Holy Cross Elementary School

A Tradition in Catholic Education since 1891

History

The cornerstone of Holy Cross church was laid on August 24, 1890.  The Church was completed in March of 1891 and was located on the present site of the old high school building.  In February, 1891, Mr. Eugene Scherer opened Holy Cross Grade School with 80 students.  In August, 1891, the Benedictine Sisters took charge of the grade school.

On November 29, 1908, the present church was completed and the parish had grown from 45 families to 206 families.  By this time the grade school enrollment had increased to 354 students and the need for a new school was critical.  The current building was erected in 1915.  In 1930 the current high school was built.  The cornerstone from the original church is imbedded in the north wall of the high school building bearing its 1890 inscription. 

The parish center was built in 1960 and was used by the high school.  By 1964 the grade school was overcrowded and moved six classrooms into the newly converted area previously used as the gymnasium in the old high school building.

The Benedictine Sisters remained in both schools until 1969 when Robert Mark became the first lay principal of the high school and until 1975 when Fred Breyer became the first lay principal of the grade school.  Kindergarten was offered in 1990 and continues to grow. 

As reflective of our past, Holy Cross Elementary School continues to thrive and to be a vital part of the Parish community.