Mission

St. Leander Catholic School empowers preschool - eighth-grade students to achieve their highest level of academic success and expression of creativity in preparation for the challenges of the future. Teachers and families work in partnership to inspire accountability and excellence in a safe and welcoming Catholic environment that fosters and supports each child's spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. We educate and nurture the whole child to live in faith through prayer and service to all.

Philosophy

Saint Leander School graduates students who understand the teachings of the Catholic Church, respect all life and are committed to serving others. We recognize parents as the primary educators of their children who support and cooperate with teachers to provide curricular instruction and opportunities for varied learning experiences.

The school provides a safe and disciplined environment where students are expected to do their personal best as they strive toward academic excellence. Students learn to show respect for themselves and others by demonstrating an appreciation for the cultural, economic and religious diversity of the community. In an atmosphere of respect and tolerance, students grow in appreciation of their God-given value and the dignity of each person.
 

History

1881 – 2006 “The First One Hundred Twenty-Five Years”

St. Leander is an educational community rooted in the Catholic tradition. It has always reflected the growth and diversity of the parish and the community surrounding it. The idea of the school was first seriously envisioned by the third pastor, Fr. John McEvoy in 1880.

Thanks to the assistance of Mr. P. Matthews and other devoted parishioners, Fr. McEvoy purchased the old court house and the goal became a reality. Fr. McEvoy requested that the Dominican Sisters of Benicia staff a boarding and day school. His request was granted during a Conventual Council in March 1881. In April 1881, Archbishop Joseph Alemany, assisted by Fr. McEvoy and neighboring pastors Frs. McNally and deCampos, officiated at the solemn blessing and naming of St. Mary’s School.

In August 1881, St. Mary’s parochial school opened “in earnest.” St. Mary’s parochial school offered a complete grammar and high school course for girls. In the summer of 1883, it was decided to include boys in the grammar school grades. In August 1898, Fr. O’Mahony became pastor after Fr. McEvoy passed after a long illness. In 1900 St. Mary’s high school program was discontinued due to declining attendance.

In 1907 a new one-story building was completed to meet the needs of the greater number of students. In April 1926, the old St. Mary’s School was demolished and replaced with a new two-story school. In 1955, at the request of Fr. Ryan, Pastor, the School name and Convent changed to St. Leander.

When the Dominican Sisters withdrew from the school in the late 1970s, the responsibility of educating St. Leander’s youth was passed on to a completely lay staff. Those staff members, and all who have followed, have passionately continued the work the sisters began so long ago. St Leander School continues to thrive and prides itself in its diverse student body, which reflects our local parish. 

In 2006 St. Leander School celebrated its 125th anniversary!