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St. Patrick School History
The City of Lawrence was given its charter in 1853 and became famous as a mill city. The mills attracted people of many nationalities, and Lawrence became a multi-cultural city. Many Irish people settled in South Lawrence and St. Patrick Parish was established.
To provide for the spiritual and academic growth of its parishioners’ children, ground was broken on July 4, 1904, for a new school. The dedication was held on April 26, 1906.
The Sisters of Charity of Halifax were invited to staff the school by Rev. John J. Gilday, Pastor. Five sisters arrived in September 1906. In 1908 a new convent was built.
In 1910, there was an enrollment of 400 pupils. On May 27, 1912, ground was broken for an addition next to the present school to relieve the overcrowding. The first graduation took place in 1912.
The enrollment continued to grow over the years. In 1923, there was an enrollment of 873. In 1924, sixteen classrooms were in use with an enrollment very close to 1,000.
A High School for girls was a dream of many parents. This dream was fulfilled when a third building was erected in 1926 with classes in arts and commerce.
St. Patrick School flourished over the years. In 1962 the first lay teacher was welcomed to the faculty. Presently there are 14 full time lay teachers and 4 full time religious.
A very difficult decision to close St. Patrick High School was made in June 1971. The main reasons were the high cost of financing a small high school and the decrease in religious personnel.
A Kindergarten was opened in 1973.
In 1991, St. Patrick School completed its reevaluation by the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic School Office. Two years later it became a candidate for its initial accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The N.E.A.S.C. accreditation was granted in 1994.
A Media Center was established in 1998. This updated facility now houses our Computer Lab. A second Kindergarten was also opened in 1998.
Presently our school continues to provide a quality education spiritually and academically to a diverse student body of approximately 385 children in grades K-8.
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