About Us

St. Paul's School History

The story of St. Paul School is one of faith, family, and a steadfast commitment to Catholic education. Its origins trace back to 1845, when thirty Catholic families established St. Paul Parish in the small village then known as New Berlin. These early parishioners envisioned a vibrant faith community centered on worship, service, and the education of their children.

That vision became reality on September 8, 1919, when St. Paul School officially opened its doors in the building that had once served as the parish’s original church. Under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Schmit and staffed by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, the school welcomed its first 100 students. The founding faculty included Sister Dorothy Goodman and Sister Vida Stein, while Sister Alma Mullaly cared for the school’s upkeep. Reflecting on those early years, Sister Miriam Therese described the children as “well-behaved, eager to learn, and blessed with supportive families,” whose generosity sustained the Sisters through the Depression and wartime years.

As the parish and city grew, so too did the school. A new, fireproof building was completed in the early 1920s, with additional classroom wings added in 1956 and 1963. The C-Building, constructed in 1962 near the church cemetery, continues to serve the youngest learners in grades K–3. The Sisters of the Holy Ghost of Pittsburgh joined the faculty in the mid-1940s, and religious sisters faithfully served as teachers until 1975.

The early 2000s marked a new era of growth and recognition. During the 2000–2001 school year, St. Paul earned the distinction of National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, an honor bestowed upon only the nation’s highest-achieving schools. Soon after, the parish expanded its facilities with the construction of a modern Parish Life Center (2003–2004) and the establishment of a preschool program in 2005, which welcomed its first students in 2007. A major church renovation in 2006 further strengthened the spiritual heart of the community.

In 2019, St. Paul School proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary, honoring a century of faith-filled learning, dedicated service, and strong community tradition. Today, St. Paul continues to build on that legacy—educating hearts and minds in the spirit of Christ and inspiring students to live lives of purpose, compassion, and faith.