The History of St. John School

St. John School is the oldest Catholic elementary school in Orange County, New York having been established in 1861 with a staff of only two teachers. The Sisters of Charity of Mount St. Vincent, New York, took over the administration of the school and taught at St. John's from 1899-1942. At first, classes were held in the old rectory which was then renovated to provide classrooms on the first and second floors with living quarters for the sisters on the third floor. In 1905, a new school building was erected on the corner of Erie Street and Murray Avenue with money donated by Miss Catherine Garr. This three story building became known as Garr Hall and served as a combined elementary and high school until 1955. 

In 1942, the Sisters of Charity withdrew from the school and the Sisters of the Presentation took over the administration of and teaching at St. John's. These Sisters served St. John's Parish and school for thirty-seven years.  In 1955 the elementary school moved to its present location, 77 Murray Avenue and the second floor was added to the building in 1960. In 1980, McCaffrey Hall, the school's gymnasium was completed.  Renovation of the convent's basement level was completed in 2008 providing students with a library and a home for the computer lab.  With the introduction of wireless technology to the school, the computer class has become mobile and the old computer lab has become home for the Extended Day Program. 

In September 2010, St. John School introduced its first Kindergart St. John's has always been committed to academic excellence based on the educational philosophy in which faith, culture and life are brought into harmony.  We look forward to educating our students and serving our community and parish for many years to come.

St. John's School Mission Statement

Saint John Catholic School strives to teach the Gospel message of Christ by building a community based on Jesus' command to love one another. As a Catholic educational facility we aim to help our students master the basic skills of communication and reasoning needed to live a full and productive life. Our goal is to help our student grow in faith, hope and love of God, self, family, neighbor and community.