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Our History... | ||
| St. James Parish had the opportunity
to provide a Catholic education very early in it's history. In 1870, the Sisters of Loretto opened a school
called St. Mary's Academy. In 1902 the name of the school was changed to St. James
School. Even though times were difficult and money was scarce, the school survived.
Between 1920 and 1921 there were only 21 pupils in school. A high school was added
in 1922 and there were six graduating seniors in 1923. The ground breaking for a new
school building took place the same year. During the construction, classes were held in
the Knights of Columbus building. On December 21, 1923 the Sisters moved into the
new building. Attendance grew gradually but declined again so Fr. Murray closed the
high school of 12 years. In September 1937, the first PTA was organized which funded a great many improvements to the school. A kindergarten opened in 1941 but closed in March of 1942 due to the illness of the teacher. Then Sister Stephana was sent to reopen the high school in 1942. A school cafeteria was begun by the PTA in 1944 with Mrs. Mildred Corbett in charge. The cost was .15 for regular lunch for the first two children of a family and then the younger children ate free. | In 1949, construction on a new convent began and the Sisters moved
into it in February 1950. In 1951, the high school was back to a four year program
and was officially recognized under the new title of Elizabethtown Catholic High
School. Music, sports, and P.E. were offered. Spanish was added to the curriculum in 1953 for
Juniors and Seniors. On June 8, 1954, ground was broken for the new high school and was furnished and ready for use on March 16, 1955. The enrollment in the high school tripled in less than 10 years. Construction of the new grade school began in October 1963 and was completed in August, 1964. It consisted of 10 classrooms, a cafeteria, offices, restrooms, and a faculty lounge. Eventually the high school closed in June 1969 because of financial shortages. Then the grade school moved into the high school building in December, 1971. Plans were made to sell the property at the grade school location. At present, St. James School is an accredited school with Kindergarten through 8, a preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, and after school care. | |