Saint Joseph Academy – Cleveland, OH

Mission statement

Saint Joseph Academy, rooted in the spirituality of the Congregation of St. Joseph, fosters unifying relationships with God and all creation, empowers each young woman to achieve academic excellence, and inspires a life of compassionate leadership and service in a global society.

A brief history

Saint Joseph Academy grew from humble beginnings nourished by a deep desire and commitment to serve the needs of the neighbor without distinction.

In 1872, in response to a growing population of Catholic immigrants, Bishop Richard Gilmour requested several members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Erie, Pennsylvania, establish a school for young women in the Diocese of Cleveland. The community was founded that year and swiftly dedicated itself to empowering young women through education. In 1890, the Academy proudly received its charter, marking a significant milestone in its mission to inspire and uplift future generations.

Originally located near the city’s industrial center, within a few years, it was apparent that the school and the Congregation needed a new home. In 1898, under the leadership of Mother Theresa Fizmaurice, the Congregation purchased 52 acres of rural land on the City’s West Side, far from the urban center. At the time, many believed it was “Theresa’s folly” to move a school and convent eight miles from downtown, but by 1905, the Sisters had designed and built a four-story Motherhouse to serve as both the Sisters’ residence and the home of Saint Joseph Academy. Twenty years later, in 1928, the main Academy building was completed, providing a new home for students.

In the century since, both the Congregation and the Academy have seen incredible growth and change. In 2016, the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph gifted Fitzmaurice Hall (formerly the Congregation’s Motherhouse) allowing for an additional 45,000 square feet to be added to the Academy’s campus.

As the only all-girls, independent, Catholic high school in the City of Cleveland the Academy remains committed to the 600+ young women entrusted in our care. Through academics, athletics, arts and faith formation, our students are shaped through the guiding principles that define ‘The Character of A Saint Joseph Academy Graduate’, living out Unifying Love through Empathetic Justice, Service to the Dear Neighbor Without Distinction, Personal Integrity and Emerging Wisdom.

Leadership