Honoring Our Past, Shaping the Future.

Est. September 14, 1922

In 1888, the foundation for the school was laid, but construction soon halted due to difficult economic conditions. Sadly, Father Rubio’s declining health forced him to retire in 1895, and he did not live to see his vision fulfilled.

Decades later, in the early 1920s, Rev. Patrick J. Grogan and the parishioners of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura renewed the effort to establish a school. To attract the Holy Cross Sisters to staff the school, they promised to name it in honor of their religious order. The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross—a community founded in Le Mans, France, in 1841, known for its dedication to nursing, education, retreats, and pastoral ministry—accepted the invitation. Their values would profoundly shape the school’s ethos and mission.

Around the time the San Buenaventura Mission was celebrating its centennial anniversary, in 1882, Father Cyprian Rubio had a dream to build a parish school beside the church. His first step toward realizing this dream was to raze the sacristy on the west side of the church to make room.

Father Patrick Grogan, Holy Cross sister, and students standing on the west side of the Mission church, circa 1927.

Father Patrick Grogan, Holy Cross sister, and students, on the west side of the Mission church. Circa 1927.

Designed by architect Albert C. Martin, who also designed the historic Ventura Courthouse (now City Hall), the school was finally completed in 1922 under Father Grogan’s leadership. The original schoolhouse consisted of what is now the rear portion of the current building. Dedication ceremonies took place on August 20, 1922, and were described by one of the Holy Cross Sisters who had arrived to help staff the school.

“Father Villa’s wonderful boys’ band of Santa Barbara furnished splendid music for the occasion. Forty-seven young musicians composed the band that Sunday, presenting an attractive appearance in their old-time Spanish uniforms ...The speeches were broad-argued in nature, addressing the pressing issues of the day and emphasizing the importance of developing the religious aspects of character ... Bishop Cantwell gave the opening address, expressing his pleasure and satisfaction with the work accomplished by the church community and his appreciation for the sacrifices made to finance the building and support the school now completed.”
— Holy Cross Sister, 1922

The demand for Catholic education greatly exceeded expectations. On opening day, 125 students—more than triple the anticipated number—arrived for class. The six founding Sisters: Imelda (Superior), Eileen, Bennetta, Venantia, Paulia, and Febronia, rose to the challenge and accommodated all the students in just four classrooms. Tuition was only $1 per month, reflecting the school’s strong commitment to accessibility.

Sacrifices to support the school have continued throughout the years—from raising funds for books and carpeting to installing kitchen facilities and more. The school quickly grew: in 1925, three additional classrooms and an auditorium were added. In 1949, another expansion brought two more classrooms, a library, an office, and an enclosed hallway over the front steps. The school’s first fundraiser raised only $7. Still, future events, such as fiestas, pancake breakfasts, boutiques, and auctions organized by the Parents Guild, raised thousands of dollars, which helped maintain a high-quality education.

  • Artwork by Sister Mary Editha, first-grade teacher, created in 1982 to commemorate the Mission’s Bicentennial.

    Artwork by Sister Mary Editha, first-grade teacher, created in 1982 to commemorate the Mission’s Bicentennial.

  • Holy Cross School as it appeared following the 1925 expansion, which included the addition of three classrooms and an auditorium.

    Holy Cross School as it appeared following the 1925 expansion, which included the addition of three classrooms and an auditorium.

  • Father Patrick Grogan with students in front of the original Holy Cross School building, shortly after its opening in 1922.

    Father Patrick Grogan with students in front of the original Holy Cross School building, shortly after its opening in 1922.

  • Monsignor Patrick J. O’Brien, Sister Thomas Anne, HC Principal, along with Sister Mary Editha, Mrs. Teri Davis, and a group of Holy Cross students.

    Monsignor Patrick J. O’Brien, Sister Thomas Anne, HC Principal, along with Sister Mary Editha, Mrs. Teri Davis, and a group of Holy Cross students.

  • The graduating class of the Mission’s Bicentennial year, pictured with their teacher, Mrs. Marian Wilson.

    The graduating class of the Mission’s Bicentennial year, pictured with their teacher, Mrs. Marian Wilson.

  • The Sisters of the Holy Cross, pictured in 1982, shaped the faith and academic life of Holy Cross School.

    The Sisters of the Holy Cross, pictured in 1982, shaped the faith and academic life of Holy Cross School.

  • In 1982, the Holy Cross School faculty included Sister Thomas Anne, Principal; Sister Mary Editha, first-grade teacher; Sister Agnes Dolores, Secretary; and eight dedicated lay teachers.

    In 1982, the Holy Cross School faculty included Sister Thomas Anne, Principal; Sister Mary Editha, first-grade teacher; Sister Agnes Dolores, Secretary; and eight dedicated lay teachers.

  • Sister Mary Carmelita, Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at San Buenaventura Mission and a proud Holy Cross School alumna.

    Sister Mary Carmelita, Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at San Buenaventura Mission and a proud Holy Cross School alumna.

Present Day

Despite growth, space remained a challenge for the increasingly popular school. Yet its mission endured: to serve students with a strong academic foundation rooted in faith. In the latter part of the 20th century, the school faced new challenges. In response, Monsignor Patrick J. O'Brien, longtime pastor of the Mission, established a Planning and Development Committee composed of parishioners, faculty, staff, and parents. In June 1994, they hired Main Street Architects and Planners to create a conceptual master site plan for the Mission properties.

This master plan included a new school and an adjoining Multi-Purpose Building to serve both the parish and the school. It also involved the deconstruction of the Convent and the relocation of the last two Holy Cross Sisters to St. Catherine by the Sea Convent nearby. The Sisters served faithfully until 1995, when the school transitioned to a fully lay faculty. In 2000, the school’s administration was entrusted to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of the Church.

In January 2001, a new three-story school building opened at the base of the hill behind the Mission. It houses preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1–8, as well as the Serra Chapel for Eucharistic Adoration, adult classrooms, a parish/school kitchen, and a large assembly hall. This hall serves as both a school auditorium and a venue for parish gatherings and Sunday Mass. In honor of his 25 years of pastoral leadership and his pivotal role in the school's expansion, the assembly room was named after Monsignor Patrick O’Brien. His legacy of vision and dedication continues to inspire the Holy Cross School community today.

Source: Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. (1982). Bicentennial booklet: San Buenaventura Mission.