History of St. Luke Catholic School

St. Luke School was founded by the Sisters of Mercy from the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Ireland.  It is located at 2892 S. Congress Avenue, Palm Springs, Florida.  The campus is on a ten-acre site, which includes the school, church, parish center, social hall, rectory, parking lot, recreational area and a fenced playground.  It is a fully accredited school with an enrollment of 205 students.

The school was the second building on the parish property built in the summer of 1962.  Originally the school consisted of four classrooms, administrative offices, lavatories, and storage facilities.  The building was dedicated by Bishop Coleman F. Carroll in October of 1962.

The first teachers arrived August 16, 1962.  They were Sisters of Mercy from Moate, County Westmeath, Ireland.  The first principal was Sister de Sales and Sister Maria Goretti. 

School opened September 4, 1962 with 198 students attending grades 1-5.  The First Grade was held in the Social Hall.  In the school year of 1963-64, one more class (Grade 6) was added with both First and Second Grades being taught in the Social Hall.  Construction also began on four additional classrooms.

In the school year of 1964-65, the construction of the additional classrooms was completed, and Grade 7 was added.  The Home and School Association was also formed during this school year.  The objective of this association was to develop a better understanding between parents and teachers.

In the school year 1965-66, Grade 8 was added, and the school enrollment totaled 395 students.  The first graduation from St. Luke Catholic School was held in May of 1966.

In 1967, construction began on a new convent.  Previously, a house on  Alice Drive had been used as the convent.  It later became the rectory.  The new convent was dedicated in the Spring of 1968.

In 1968, maintenance and utility rooms were added to the school.  Facilities were rearranged to include additional offices and a teacher's lounge.

Following a year of self-study, St. Luke Catholic School was accredited in May 1975 by the Florida Catholic Conference.

In 1977, a library was constructed capable of seating 100 students.  In 1978, the first Kindergarten class of 27 students was started in the convent.  Plans were made for a new Kindergarten, and construction started in November 1979.  When the new Kindergarten was completed, the convent Chapel was renovated.

Shortly after 1980 the East side of the school building was extended to include a PE Room and a storage room with Maintenance room in the back.

In 1981, plans for a new building were designed to include a computer room, a science room, a music room and a religious education office.   Construction was completed in 1985.

In 1989, a Pre-K program was established.  Pre-K moved into the classroom used by First Grade.  All the classrooms shifted and the 8th Grade moved in the Science Room.

In 1990, ground was broken for a new church.  The church building was completed in 1991 and dedicated by Bishop J. Keith Symons on April 12, 1991.  As the result of the church construction, a new basketball court/tennis court was built in the Southeast corner of the property.  A softball field was created next to the basketball courts as part of the play field.  The playground was moved to the West side of the Library.

Upon completion of the new church, many renovations and transformations took place.  The old church building and the existing Social Hall were renovated.  The old church and sacristy rooms were converted into a Parish Center with kitchen and bathroom facilities.  The Social Hall was renovated to include a conference room and storage closets.

In June 1992, the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy came to an end and a new beginning with the Allegheny Franciscan Sisters. 

In 1994, an outside covered deck was built adjacent to the East wall of the Technology Lab and the 8th Grade home room which held the Math and Science Classes for 6th, 7th and 8th Grades.

In 2006, 35 brand new Dell computers were purchased for the school's Technology Lab and new wood floors were put in the library.  There are plans for a new Adminsitrative Office area in 2008-09.  The school acquired 2 new portable classrooms which now house our band/music and art.  The school has also purchased it's first Smart Board and there are plans for more.  Visit the SmartBoard website to see more on this great teaching tool. http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Classroom+solutions/ (copy and paste if the link is not working).  

In the summer of 2007 the walkway to the school was replaced with bricks and families can purchase one or more.  The school is still selling bricks, if interested call the school office. 

The school continually betters itself through the organizations within the school and parish.  The school takes great pride in the financial help of the Home and School Association.