Our History

history-photo.jpg

St. Andrew Catholic School has a long and celebrated history of serving the children and families of North Orlando. Guided by our mission, “A commitment to academic excellence and to developing the students’ spirituality and creativity in order to be Disciples of Christ in the 21st century,” St. Andrew Catholic School has been helping children grow in spirit, mind, and body for more than 60 years.

The school was built in response to the parish community’s desire for a Catholic education for their children. St. Andrew Catholic School opened its doors in 1960 to 51 kindergarten students, who attended classes in the church hall. Less than a year later, on June 11, 1961, parishioners broke ground on a permanent school building.

During the first three months of the 1961-1962 academic year, the school grew to include students in grades 1-6, with classes being held in the completed portion of the new building and the church hall. With much pride, St. Andrew Catholic School was dedicated on Jan. 15, 1962, with 385 students enrolled. Seventh and eighth grade classrooms were added during the next two school years, completing the school’s educational offerings.

With the students in place, St. Andrew Catholic School welcomed four Sisters of the Society of the Precious Blood during the 1963-1964 school year, who were a loving presence in the classroom for many years.

ABOUT.history.2.png

Throughout the years, St. Andrew Catholic School has expanded to meet the demand of the growing community, adding two additional buildings with 16 classrooms, a library, office space and gym/family center. In 1976, St. Andrew was certified by the Florida State Department of Education, becoming the first Catholic School in Orlando to receive full accreditation.

2009 was also a banner year at St. Andrew Catholic School, as it was awarded by the Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award.

Today, St. Andrew Catholic School serves more than 300 students from many faith denominations, ethnic groups, and socio-economic backgrounds. At St. Andrew, we firmly believe that we are more than a school; we are a family of believers committed to the great tradition of Catholic education.

St. Andrew Catholic School is accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association. Our teachers are certified by the Florida Department of Education, and many hold advanced degrees.