Our History

St. Peter Claver Catholic School was founded in 1903 by St. Katharine Drexel to give children a values-based education. She involved herself in Bishop Keiely’s venture and her philanthropy helped to open St. Peter Claver Catholic School and Church. In 1904, the original school opened on Pio Nono with two Mercy Sisters; Sr. Mercedes was Principal and Sr. Gabriel was the teacher. By 1914, members of Mother Katharine’s New Order; the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, were sent to Administer and teach at the school. Within a few years of her original involvement, she had funded the construction of a new school, a rectory, and a convent.

In later years, it became impossible for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to continue to staff the school. Thus, many dedicated men and women have committed their talents to the mission of the school. In 1999, The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, a French religious community of women, agreed to serve as administrators of the school and have continued to serve since that time.

our mission

St. Peter Claver Catholic School seeks to educate the mind and open the hearts of students from diverse backgrounds so that, in the spirit of the Gospel, they are academically prepared and service oriented.

our philosophy

We the pastor, staff and parents of St. Peter Claver Catholic School believe in the God-given dignity and uniqueness of each person. We commit ourselves to assist families in fostering the spiritual, emotional, academic, social and physical growth of the students. Through a curriculum rooted in gospel values, we strive to educate our students to take their places in the church and society of the 21st Century.