SCHOOL HISTORY
Holy Family Elementary, formerly known as St. Joseph Tri-Parish School was previously located at 210 W. 13th, in a building dating back to 1908. Over the years, the building housed Hays Catholic College, Girl’s Catholic High and finally, St. Joseph Elementary School. The three-story, native stone building, located directly across from St. Joseph Catholic Church, had the spirit and feel of the old country school used to educate many of our gifted leaders today. It was simple and basic, providing an excellent environment for stimulating the spiritual, social, and educational development of our Catholic youth.
In 1963, grades one and two began in the remodeled building. The following year another classroom was opened to accommodate the growing population.
In 1964, grades three and four were added.
In 1966, grades five and six were added but were dropped in 1969.
In 1973, Kindergarten was added.
In 1978, grade five was reinstated.
The former Lutheran Church located at the corner of 13th and Fort was purchased by St. Joseph Parish in 1966. In 1981, Kindergarten moved into the building. It was remodeled in the summer of 1986 and turned into a multi-purpose extension of the school. The building housed the art room, kindergarten, library, music room, computer lab and multi-purpose room.
In 1990, the computer lab and after-school care program were implemented at the school.
The need to consolidate the expanding curriculum was just one of the many factors that led to the February 1996 decision to relocate the school.
In 1998, St. Joseph Tri-Parish School moved to its new location at 1800 Milner. The building formerly known as Jefferson School, had previously been leased by USD 489 from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish but was officially renamed Holy Family Elementary School. The increase in available space in the new building enabled the addition of a preschool and sixth grade.
Through the years, the Capuchin Friars and Sisters of St. Agnes provided for the spiritual and educational needs of the students. The school has since made the transition from a tuition-free program staffed by the religious to one staffed by Catholic lay persons which implemented a tuition fee providing for the continued operation of the school.
Holy Family Elementary continues to thrive in the building it moved to in 1998. It has seen many updates and upgrades over the years and continues to serve Preschool through 5th grade students.