Our Mission

Saint Patrick Catholic School, a ministry of Saint Patrick Parish, guides students in the pursuit of academic growth while inspiring joyful lives filled with love, service, and respect as disciples of Christ.

Who We Are

Our Philosophy

Saint Patrick Catholic School is an inclusive educational community grounded in the Catholic faith and rooted in the ever-present love of Jesus Christ. The school community challenges itself to provide rigorous academics and foster culturally-responsive learners with the personal characteristics of servant leaders. Working collaboratively and modeling integrity, the members of the community build a learning environment of faithful, thoughtful, and committed students ready to embark on their future endeavors.
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Saint Patrick Parish Opens in 1891; Dominican Sisters Open Parish School in 1893

Saint Patrick Parish first opened its doors on December 25, 1891 on the corner of North Starr and Tacoma Avenue.  In May of 1893, Saint Patrick Parish moved a short distance to North Starr and “G” Street to property owned by the Dominican Sisters. The Tacoma Dominican Sisters began the first parish school in the small wooden building that served as a parish and school on September 8, 1893.  In May of 1899, the parish purchased the property from the Dominican Sisters.

Dominican Sisters Open Aquinas Academy for Girls in 1899

The construction of the Aquinas Academy began on “G” Street on June 13, 1899.  The high school for girls was another of the many ministries provided by the Dominican Sisters.

Church Destroyed by Fire in 1905; New Church Opens in 1907

Tragically, Saint Patrick Parish was destroyed by fire on August 15, 1905.  It was then decided to purchase lots on North 12th and “J” Street.  On March 17, 1906, the first cornerstone was laid for the new church, the date being very significant since Saint Patrick is our Patron Saint.  The church was completed on June 17, 1907 and dedicated on June 30 of that year.

Saint Patrick Catholic School Opens in 1919

Saint Patrick Catholic School on North 11th and “J” Street was completed on November 12, 1919 with an enrollment of 325 students.  The school continued at this location for 55 years.

New Aquinas Academy for Girls Opens in 1957

In 1957, a new Aquinas Academy for Girls was constructed to continue the Sisters’ ministry.  In the fall of 1974, three Tacoma Catholic schools— Aquinas, St. Leo and Bellarmine— consolidated to form one high school— Bellarmine Preparatory School.

Saint Patrick Catholic School Moves Into Former Aquinas Academy Building

With the former Aquinas Academy building vacant, Saint Patrick Catholic School moved down the hill to occupy it.

Former Saint Patrick Catholic School on J Street Demolished in 1992; Property Later Dedicated to Grotto & Rectory for Parish Priest

The old Saint Patrick Catholic School on “J” Street was demolished in 1992 and the lot was left vacant until it was decided to dedicate the property to a grotto area and a rectory for the Parish Priest.

A Legacy of Faith and Learning in Tacoma

Saint Patrick Catholic School has a long tradition of providing a formative education to children in North Tacoma. What was started by the Tacoma Dominican Sisters in 1893 is now a PreK through 8th grade community (primary through middle school) staffed by committed teachers with specialties in literacy, music, art, and physical education, as well as Spanish and technology. Saint Patrick Catholic School has maintained the original mission of the Dominican Sisters— to provide a quality Catholic education to nourish the faith life of our students.