St. Agnes School History

St. Agnes Parish was established by Bishop James Ryan on October 1, 1888. It was the fifth Catholic parish in Springfield, at that time, a city of 33,000 people. The new parish was to serve the area south of Carpenter Street and west of the Chicago and Alton Railroad lines and consisted of 180 families.

The first Parish school was built and began in September 1897 in a framed building of the former Seventh Day Adventist Day Church located on the corner of Spring and Monroe Streets in Springfield. There were also two classrooms located at 311 West Capitol for the first and second grades. Three Dominican Sisters of Springfield staffed the school. Five boys and one girl made up the first graduating class in 1902. A new school was completed in 1913 on the corner of Capitol and Pasfield Streets at a cost of $54,000. This building served the parish until the present school was built at 251 North Amos. The new school opened in the fall of 1981 under the leadership of Monsignor Patrick Wright.

Over the years, St. Agnes School has continued an ongoing relationship with the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. However, from 1986 through 2003, St. Agnes was under the direction of a lay principal. In 2003, the Dominican Sisters resumed leadership.

The current school has continually been updated to meet the needs of our growing Parish community. In 1988 four new classrooms were added. During the summer of 2006 reconstruction within the building allowed for additional classroom space, an Art Room, Speech and Language rooms and the addition of the Preschool Program.

In the fall of 2006, St. Agnes School celebrated “25 Years on Amos Avenue.” Parties and open houses were held for parish and school families. A pictorial history was displayed documenting graduates as well as activities and events of the past 25 years. Alumni and former staff returned for an all school liturgy and program held in the gym.

In the summer of 2008 a new science lab was constructed within an existing 7th grade classroom. The science lab allows for hands on learning environment. The new lab’s capabilities have enhanced the study of Science at St. Agnes.

During the summer of 2009 fiber optics was extended throughout the entire school. The computer lab was updated with new Dell computers, and SMART boards were introduced to various classrooms. The library was also automated and four new computers were added to that area as well. And, new air conditioning units were added to cool the entire school.

In 2010, SMART boards and three additional computers were installed in every classroom. A new Rediker/Edline Program was added to allow parents to view their student’s homework assignments and grades online. Our redesigned Web site was also launched to improve communications with our school community and with the public. The school’s annual fund, parish auction and the use of the technology fees have enabled St. Agnes to undertake these important projects.

St. Agnes Parish and School are committed to Catholic education and to your children. We are blessed by God with a truly caring and supportive Catholic faith community.