Skip to main content
Main Menu Toggle
About Us » Our History

Our History

 
St. Louise Parish School, founded in 1961 by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Bellevue, Washington, began as a small Catholic school and quickly expanded to serve more students. It played a pioneering role in the Archdiocese, being one of the first to establish a School Board and achieve accreditation. Today, it serves students from Pre-K to 8th grade, maintaining a focus on academic excellence and Catholic values​.
 
 
  • Foundation and Growth: St. Louise School opened in 1961 with grades 1-6 and 425 students. Rapid growth followed, with enrollment peaking at 766 in the late 1960s. A new wing with seven classrooms was added in 1963, expanding to three classrooms per grade for 1-5 and two each for grades 6-8.
 
  • Facility Development: Significant expansions from 2010 to 2017 included a 50,000 square foot, two-story building with modern classrooms, dedicated spaces for science, art, technology, and a full-sized gymnasium. Original buildings continue to house music, drama, Pre-K, and student support services.
 
  • Community and Diversity: Today, St. Louise serves over 300 students, approximately 70% Catholic, with a focus on maintaining gender balance and class sizes under 26. The school has seen an increase in ethnic diversity, now with about 40% ethnic minority representation, the highest among Eastside Catholic schools.
 
  • Leadership: The school’s leadership history includes dedicated principals from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph and lay leaders. Notable leaders include Sister Basil, the inaugural principal, and Dan Fitzpatrick, who served for 33 years. Current principal John Black joined the St. Louise community in 2024 and brings with him over 25 years’ experience as a school Administrator.
 
  • Parent Involvement: Parent involvement is a cornerstone of the school community, with strong support from the Parents’ Club and fundraising efforts.
 
  • Facilities: The campus includes modern classrooms equipped with interactive flat panel displays, sound systems, and wireless access throughout. Dedicated rooms for specialized subjects and enhanced security measures ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
 
  • Mission and Values: St. Louise School remains committed to providing a Catholic education that emphasizes academic excellence, service to others, and spiritual growth. The school’s core values continue to guide its mission, offering a nurturing environment that prepares students for lifelong success.