History & Tradition

Catholic Schools
Thank you for your interest in Catholic schools! A Catholic education is unique in its mission “to help students find Christ and walk together in the path of life”. Practically, this means that each school day, your child is surrounded by Catholic educators who share your aspirations to develop the “whole child” by fostering academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. While all schools are uniquely Catholic, students from all faiths are welcome and appreciated in our schools! We invite you to learn more about our schools!

Key Milestones in Catholic Schools History:

• 1789: The Archdiocese of Baltimore is established, becoming the 1st Catholic Diocese in the United States.
• 1810: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton opens St. Joseph Free School, the first Catholic School to educate the poor, indigent and immigrant children in the United States.
• 1829: Mother Mary Lange opens St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, the first Catholic School for children of Color in the United States.
• 1920: Catholic elementary schools in the United States reach a total number of 6,551. Secondary education continues to grow as well, with more than 1,500 schools in operation.
• 1960’s: Catholic school enrollment in the United States reaches its peak, with 5.2 million students enrolled in nearly 13,000 schools.
• Today: There are 69 Catholic Schools in 9 jurisdictions in Maryland– Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County and Washington County.