Saint Rose of Lima School was established in 1921. It was the first Catholic School elementary school in this part of the county. The first graduating class in 1922 had only 13 members. The original two-story brick building had eight rooms and a basement. The auditorium/gym/social hall was added later in the 1920s. In 1996, the parishioners of Saint Rose of Lima Parish pledged funds for a school addition. The “Our Children, Our Future” campaign supported a three-level brick addition and added four classrooms and a library/media center to the original building. From the start, the school was staffed by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary of Newburgh, New York. In 2016, Rosebud Academy Preschool was opened at our satellite location in Barrington, NJ, where it serves our younger students in pre-k.
From its opening enrollment of 260 students in 1921, through the post-World War II population explosion, to the current enrollment of 367, the students of St. Rose have been noted for their school spirit and achievement. Falcon spirit, leadership and community service remain the most enduring legacy of the proud history of our school.
“Faith, Hope and Love for more than 100 years.”
We celebrated our centennial year beginning in September of 2020. It was wonderful to celebrate our school’s rich history with our alumni and friends. Here are some highlights of our centennial celebrations:
- Cheers to 100 Years Alumni Reunion
- Birthday Party for our Students and Teachers
- Centennial Food Drive
- Time Capsule and Ceremony (Buried and scheduled to be opened in 2071!)
- Memorial and Plantings to honor the Dominican Sisters who started our school