History

Today, Springfield Catholic Schools System continues the long tradition of rigorous pursuits in academics, athletics, and the arts in a Catholic, Christian community. Springfield Catholic School system can trace its early roots to 1866 when Father Graham from Rolla Missouri, celebrated Springfield’s first Catholic Mass, and then became the pastor of Springfield’s first Catholic Church, Immaculate Conception. The Sisters of Mercy ran the first Catholic School in the area, Mount Saint Mary’s Academy for young ladies from 1870-1875.

From 1882 through 1916, the Catholic population in the Springfield area continued to grow and other Catholic churches such as Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, and St. Agnes were established.

In 1916, St. Agnes began offering a four year high school program. In 1936 Father James Hally moved the high school to the Sebree house. He brought not only his experience teaching but also his love of sports, and the Fightin’ Irish mascot from the University of Notre Dame. Under his leadership a football team, boy’s basketball team, a cheerleading team, and pep squad were started. Sadly, father Hally died in a car crash. Funds raised in the memory of Father Hally built a new school at St. Agnes in 1956 and it became St. Agnes Regional High School.

In 1971 discussions began on the formation of a citywide parochial school system. St. Agnes became Springfield Catholic High School, and in 1974 the schools were officially consolidated. In 1986 parents and friends of Springfield Catholic Schools envisioned a larger more modern high school to meet the needs of a growing school population. This vision became a reality when Bishop John Leibrecht dedicated the new high school at South Eastgate and Berkely. Springfield Catholic High School was added on to again in 1996, with more classrooms, a library, and computer labs. Today the school system continues to grow, with the addition of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Elementary School.

Just as the Sisters of Mercy provided for the educational needs of the Children and the Church in the 1870’s, Springfield Catholic Schools continue to serve the needs of children and the Church. Springfield Catholic Schools is comprised of over 1300 students, 100 faculty members, and six supporting parishes, St. Agnes, St. Joseph, Immaculate Conception, Holy Trinity, Sacred Heart, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, all working together to continue the tradition spirituality, scholarship, and sportsmanship.