History and Tradition
History
St. Louis School opened in October 1923 as one of the first parochial schools in rural Howard County. The school is named for the parish patron saint, King Louis IX of France, who reigned from 1226 to 1270.
The Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky taught at St. Louis School from its opening in 1923 with 41 students in 7 grades in a building with two classrooms and an auditorium. The original school building was constructed in 1961. Shortly afterwards, a second wing was added in 1963. That gave the school a gym, kitchen, eight classrooms, and administrative space.
In 1976, due to a shortage of sisters, the Sisters of Divine Providence withdrew from St. Louis School. The school was blessed with the arrival of two Sisters of the Holy Union: Sr. Paul Agnes, who came as principal, and Sr. Paula, who came as an 8th grade teacher. A year later in 1977, Sr. Mary Catherine Duerr became the principal and remained until the spring of 1996. During that time the school enrollment grew from 245 students to more than 400. Mrs. Terry Weiss, who had formerly been the assistant principal at Resurrection School in Ellicott City, was announced as the new principal in the fall of 1996.
The last school addition was added in 2014 including the current gym and administrative offices. In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, Mrs. Deborah Thomas, who had served as a principal in the Archdiocese of Washington DC, assumed the leadership of St. Louis School. Today the school educates more than 560 students.
Catholic Schools Week Prayer Cards
Class Photo from 1920s
Traditions
- Catholic Schools Week Prayer Cards: Every year, the students create artwork and prayers that become cards distributed to the school and parish communities during Catholic School Week.
- May Procession and First Holy Communion Celebration: In May, the school gathers together in celebration of the Blessed Mother for a May Crowning. The 8th and 2nd grades present the flowers and crown Mary. Additionally, the students who received their first Holy Communion are given a special blessing.
- St. Nicholas Day: December 6 brings a visit from beloved St. Nicholas to help the children prepare for the birth of Jesus.
- Christmas Nativity Pageant: For the past 40+ years, our 8th grade class has performed a moving pageant about the birth of Christ. All 8th grade students participate in the production.
- 8th Grade Red Sweatshirts: The 8th graders wear a red sweatshirt which reflects their responsibilities of school leadership and role model for younger students.
- Carnival Day: In June, the school hosts a school-wide carnival for all the students. The children enjoy bounce houses, treats, carnival games, and much more.
- Student Council Halloween Cauldron: This Student Council-led activity starts the week before Halloween and ends in a fun school-wide party on Oct. 31. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for several local charities.
- 7th grade vs. 8th grade basketball game: This long-standing tradition occurs during Catholic Schools Week with the teams competing for bragging rights.
- Outdoor Education: Middle school students have a unique opportunity each year to participate in a three day, overnight educational and team-building experience in an outdoor camp setting.