Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Elementary School 

Our School Philosophy

Holy Rosary School is an extension of the teaching mission of the Holy Rosary Parish Family. Under the leadership of the pastor and in partnership with the parents of our students, the administration and faculty strive to provide an atmosphere of faith where Christian principles and values are taught by example as well as through instruction.

The school is committed to excellence in the intellectual development and in the spiritual formation of its students.  With a holistic approach, the curriculum is centered on basic skills and enriched by special subjects aimed at helping each student to develop intellectually, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Instruction in the Catholic faith, introduction to Sacred Scripture, and prayer are the bases for helping each child to discover self worth as a child of God, and to develop habits of caring and respect for people and the planet.

Holy Rosary School also recognizes that community and service are at the heart of a Catholic education.  Consequently, every effort is made to limit class size so to allow the development of close-knit, caring relationships, and a sense of belonging.  Students are involved in programs and activities that develop their awareness of local and world community needs, as well as encourage them to assume their responsibility as disciples of Jesus and maturing citizens.

The History of Our School

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary School first opened in 1903 in the old wooden chapel that served as the first church.

Ten Sisters of the Presentation of Mary arrived to staff the school and assume its direction.  Through the years, the Sisters have continued in this ministry with over two hundred sisters serving the students of the parish.

Five hundred thirty-four students enrolled the first year and the increase in enrollment during successive years led to the construction of the school, as we actually know it.  Work began in 1924, and the following September, the magnificent structure opened its doors.

From the first day it opened to the present, Holy Rosary School has always striven for excellence in education.  It has kept abreast of new methods and recent developments in education.

The many sacrifices made by parishioners to realize their dream came from their love of God and of the Church.  Their desire to make the world a better place has always been evident in their formation of young minds.  Many of their original goals are still found today in the following ways: transmitting the gift of their faith, preserving the Franco-American roots and traditions, and forming young citizens who value knowledge and a sense of responsibility.

From the start, the Sisters and parents worked as partners for the good of their children.  In the early 1960s, due to the shortage of vocations, some dedicated laymen and women joined the teaching staff.  Today, the Sisters and lay teachers form a community of faith, and work to provide an atmosphere where children can grow in self-respect, respect for one another, and where self-discipline is encouraged. 

The students are motivated to develop their talents to the fullest so as to take a responsible place in society. They are sensitized to the less fortunate and encouraged to place their talents and energies in the service of their brothers and sisters.

Holy Rosary alumni serve responsibly in many careers including medicine, law, politics, teaching, as well as religious ministries.  The most important contribution of the school is in providing Christian family values for successive generations.

For over one hundred years, Holy Rosary School has provided quality education and character formation for thousands of youngsters. More recently, families from surrounding communities have enrolled their children at Holy Rosary School to provide them with the same excellent formation.

Graduates of Holy Rosary are well prepared to continue their studies at Gardner High School, St. Bernard's High School in Fitchburg and other area high schools.  Wherever they continue their studies, our students are found to have received a solid foundation to face the new challenges they meet.