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Saint Joseph is the only Catholic school in Manatee County. The school serves the surrounding parishes of Holy Cross (Palmetto), Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs (Sarasota), Saints Peter and Paul (Bradenton), Sacred Heart (Bradenton), Saint Bernard (Holmes Beach), Saint Mary Star of the Sea (Longboat Key), Our Lady of the Angels (East Bradenton), Saint Joseph Catholic Church (Bradenton) and Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini (Parrish).
When Saint Joseph School opened in October 1954, a legacy began – a legacy that would show the love of Christ and neighbor, and a legacy that would ensure students would have a place to learn, and to practice their faith.
In the beginning, the school consisted of grades one through four and accommodated 42 children. The school grew rapidly, and by 1956, grades seven and eight were added. By 1959 school enrollment was 358 students. In 1989, an early childhood program for four-year-olds was added. In 2000, the campus expanded with the new construction of additional classrooms, a conference room, a science lab, a new library and computer labs. In 2001, the school programs were expanded to accommodate three-year-olds.
The school is situated, behind St. Joseph Catholic Church, on forty acres, with a beautiful, serene campus. Interior courtyards provide a peaceful setting for the changing of classes and outside activities.
Parent participation in school activities has been evident since the early years of the school. The PTO founded in 1958, has been active in providing financial support to Saint Joseph School. They are an instrumental part of promoting the school in the parish communities, and the community at large. The support continues with parents assisting with school events and helping new families become a part of the Saint Joseph School family.
St. Joseph Catholic School’s diligence in building an academic and spiritual legacy that goes beyond the doors of the school continues to grow. Through faithfulness and a willingness to share the gifts of Christ’s love with others, students, families, faculty, and administration strive to seek opportunities to serve. SJCS students are passionate about helping others. Students participate in many service projects for local service agencies.
At SJCS we are proud to be “seventy years young.” SJCS is thankful for the many blessings we have received. We continue to seek new ways to grow and renew through rediscovering and sharing values and traditions that have been our foundation since 1954. As we reflect on the past, live in the present, and look to the future, the St. Joseph Catholic School family will continue to be devoted, faithful, and committed people, of God who strive to do His holy will in all things.