Holy Trinity School - Our History

Holy Trinity School opened on September 7, 1954. In September, 1954, the Felician Sisters from Chicago, Illinois, under the direction of Sister Mary Celsa, came at the request of Monsignor Worzalla to staff Holy Trinity School, with an enrollment of 243 students. The building consisted of 8 classrooms and a cafeteria in the basement and offered grades 1 through 8. In June, 1955, Holy Trinity School graduated its first class of 12 students (1 boy and 11 girls).

Enrollment kept growing and by 1957 an additional four classrooms with a gymnasium were added. By 1959, just five years after the school opened, enrollment increased to 530 students in grades 1 through 8. So, once again, in 1963, another four classrooms had to be added to the school.

From an opening enrollment of 243 students, on September 7, 1954, the size of the student body expanded at a rapid rate which necessitated more space. At the beginning of the 1963-64 school year, the enrollment in grades 1 through 8 exceeded 600 students. The enrollment remained in the 600's for a number of years and then as the economic condition of the area changed, the enrollment began to decline. The decline in enrollment was almost as dramatic as the early growth. The drop in enrollment bottomed out at 80 plus students during the 1984-85 school year. This same year a half day kindergarten was added to the regular 1 through 8 grade program. The following year, an all-day everyday kindergarten was established.

In an attempt to continue to provide programs that best met the needs of the area families, a preschool program was added at the beginning of the 1987-88 school year. During the 1988-89 school year, an afternoon extended day program was added, which also has experienced gradual growth. Busing was also added to attract students from neighboring communities.
Holy Trinity School has been an integral part of Holy Trinity Parish since September of 1954. The school offers a full and complete curriculum including a literature based reading program, math program, English, spelling, social studies, music, physical education, algebra, hands-on-science, art, Spanish, technology, and an athletic program. Religion is integrated into each school day and school Mass is celebrated for grades 6,7,8 each Tuesday at 8:15 a.m., and grades K-5 each Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. Holy Trinity is grateful for the support of the parish and parents of students.

A preschool program was initiated in 1988. Due to space needs, it was moved to nearby St. Augustine's in 1993. In 2008, the preschool was moved back into the main school building. The preschool provides an early childhood program for children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old. This program is licensed by the State of Minnesota and taught by certified teachers. The curriculum provides developmentally appropriate activities which foster positive self-esteem, oral language development, problem solving, socialization, cooperation, self-help skills, large and small motor skills and kindergarten readiness. It also reflects our Catholic philosophy by incorporating religion lessons and prayer in the program.

In 1990-1991, Holy Trinity School received accreditation from the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association for the first time.

In 1994-1995 Holy Trinity and St. John Vianney had a collaborative junior high program. At a joint meeting between pastors, principals, and representatives from the CEFM, it was stated that the junior high would be governed by Holy Trinity parish. A junior high parent team was formed consisting of parents/guardians, teachers and principals from both parishes.

Holy Trinity School has a strong commitment to Catholic education. The support of the parish and parents/guardians is significant. The Home and School Association and the many volunteers of the school continue to be strong supporters.

Activities that have enriched the curriculum are: Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Destination Imagination, vocal music concerts and programs, band and piano concerts, Computer Club, athletic program, Book Fair, Title I and special education services from the local public school district.

Holy Trinity School reflects a proud history as it continues to meet the need for Catholic education in South St. Paul and neighboring communities.