Established September 14, 1922
When Rev. Patrick J. Gorgen and parishioners at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura decided in the early 1920s to build a parish school, they successfully persuaded the Holy Cross Order to the Mission by promising to name the school after their congregation. The Holy Cross Order, a group known for their dedication to education and community service, significantly shaped the school's ethos and curriculum. The first school was designed by Albert C. Martin, the same architect who designed the old Ventura Courthouse, now Ventura City Hall.
The demand for a parochial school at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura surpassed the expectations of its founders. On the opening day, a staggering 125 students, more than three times the anticipated number, arrived. The six sisters who helped establish the school, committed to their Mission, had to accommodate them in four classrooms. Despite the challenges, the school's tuition was kept at an affordable $1 a month, a clear indication of its adaptability and commitment to its students.
The demand for a parochial school at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura surpassed the expectations of its founders. On the opening day, a staggering 125 students, more than three times the anticipated number, arrived. The six sisters who helped establish the school, committed to their Mission, had to accommodate them in four classrooms. Despite the challenges, the school's tuition was kept at an affordable $1 a month, a clear indication of its adaptability and commitment to its students.
Historic pictures courtesy of San Buenaventura Heritage, Inc., the Museum of Ventura County, and Thomas Tolley from Tolley, Thomas E, Excavando Los Espititus: The Holy Cross School Archaeological Project, 2002.
Despite the rapid growth, the school remained steadfast in its commitment to its students. Two classrooms and an auditorium were added in 1925. However, the number of students seeking enrollment continued to outpace available seats. This led to the addition of another two classrooms, a library, an office, and a supply room in 1949, a clear testament to the school's unwavering commitment to its students.
In the latter part of the twentieth century, the school faced various challenges beyond just lack of space. In response, the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura parish, led by Monsignor Patrick J. O'Brien, established a Planning and Development Committee comprising parishioners, faculty, parish staff, and parents. In June 1994, they engaged the downtown firm of Main Street Architects and Planners to create a conceptual master site plan for the Mission properties. This plan included the design of a new school and an adjoining Multi-Purpose Building to be used by both the school and the parish. The plan also involved the deconstruction of the Convent, and the relocation of the two remaining Holy Cross Sisters to the St. Catherine by the Sea convent, which was a short distance from the Mission. The Sisters served faithfully until 1995, when an entire lay faculty replaced them. In 2000, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of the Church were entrusted with the Administration of the school.
In January 2001, the new three-story school building, with preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-8 located at the base of the hill behind the Mission, opened its doors. The school also houses the Serra Chapel for Eucharistic Adoration, adult classrooms, a parish/school kitchen, and a large assembly hall used as a school auditorium for large parish gatherings and one Sunday Mass. The assembly room was named after Monsignor Patrick O'Brien, the church pastor for 25 years. This was a fitting tribute to Monsignor O'Brien, who was instrumental in the school's growth and development, and whose legacy continues to inspire the school community.
In the latter part of the twentieth century, the school faced various challenges beyond just lack of space. In response, the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura parish, led by Monsignor Patrick J. O'Brien, established a Planning and Development Committee comprising parishioners, faculty, parish staff, and parents. In June 1994, they engaged the downtown firm of Main Street Architects and Planners to create a conceptual master site plan for the Mission properties. This plan included the design of a new school and an adjoining Multi-Purpose Building to be used by both the school and the parish. The plan also involved the deconstruction of the Convent, and the relocation of the two remaining Holy Cross Sisters to the St. Catherine by the Sea convent, which was a short distance from the Mission. The Sisters served faithfully until 1995, when an entire lay faculty replaced them. In 2000, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of the Church were entrusted with the Administration of the school.
In January 2001, the new three-story school building, with preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-8 located at the base of the hill behind the Mission, opened its doors. The school also houses the Serra Chapel for Eucharistic Adoration, adult classrooms, a parish/school kitchen, and a large assembly hall used as a school auditorium for large parish gatherings and one Sunday Mass. The assembly room was named after Monsignor Patrick O'Brien, the church pastor for 25 years. This was a fitting tribute to Monsignor O'Brien, who was instrumental in the school's growth and development, and whose legacy continues to inspire the school community.
