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Our History

Since opening its doors in 1924, St. Anselm School has educated generations of students while remaining rooted in faith, academic excellence, and community.

Explore the milestones that have shaped our campus over the past century.

1923

A Vision Begins

  • Father Cantwell purchases the St. Anselm School property for $10,000.
  • The original building is designed to house a grammar school, a high school, a cafeteria, and a convent, with plans for future expansion.
  • The Spanish-inspired entrance, including the distinctive columns and scallop-shell niche, becomes a lasting architectural feature.

“This school will rank with the best in Marin County...” — Father Cantwell

August 17 1924

School Officially Opens

  • St. Anselm School is formally dedicated.
  • Four classrooms are completed, while additional classrooms and the cafeteria remain under construction.

August 1924

The First Sisters Arrive

  • Five Sisters of Loretto arrive from Kentucky to staff the new school.
  • They live in a temporary convent on Mariposa Avenue while plans are made for a permanent convent.

1926

A High School Begins

  • St. Anselm opens its high school with 33 freshmen.
  • The parish hall is relocated to serve as the high school building.

1930–1931

First Graduates & Temporary Closure

  • The first class of 11 seniors graduates in 1930.
  • Financial pressures from the Great Depression force the high school to close in 1931.

1935

New Leadership

  • The Sisters of the Holy Names replace the Sisters of Loretto.
  • That same year, they successfully reopen the high school with 25 students.

1939

High School Returns

  • The first graduating class of the reopened high school celebrates commencement.

1945

Campus Expansion

  • The classroom wing that now houses the seventh and eighth grades is added to the campus.

1949

A Year of Change

  • A new convent is built on Mariposa Avenue.
  • Marin Catholic High School opens, leading to the permanent closure of St. Anselm’s High School.
  • The Sisters of the Holy Names begin teaching at both schools.

1959

The Gymnasium Opens

  • Construction of the current gymnasium completes much of the campus as it exists today.

1962–1965

A Changing Church

  • Following the Second Vatican Council, many religious sisters pursued new ministries beyond teaching.
  • Like many Catholic schools, St. Anselm begins transitioning toward lay leadership.

1975

A Historic Home Sold

  • The original Mariposa Avenue convent, long owned by the parish, is sold.

1979

Kindergarten Arrives

  • The gym’s former shower room is converted into a kindergarten classroom.
  • St. Anselm welcomes its first kindergarten class.

1981

A New Era

  • The last Sisters of the Holy Names depart.
  • Collette Moore becomes St. Anselm’s first lay principal, marking the beginning of a new chapter in school leadership.

For more details on the history of St. Anselm School and parish, click here