Scioto County Catholic Schools' History
The Notre Dame Schools has a rich tradition of preparing students to accomplish their life goals through a great combination of quality academics and personal relationships.
1852
Saint Mary of the Annunciation parish rents rooms to start Catholic education in Scioto County. Eventually, 50 to 60 pupils attend school in two rooms of the parochial residence on Madison Street.
1861
Holy Redeemer begins a parish school on the corner of Sixth and Gay Streets.
1866
A new four room building on Market Street along side Saint Mary's Church opens with 3 classrooms.
1887
A new school costing $16,000 opens on Fifth Street for 200 pupils.
1900
The Commercial Course graduates the first class. Catholic high school education begins in Portsmouth.
1908
Saint John's Business College operates out of the Holy Redeemer School until 1919. Classes are later conducted in the Saint Francis sisters' convent at 805 Offnere.
1917
A new Holy Redeemer School is dedicated by Bishop Hartley. A two room school for 60 pupils is completed in New Boston, later to become Saint Monica Church. Saint Mary's Business College opens enrollment to non-Catholics for stenographic and secretarial courses.
1921
Saint Mary's High School is accredited by the State of Ohio. The "pioneers of Saint Mary's High School," Anna Goodman, Helen Schaefer, Charles Snyder, Julian Snyder and Albert Sommer, graduate.
1922
​Holy Redeemer High School is accredited by the State of Ohio.
1925
A new Saint Mary grade school is erected;
283 students attend.
1929
Holy Redeemer and Saint Mary High Schools form combined football and basketball teams under the name of Central Catholic High School.
1952
A consolidated Catholic high school begins. Freshman and Sophmore classes are held at Holy Redeemer; Junior and Senior classes are held at Saint Mary's. Central Catholic sports programs end.
1953
The new Notre Dame High School building is completed and dedicated.
1966
An addition to the south end of Notre Dame High School provides a chapel and living quarters for the chaplain/principal.
1970
Holy Redeemer and Saint Mary elementary schools become one, Portsmouth Catholic Elementary, but maintain two buildings. Grades 1-3 attend Saint Mary's, grades 4-8 attend Holy Redeemer.
1975
Saint Mary Grade School closes. Grades 1 and 2 are moved to the Notre Dame High School building, grades 3-8 attend Portsmouth Catholic Elementary School.
1979
A 4,000 square foot addition is made to Notre Dame High School. Elementary grades 1-6 attend Portsmouth Catholic Elementary School. Grades 7-8 attend Notre Dame High School.
1979
Portsmouth Catholic Elementary name is changed to Notre Dame Elementary School.