2012

NSDAPS achieved Level I Accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU), affirming the quality of its academic and administrative systems.

2013

The sacred image of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu was granted an Episcopal Coronation, affirming its spiritual significance in the Diocese of Antipolo.

2015

The Senior High School Department received official recognition from the Department of Education, further expanding the school’s offerings under the K to 12 programs.

2017

In a historic event, the image of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu was canonically crowned, a high ecclesiastical honor that deepened its religious and cultural importance.

2018

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker at the Diocesan Shrine, recognizing its enduring legacy. The same year, NSDAPS celebrated its 50th anniversary with the theme “Steadfast in Faith @ 50”, marking a half-century of holistic Catholic education.

History

of the Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu Parochial School

1968

The Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu Parochial School (NSDAPS) was established as a preschool, coinciding with the opening of the San Mateo Puericulture Center’s nursery school. Classes were initially conducted in a modest, one-room makeshift building adjacent to the parish hall. The initiative received an enthusiastic response from Catholic families, resulting in a rapid increase in enrollment. The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) Unit of the parish took on the responsibility of managing the school as part of its apostolic mission.

1980

NSDAPS was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit educational corporation.

1987

The Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS) granted official recognition to the Elementary Department, marking a significant step in the school’s formalization as a provider of basic education.

2002

The High School Department received official recognition from the Department of Education, completing the school’s basic education program and paving the way for full K–12 implementation.

2022

NSDAPS earned Level II Accreditation from PAASCU, a testament to its

sustained commitment to quality education and institutional excellence.

2025

The Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu was declared a National Shrine by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), affirming its national religious significance and further enriching the spiritual environment surrounding the school.

2026

NSDAPS has been preparing for both the PAASCU visit in 2027 and its 60th Diamond Jubilee in 2028. The school has piloted the implementation of the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum. Meanwhile, Most Reverend Ruperto C. Santos, D.D., Bishop of Antipolo and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, appointed Rev. Fr. Glenn William C. Relucio, Ph.D., as the 11th School Director of NSDAPS.

2004

The Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu was elevated to the status of a Diocesan Shrine, becoming the only church in the Philippines under the Marian title Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu.

2008

NSDAPS commemorated its 40th founding anniversary with the theme “Celebrating 40 Years in the Light of Truth”, highlighting its decades-long commitment to faith-based education.

2009

The school was certified by the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), signifying its participation in government-subsidized education programs for private schools.

The School Seal

“I am an Aranzan: I C.A.R.E.”

I- Witness

C- Christ-like

A- Arm for

R- Renewal and;

E- Evangelization

Mountain:

Symbolizes Three Things

1. Mountain in Oñate, Spain: the apparition of Our Lady occurred.

2. Geographical characteristic of San Mateo (Mountainous): The color green symbolizes vegetation and progress.

3. Christ: During the Old Testament, prophets communicated with God on mountains, as did Christ when he went to the mountain for prayer.

Hand with Lamp:

This is the hand of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu that carries a lamp lighting the way to the mountain. This is the light of truth (Luce Veritatis).

Marian Insignia (on the wrist):

This is a symbol for Ave Maria adapted from the Parish Marian emblem.

Red Path:

This is the way towards Christ, which is lit by the lamp on the hands of Our Lady of Aranzazu. Red symbolizes Christian education. We lead our students to the mountain in this way (Christian Education)

Blue circle above the hands:

A circle is a continuous line with no end. It symbolizes unity and communion among the people of the community (Communio)

Motto:

“Communio in Luce Veritatis” (Communion in the Light of Truth)
The motto invites the Aranzan community to be luminous sharers of the Truth,” the Good News of the Redemption of Humanity from sin.

We shall strive to do this by being authentic witnesses and active sharers of the Salvific Mission of Jesus Christ through the evangelical work of Christian Education as members of a community of believers united in love for Christ and devotion to His Mother, Mary, under the title of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu.