The History of Saint Athanasius School
St. Athanasius Catholic School has been rooted in faith, growth, and excellence since its founding in the late 1940s. In 1946, Fr. Clarence Ferring brought renewed energy and vision to the parish, launching a campaign to build a Catholic school for the community. Through generous donations and nearly 10,000 volunteer hours from parishioners, construction began in 1947, and the school opened in 1949 with 149 students and four Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary serving as teachers.
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Over the decades, St. Athanasius expanded both physically and academically. Additional classrooms, a gymnasium, and later major building additions supported growing enrollment and program development. Early childhood education was introduced with Kindergarten and later expanded to include Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten. Today, the Early Education Wing serves Preschool through First Grade.
As education evolved, so did St. Athanasius. Technology integration became a priority, including wireless internet, interactive classroom tools, and 1-to-1 iPads for middle school students. Dedicated STEM learning spaces were created to enhance hands-on, innovative instruction. Renovations throughout the years have modernized classrooms, libraries, and shared spaces, while a new accessible playground reflects the school’s commitment to inclusivity.
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Throughout more than 70 years of growth and change, one constant remains: a strong foundation in the Catholic faith. Daily religion classes, weekly Mass, and service learning opportunities form the heart of the school’s mission. St. Athanasius Catholic School continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence, faith formation, and preparing students to learn, lead, serve, and pray.
