Be it known to all who enter here that Christ
is the model of its faculty and the inspiration of its students.
He is the unseen but ever present teacher in its classrooms.
He is the reason for this school.
PHILOSOPHY
It is the belief of the entire St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School Community that it's primary purpose is to educate the whole child spiritually, acade1nically, socially, and physically in a Christ-centered environment. The faculty and staff at St. Anthony encourage every student to become committed to Gospel values, obtain lifelong learning skills, and understand the strengths of their own heritage while experiencing the richness of other cultures and nations. Students gain skill and knowledge that will prepare the1n for a successful future in global society, as well as a passion for community service and social justice. Students at St. Anthony are embraced for their uniqueness and the diversity they create as a student body. As a Catholic family, our students learn the teachings of Jesus Christ, that each individual is created for a purpose within the family of Christ, that each is a free person who must discern right from wrong, and that each is called to help the proliferation of justice among God's people. As educators, the staff at St. Anthony pursues with passion the fulfillment of their calling to teach each student in traditional studies and in the joy living a life committed to Christ.
PRIDE
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School is deeply proud of its Christ-centered environment which nurtures a community rich in cultural diversity. The family-oriented atmosphere and safe school climate found at St. Anthony promote active student and parent involvement. St. Anthony is proud of its dedicated and capable faculty and staff who work diligently to provide a variety of course offerings and activities both during the school day and after school. Most of all, St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School is proud of its student body for their achievements; their many hours of community service; and their commitment to follow Christ.
TRADITION
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School is the oldest school in the Diocese of Beaumont and is firmly grounded in Catholic tradition. Guided by the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the school is committed to bringing forth the message to all mankind the good news of Jesus Christ, that "God is Love." Each day begins and ends with prayer. Students are actively engaged in daily religion classes and celebrate mass each WEdnesday in the beautiful Basilica. Service to others and excellence in education in a spiritual environment are the driving forces that give purpose and relevance to the mission of St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School.
SPIRIT
The spirit of St. Anthony's is alive. It is a living witness to the dedication of the Dominican Sisters, especially those who came to Beaumont over 100 years ago. This is a testimony that we Catholics take seriously, our charge to educate our children in the Faith.
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School celebrates over 118 years of pride, tradition, and excellence in Catholic Education. St. Anthony is located at 850 Forsythe Street in the Basilica complex in the heart of Downtown Beaumont, Texas. The school was founded in 1895 and in 1925 became one of the first Catholic schools in the state to be accredited by the Texas Education Agency. In 1999, St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
In 1895, the Reverend M. P. McSorley became the first full time resident priest in what was then known as St. Louis Church. On September 1, 1895, Mother Pauline and Sister Augustine of the Dominican Order came to St. Louis Parish to open St. Louis’ Parochial School. The school was opened in the former rectory with 13 students and four Sisters.
A larger school was built in 1896 on the corner of Jefferson and Forsythe Streets. The school was called Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent School. The school continued to grow to the extent that classes were held on the first two floors and the Sisters lived on the third floor.
In 1901, the oil boom struck Beaumont with the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop Oil Field. The small St. Louis Church soon became inadequate to serve the growing community. In 1907, the present St. Anthony Cathedral Church was built in honor of St. Anthony of Padua. The first high school class was added to the grammar school.
By 1917, the increase in the number of students attending St. Anthony School was so great that a new school had to be built. This new stucco building was open for classes on September 16, 1918 and had an enrollment of 288 students and a faculty of nine Sisters.
The student population continued to increase, and in 1953, a new two-story brick building was built on the corner of Forsythe and Jefferson streets. This is the present day location of St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School.
A gym was built and dedicated in 1995 in celebration of the centennial of the school and Catholic education in the Diocese of Beaumont. The school consists of a main two-story brick building, a separate cafeteria, technology lab, Early Childhood Development Center, gymnasium, playground, and a softball field.