St. Joseph Catholic School: A Tradition of Excellence and Growth
St. Joseph Catholic School is accredited through the Office of Catholic Schools, which follows a district-wide accreditation model under Cognia. The school is proud to have been twice recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the No Child Left Behind program, reflecting its commitment to academic distinction and holistic development.
A Foundation Built on Love and Dedication
In its early years, St. Joseph Catholic School's roots were firmly established through the determination of St. Joseph Parish in Marietta. Between 1948 and 1952, more than 50 children traveled daily by Greyhound bus to attend Sacred Heart Grammar School in Atlanta.
In 1952, the parish purchased the six-acre Suhr property at the corner of Campbell Hill and Lacy Streets. A year later, in September 1953, St. Joseph Catholic School opened its doors, staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The school welcomed 85 students in grades one through four, while 84 additional children attended public schools and received religious education from the Sisters. Sister Mary Gerald Wells served as the school’s first principal, establishing the foundation of excellence and service that continues today.
Milestones in Growth and Development
During the 1954-1955 school year, the school expanded with the addition of a temporary auditorium, which served as a space for parish Masses until the completion of a new church. This addition was later repurposed into classrooms, administrative offices, and a faculty lounge. In December 1957, the current Marist Hall was dedicated, functioning as a church, parish hall, and gymnasium for the school.
The school continued to grow, and in 1960 a second building was added to the campus to accommodate increasing enrollment, which had reached 400 students in grades one through eight. This building featured four classrooms and a small teacher’s lounge, marking the final legacy of Father Wall as pastor of St. Joseph Parish.
In 1981, under the leadership of Father Lawrence Schmuhl, the school added a library and meeting room to its lower school building. This addition was fully funded through the generosity of parishioners. During the 1980s, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet concluded their 28 years of service to the school, leaving a lasting impact on its spiritual and academic legacy.
Modern Expansion and Visionary Leadership
In 2004, a state-of-the-art upper school building was opened, providing dedicated spaces for kindergarten, first grade, middle school, and enrichment classes, including art, music, Spanish, and computer education. The new facility also featured a gymnasium and a student center, enhancing the school’s ability to foster well-rounded development.
In 2020, the school continued to expand under visionary pastoral leadership, acquiring the 125 Lacy Street property. Plans were developed to transform the area, known as "The Pit," into a modern sports field. This facility, slated for completion in the fall of 2024, will include a U12 soccer field with markings for lacrosse, field hockey, and other sports, enriching the athletic opportunities for both the parish and the school community.
A Legacy of Faith and Excellence
St. Joseph Catholic School remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional Catholic education, grounded in academic achievement, spiritual growth, and character development. Its rich history of dedication and progress continues to inspire generations of students and families.