Benedictine Tradition

The Benedictine Sisters from Elizabeth, N.J., arrived in Brookland in 1905. The following year, they opened St. Benedict Academy. The mother of one of the sisters purchased Brooks' Mansion for the purpose of the convent and the small school. Before St. Anthony Parish opened its school, many of the parish children attended St. Benedict Academy. In 1922, the academy was converted into Northeast Catholic High School and the education of younger students became the responsibility of the local parish.

St. Anthony Parish, under Pastor Patrick E. Conroy, built a grammar school near the corner of 12th and Lawrence St., NE. It was called the Thomas E. Shields Memorial School, in honor of the great priest/educator at Catholic University of America who had recently died. The opening of the school was largely due to the efforts of Fr. Johnson, a professor at CUA's Department of Education. Initially, Shields was a "model school" that allowed Fr. Johnson to implement new innovations and train CUA's teachers. Fr. Johnson was able to secure the Dominican Sisters from Mt. St. Mary's in Newburgh, NY. The Dominicans served in the school for five years at which time leadership in the parish had changed, and the Sisters were recalled to begin other work.

In 1927, the Benedictine Sisters agreed to serve St. Anthony Grade School. For 75 years, the Sisters implemented their centuries-old educational tradition. Academic excellence, evangelization, and service to the community were all aspects of the Benedictine charism.  In 1997, the Sisters ended their fruitful tenure at St. Anthony.

Today, St. Anthony Catholic School is a member of the Consortium of Catholic Academies and remains a vital part of the parish community. In its 99th year, St. Anthony continues to be a family and neighborhood tradition. The curriculum and environment at St. Anthony is based upon the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ as understood by the Catholic Church. We are proud to offer a rigorous, standards-based academic program to students in Pre-K3 through grade eight.