About Us

History

Santa Cruz Catholic School is a Kindergarten through Grade 8 Catholic school under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Tucson and Santa Cruz Parish, Tucson, AZ.  The school is staffed by lay teachers and in the past also by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  Santa Cruz School is accredited by the Western Catholic Accreditation Association and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).     

Santa Cruz Catholic School has a long and rich history, beginning with its founding by the Discalced Carmelite Fathers of Arizona.   The school offers its students a faith-filled community tradition, building upon the dedicated support of the Carmelite fathers and brothers, generations of Santa Cruz Parish members, the generous services of a committed professional and support staff, and the commitment of school families, past and present.     

The history of Santa Cruz Catholic School began in 1916 with the founding of Santa Cruz Parish by Bishop Henry Granjon of the Diocese of Tucson.  The church was dedicated in 1919 and school, facing 22nd St., officially opened in 1920.  The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary had been contracted by the Carmelites of Arizona to direct the school.  They remained at the school until 1954.     In 1947 a new four room school building was constructed at the cost of $55,000.  In 1954, four additional classrooms were added.  The sisters originally lived on properties close to the parish.  In 1954 a convent was built for the sisters which now houses two classrooms and the school library.     

In the years following, the school was served by various congregations of women religious:  the Sisters of the Holy Cross; the Mercy Sisters; the Adrian Dominicans; the Sisters of St. Agnes; and the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Manitowoc, WI, beginning in school year 2004-2005.  In addition, since 1987, Santa Cruz School has been served by a faithful core of lay staff and administrators.      

Santa Cruz School is associated with The University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, which trains and places teachers in select Catholic schools and the Notre Dame Pursuing Achievement Through Higher education (PATH) Program, which prepares middle school students for high school and beyond.