History of Sacred Heart Academy

Sacred Heart academy opened for the first time on September 18, 1950 with 225 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. The Pastor was Monsignor E.F. Hannon and the first faculty consisted of Sr. Mary as Principal and teacher for grades 7 and 8,, Sr. M. Kenneth, teacher of grades 3 and 4 and music, Sr. Marie Vianney, teacher of grades 1 an 2, and Sr. Jeanne Therese teacher of Kindergarten (am) and grades 3 and 4 (pm). Dedication of the new school and the convent was on November 26.

The first year must have proved to be a very successful one as the enrollment increased to 304 the following year and another Sister was added.

The first Open House was November 13, 1951. Bishop Buddy confirmed a class of 87 children on February 24, 1952.

Msgr. Hannon, the pastor, died suddenly of a heart attack on May 19, 1954. He had visited the school at eleven o'clock that morning and at two in the afternoon was found dead in his study. The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the foyer of the school is a memorial to Msgr. Hannon. He was succeeded by Msgr. Francis Dillon with Fr. Felix Cleary as his assistant.

SR. Mary Kenneth was replaced by Sr. Marilyn as music teacher and third grade teacher in September, 1956. By that time the enrollment had increased to 417 and a temporary classroom was set up in the parish hall. Mrs. DiVonna Henderson was hired as the fist lay teacher.

In August, 1956 two bungalow classrooms were built at the back of the school property.

The Sacred Heart Mothers Club was organized in January, 1957, with Mrs. Robert Carroll as its first president. Property adjoining the school grounds was purchased by the parish in December, 1957, for a future classroom and playground site.

The enrollment in September, 1958 was 468 students in nine rooms. Ninety-six children were in the first communion class that year and 143 were confirmed.

Enrollment reached an all time high of 478 students in September, 1960. the faculty then consisted of six Sisters and three lay teachers.

In May, 1961, 52 kindergartners received their diplomas, and in June, 45 eighth graders received theirs.

In March, 1968 Msgr. Kenneth Stack was appointed to succeed Msgr. Dillon, who retired because of illness.

Upon the death of Msgr. Stack in December, 1973, Fr. John Rhatigan was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart parish. Fr. Rhatigan, who later became Msgr. Rhatigan served as pastor until retiring because of illness. Msgr. Rhatigan was very involved in the life of the school until his retirement in 1995.

The Dominican Sisters staffed the school from its opening in 1950 until 1989.

Principals of the school from 1950-1989:

Sr. Mary: 1950-1956

Sr. M. Ritaclare: 1956-1962

Sr. M. Benigna: 1962-1968

Sr. M Leonette: 1968-1971

Sr. M. Eugenia: 1971-1975

Sr. M. Pauletta: 1975-1978

Sr. M. dePaul: 1978-1979

Sr. M. Julie: 1979-1979

Sr. M. Francene : 1985-1989

The first lay principal was named in 1989 to succeed the Dominicans. Mr. Bob Hamm began serving as Principal in August 1989 and is the present Principal of the school.

In 1990 a new enclosed playground with play structures was added to the school campus.

In 1993 a second story was added above the offices, Kindergarten, and restrooms. A new library and computer lab are in this new addition.

In 1994 Sacred Heart Academy became the first Core Knowledge school in the state of California.

IN 2001, a new wing was added to the school. This 4,000 sq. ft. structure houses grades 2 and 3, a science lab, an art lab, restrooms, and the principal's office. This new wing of the school is dedicated to Msgr. John Rhatigan who died September 19, 2000.

In 2002 new computers were installed in the computer lab and all teachers received new laptops computers. The new computer system is a wireless network.