her family’s final duty station, as her husband is now retired from the U.S. Navy after 35 years of service. She has been a Navy spouse for 32 years and is the proud mother of four children, three of whom attended Catholic school from JK through 12th grade. One of her children was also part of the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Category 4, giving her valuable insight into supporting families with diverse needs.
Throughout their military journey, the Van Scoten family was stationed in Jacksonville, FL; Mayport, FL; Tampa, FL; and Colorado Springs, CO. Mrs. Van Scoten has completed FRG and Ombudsman training, further strengthening her ability to support military-connected families. Notably, three of her children attended SGGS at different points in their academic careers, a testament to the school’s lasting impact.
Mrs. Van Scoten often shares that, as a military family, they experienced tremendous support each time they were part of the SGGS community. Her family chose to retire in Virginia Beach and return to SGGS because of the school’s exceptional community, faith-filled environment, and unwavering support.
Mrs. Van Scoten is an invaluable resource for military-connected and NATO families considering SGGS, and we are truly grateful to have her leadership, experience, and heart back at Saint Gregory the Great School.
Preparing your Move
We are sorry to see you go and wish you all the best as you transition to your next duty station. To begin the withdrawal process, please email Heather Van Scoten at hvanscoten@sggsvb.org with notice of your move and include the last day your child will attend SGGS. If available, please attach a copy of your orders.
Your email will be forwarded to the Business Office and the Registrar, so the withdrawal process may begin. Once you know where your child will be enrolling, please have the new school send a records request form, and we will promptly forward your child’s academic records.
God bless, and thank you for your service. You will be greatly missed.
Academic Planning for Military Families
- SGGS follows the Consensus Curriculum of the Diocese of Richmond.
- All SGGS students have the opportunity to graduate with at least 1 High School credit.
- Many of our students continue on in their Catholic education and attend Catholic High School in Virginia Beach.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children
Virginia is a proud member of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and is committed to the care and education of the children of the men and women of our armed forces.
Special Needs Navigation and Parental Rights
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School (SGGS) is committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. We offer a variety of learning support services designed to help students access the curriculum and reach their full potential.
Our Learning Support Team includes a School Counselor, a Student Support Specialist, and two Learning Support Teachers. Our on-campus School Counselor supports students’ social-emotional well-being while also collaborating with teachers to meet diverse student needs. Our Student Support Specialist partners with students, teachers, and families to support learning and social-emotional needs of our students. She also oversees the GATE program and schoolwide student support initiatives. Lastly, our two Learning Support Teachers provide push-in support within the classroom, collaborating closely with classroom teachers to meet student needs in an inclusive setting.
Additional support services available at SGGS include:
- Title I Reading Support
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Literacy Support
- Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program
SGGS utilizes a Teachers Assisting Teachers (TAT) team to thoughtfully review all applications and student support needs. The TAT team includes the members of our Learning Support Team as well as School Administration. When reviewing applications and student support needs, the TAT team evaluates whether our school can appropriately accommodate a student’s academic, learning, or behavioral needs based on our available resources and funding.
When a review is initiated, parents are asked to complete a consent form that authorizes the release of relevant confidential student information and allows for discussion, observation, testing, and/or evaluations or services as needed at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School.
Together, our learning support team works in partnership with families to ensure that each student is supported.