St. Clare of Assisi-St. Francis Xavier School was formed at the end of the 2022-23 academic year through the merger of St. Clare of Assisi School with St. Francis Xavier School. These two schools combined have educated thousands of children in the Morris Park community in the Bronx for over 90 years, with a curriculum based on Catholic philosophy and values. Each school brings its own rich traditions and dedicated approach to serving the community.

Inspired to spread the gospel of the Church in the Bronx, Father Kearney founded St. Francis Xavier parish in 1928. Early on, Father Kearney recognized the need for Catholic children to be educated in theology and moral values. In 1929, under his leadership, the first class of St. Francis Xavier School was enrolled and housed in the auditorium.

A happy day for all parishioners! On September 15, 1930, seventy-two boys and girls assembled for their first day of formal instruction under the leadership of Miss Helen Kelly, the first Principal.

The desire to provide children of the parish with an excellent Catholic education inspired Father Quinn, the new Pastor, and SFX parishioners to build a permanent school building. Ground was broken on April 11, 1937. The Sisters of Mercy staffed the new eight-classroom school. Joy and excitement were felt by all! The overwhelming growth and success of the school and parish were evidenced by the ever-increasing population. To ensure a Catholic education for all who came through its doors, an annex school building was begun in 1955.

St. Clare of Assisi School, founded in 1951, has been committed to providing students with a learning environment which encourages academic excellence, develops an inquisitive mind, and meets individual learning needs for over 70 years. The precepts of the school are the legacy of its patroness St. Clare of Assisi, whose life was described as a “Eucharist”, a thanksgiving for the gifts within and around us. This love of the Eucharist influences and nurtures the relationships of students, teachers, and parents. 

At St. Clare of Assisi-St. Francis Xavier School, our students continue to receive the finest Catholic and scholastic education available. We are proud of and celebrate with our many graduates their accomplishments as successful men and women.

Read about the life of St. Clare of Assisi

Read about the life of St. Francis Xavier