History
A Tradition of excellence
Generations of students have walked our halls, earning national acclaim for academic excellence, securing championships on the field, deepening their faith, and dedicating themselves to meaningful service that uplifts their communities.
Founding and Early Years (1854-1891)
1854: Six Xaverian Brothers arrived in the United States on August 1, marking the beginning of their mission to further Catholic education. St. Patrick's Parochial School was the first of two schools that opened shortly after their arrival.
1864: The Brothers relocated to 637 South Fourth Street, and St. Aloysius Select School and Cathedral Parish School merged to create Saint Xavier's Institute, with Brother Paul Van Gerwen as the first principal. When the school officially opened in September, it offered seven subjects: catechism, Bible history, geography, bookkeeping, algebra, geometry, and French.
1884: Brother Isadore Kuppel founded the Alumni Association, with Francis A. Menne (Class of 1873) serving as its first president.
1891: The Brothers purchased the former Horatio Dalton Newcomb mansion at 112 West Broadway. A brick stable was replaced with an eight-classroom building to accommodate growing enrollment.
Expansion and Development (1900-1961)
1900: A new building was constructed on the Newcomb estate, featuring sixteen classrooms, a 1,200-capacity auditorium, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool.
1908: Total enrollment surpasses 500 students.
1909: The athletic program was organized with the formation of the first baseball team. Football and basketball programs soon followed.
1916: Construction began on a new gymnasium to support the growing athletic programs.
1919: Alumni Field, home to the baseball, football, and track and field programs, opened at Clay and Kentucky Streets.
1920: St. Xavier's College became Saint Xavier High School.
1925: The first edition of the school's yearbook, The Tiger, was published.
1926: St. X won its first state basketball championship, and interscholastic debates began.
1928: Launch of Xavier News, the school's newspaper
1940: The Tiger Boosters Club was established.
1961: The current campus on Poplar Level Road opened in September, featuring six buildings on 20 acres with modern facilities.
Modern Campus Enhancements (1967-2002)
1967: The first computers appeared on campus and were used for grade processing and other administrative functions.
1968: The school installed closed-circuit televisions in all classrooms, and WSTX, the school's radio station began broacasts.
1973: The school dedicated the Instructional Media Center (later named for Brother Conrad Callahan). The facility provided expanded learning, research, and technology resources, including a TV studio and seminar spaces.
1985: The John L. Hoeck Specialized Studies Center opened with a 36-terminal computer lab and two specialized classrooms for science and mathematics.
1990: The Brother Edward Driscoll, C.F.X. Activities Center opened, housing a large auditorium, athletic offices, music and art spaces, and student organization facilities.
1999: Flaget Hall was constructed, adding additional classrooms and state-of-the-art science labs.
Laying the Foundation for the Future (2005-2013)
2005: Saint Xavier launched Project X, a $28 million campaign to enhance financial aid, upgrade technology, and improve athletic facilities. This effort resulted in the construction of Brother Thomas More C.F.X. Stadium in 2007 and The Brother John Wills, C.F.X. Sports Activities Center in 2009.
2012: The school implemented an iPad initiative, equipping all students with iPads to enhance learning and engagement.
2013: Saint Xavier completed a three-year renovation of its 1961 classroom building, updating floors, lighting, HVAC systems, and furniture to create a modern learning environment.
Recent Developments and Achievements (2019-Present)
2019: The school publicly launched the $51 million X Effect, marking the most ambitious fundraising campaign in school history.
2020: Paul D. Colistra was named the third president of Saint Xavier High School after the passing of Dr. Perry Sangalli.
2021: The Sangalli Center, a modern space designed to enhance student collaboration and community engagement, opened alongside the renovated Callahan Media Center, updated studio space, modern classrooms, and the Viscusi Learning Support Center.
2022: The school acquired and renovated the Ryken House from the Xaverian Brothers, transforming it into the official entrance for alumni and guests. The building opened in October 2023.
2023: Saint Xavier was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for the fifth time.