SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA SCHOOL
FAITH. EXCELLENCE. CHALLENGE.
OUR HISTORY
St. Catherine of Siena School began its history with the Franciscan Order
of Sisters in 1956 with two classrooms. Classrooms and programs were
slowly expanded until they reached their current level. In 1984, a
Kindergarten program started and an extended daycare program was
introduced. The school volunteered use of the classrooms and hosted
doughnuts and coffee to the parish after they suffered the devastating
loss of the church from a fire on January 5, 1985. The years following
were spent rebuilding the church and a wounded community. When the
new church was constructed, the school placed a time capsule under the
bell tower during the dedication of the church to the people in February,
1992. By this time the school had grown to nine classrooms (one for each
grade). Plans for a Preschool program became a reality in January 1999.
Three modulars, which house the Mena Library, Computer Lab and
extended daycare were added in the summer of 2005. Furthermore, in the
summer of 2007 the school underwent a major renovation. The Shea
Foundation remodeled the entire school, including playgrounds and the
field.
The school has persevered despite changes in principal, widespread
teacher turnover, and many families leaving. The current administration
and staff are working hard to maintain a stable, Catholic environment with
high academic standards. Since its inception the school has provided the
San Bernardino Vicariate with 60 years of Catholic Education. Enrollment
in the school has steadily increased every school year since 2008.
​