Our History
April 23, 1914
Father Robert Armstrong announced the acquisition of five acres of land at the site where the school, church, and residence would be built. The land included a farmhouse, which would serve as the convent for the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, who had agreed to staff the school.
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July 4, 1914
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for a new facility to serve as both a school and a church. Designed in a mission style with stucco covering, the school would later be expanded into a church. The building was constructed on what is now 12th Avenue. A platform was erected on the farmhouse, which became St. Catherine's Convent, located between the present-day rectory and school, on what is now Chestnut Street.
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September 1, 1914
Four Dominican Sisters arrived from Tacoma, a day earlier than expected. They arrived to find no one at the train station to greet them and the school building not yet ready. One of the four nuns was the legendary Sr. Mary Sabina.
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September 8, 1914
Classes began at 9:00 a.m. in the convent with 47 students enrolled across eight grades. Some classrooms were held in the farmhouse, while two outdoor classes were taught under the trees, with students sitting on planks supported by apple boxes.
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October 21, 1914
The first day of classes in the new school saw enrollment grow to 108 students. That Sunday, Father Armstrong celebrated the first Mass in the large assembly room on the second floor of the school. At the time, an estimated 200 families were part of the parish. The school was officially dedicated by Bishop Edward O'Dea in December.
By 1921, enrollment at the school had reached nearly 300 students.
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January 7, 1949
Excavation began for a new, combined school and convent building located at Chestnut Street and 14th Avenue.
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September 11, 1950
Classes began in a new five-story building that included 20 classrooms, an auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and a convent to house 32 Sisters. By this time, enrollment had reached 756 students.
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September 1968
The original school building was torn down after serving the parish for 60 years.
1975
After 60 years of service to St. Paul Cathedral School, the Dominican Sisters left. From that point forward, the school was primarily staffed by lay teachers.
Early 1980s
St. Paul Cathedral School introduced Early Childhood Education programs, including daycare, a pre-kindergarten program, and a Kindergarten class.
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September 2017
St. Paul Cathedral School moved to 5508 West Chestnut Avenue, behind Holy Family Catholic Church. The new building was renovated and became Christ the Teacher Catholic School (CTCS). CTCS now serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, welcoming families from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds. We take pride in the academic achievements and community contributions of our students. Many graduates go on to perform at the top of their high school classes, often enrolling in honors programs. Our alumni continue their educational journeys at prestigious institutions such as the University of Washington, Stanford University, Gonzaga University, Washington State University, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the University of Portland, among others.
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Over the years, many of our alumni have gone on to become upstanding community leaders, excelling in their careers and lives. The partnership between our students, staff, and parents continues to drive success and ensures that all students have the opportunity to achieve greatness.
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