School History

St. Paul School Class of 1918.  Standing: Joseph Stack, Korville Beaupre, Bertha Huvaere, Evelyn Beaupre. Seated: George Diegel, Ethlyn Allard, Luella Godfrey, Doris Ayling


The foundation of Catholic education in St. Paul Parish dates back to 1887, when the neighboring Convent of the Sacred Heart opened a free school for the children of the parish. The small, four room building served as the parish school for nearly 40 years.
 
In 1926, the parish decided to build its own school. Plans for the high school were enlarged to include an elementary school. The parish purchased property behind the church, and on September 6, 1927, the new St. Paul Catholic School opened its doors.  According to Pastor Alonzo Nacy, it was "a parish school second to none in the state or, for that matter, the nation."  

Parish growth soon filled the school to capacity. In 1951 and again in 1963, additions were built consisting of eleven classrooms, the full-size gymnasium, and the cafeteria.  In 1971, the high school was closed, and St. Paul School focused on elementary and junior high school students.  

 

Kindergarten was added in 1975 and a preschool program was added in 1993.  An extended day care program and young fives was added in 2003. In 2004, a full-day kindergarten option was added. The Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools accredits St. Paul Catholic School. In 2006, the school was designated a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

 

The importance of St. Paul Catholic School can never be fully measured, but it is real and genuine. Our graduates are the true witnesses to the support of the parish family, and of the faith rooted in the minds, hearts, and souls of the pioneers of yesterday and today.