School History

In 1963, Fr. Peter Caslin, founding pastor of St. Irenaeus, invited Sr. Anne Broderick and three Irish Presentation Sisters that had recently arrived from Pakistan, to open a school in the newly formed parish. In September of 1963, Sr. Anne and the other sisters welcomed 277 students in first through fourth grade. At this time the school was surrounded by dairies. Tuition was $8 a month for one student and $10 a month for two. There was even a pond in the back where students caught frogs at lunch time.

 

A lot of physical changes have taken place over the years, but the mission remains the same. Today, 321 children in Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade attend St. Irenaeus Parish School. A dedicated staff of 30 lay professionals works in partnership with parents to provide our school children with a faith-based education that focuses on academic excellence and the development of Catholic values.  More than 3,500 students have graduated from St. Irenaeus Parish School since the 1960's.  Each has left as a young Disciple of Christ-a shining reflection of His loving light.