CELEBRATING 75 Years

 
 

SJS in the BEGINNING

Founded by the Sisters of the Infant Jesus (CHIJ), St. John’s Parochial School opened its doors with just 89 students in 1950. The Sister’s vision was to provide the highest quality education by forming the whole child. This rich tradition of academic excellence and community service has continued through many decades and even more generations of Sonoma County families.

Fr. Michael Galvin and parish lay leaders acquired the former public grammar school on the corner of Tucker and Fitch Streets for a parochial school. The Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus came to Healdsburg from Ireland to staff the school. The school opened its doors on September 18, 1950. Eighty-nine students were enrolled in grades 1-6. It wasn’t until 1954 that the classroom building presently housing grades 1 – 4 was constructed.

 
 
 

HISTORY of SJS

 

leadership of st. john the baptist catholic school

The Sisters led the school as administrators since its inception, but in 1974, the leadership of the school was entrusted to a lay principal and the pastor of the parish. The goal being to have the two parties working in collaboration which is still the case today. The current pastor, Fr. Sean Rogers was assigned to the parish in 2013, and has provided active and dynamic leadership for the principal, faculty and staff of the school.

In July 2020, the SJS community was thrilled to add the experienced and assured hand of Mr. Joe Filice serving as principal of primary teachers, as well as, instructional and administrative staff members. With Fr. Sean and Mr. Filice at the helm, the school entered a new chapter of collaborative leadership, ensuring its continued growth and success. The 75th Anniversary of the school’s opening is upon us and we are proud of how far we’ve come. Throughout our long and storied history, St. John School has proudly been home to generations of Sonoma County families. The school's positive reputation, our family environment and wonderful traditions, as well as, the commitment to academic and spiritual excellence, are what continues to draw new and alumni families year after year.