About St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School

St-Anthony logo

St. Anthony Cathedral School celebrates over 120 years of tradition. The school, also known as SACBS, is adjacent to the historic St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica located in the heart of downtown Beaumont. Founded in 1895 as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, it was one of the first Catholic schools to be accredited by the Texas Education Agency in 1925. 

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, academically, 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.

Characteristics

  • Strong Catholic formation

  • Diverse student population

  • Enrollment averaging 210 students from Pre-K3 - 8th grade

  • Average class size: 20

  • Average cost of education is $4,000. Average tuition is $2,800.

  • Parental involvement

Recognition

  • U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

  • Recognized and accredited by the Texas Education Agency through the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission

  • Member of the National Catholic Education Association

Facilities

The school consists of one main two story building, a separate cafeteria, a separate technology lab, a spacious playground, a gymnasium/convocation center adjacent to the softball field, and the early childhood center which includes a playground.

Achievements

• Students in the Diocese of Beaumont take the ITBS Test annually. This nationally normed test is respected and widely used across the country.
• All classes at SACBS score at or above grade level.
• Over 40% of the seventh grade class qualifies to take the Duke University Talent Search test annually.

Mission Statement

St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School, located in the heart of historic downtown Beaumont, welcomes all children to become part of a Christ-centered, culturally diverse, and safe environment. The school provides holistic education in which students are held to high moral and academic standards while living their faith through community service and by developing a passion for social justice. 

Vision Statement

St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School will be a living example of Catholic identity manifested through academic excellence, community service, and social justice, maintaining strong parent involvement and the warm, family-like atmosphere that is characteristic of our culturally diverse school. St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School students will be better people for having had a Catholic education in a Christ-centered environment and will make a positive difference in the world. 

Profile of a Graduate

As the St. Anthony graduates process before the magnificent Basilica altar, they and their families are certain they are filled with the strengths needed to fulfill their dreams. The essentials of faith, commitment to community and service, academic excellence, and gratitude have deeply rooted in their character. The small class size has allowed them to truly come to know their fellow classmates and establish lasting friendships that enrich the1n. It has allowed them to receive individual guidance and recognition from their teachers in a deeply intimate and caring relationship coupled with academic excellence. It has given them the opportunity to participate in sports, plays, music, to find their hidden talents, talents that 1nigbt not have been discovered and nourished in a larger impersonal environment.

They are bound in communion with their faith, their memories, families, and each other. They are anchored in conviction of character that will sustain them through the 1nurky waters of adversity, and they will become the leaders of their generation. They will become the 1nentors of those seeking clarity of vision and sincerity of character. As they receive their diplomas and pass into a new and exciting phase of their lives, they remain proud, grounded in the traditions of the Catholic experience, and ignited by the spirit of wonder. They are well prepared for the challenges of high school and the challenges beyond. They are the graduates of St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School.

History of our School

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.