History

Over a Century of Time-Tested Education

Prior to 1852, Catholics in Andover traveled to St. Mary’s in Lawrence to worship. As the number of parishioners grew, so did the dream of having their own mission church in Andover. Their dream came true in 1852 when Andover’s first Catholic chapel was built on Central Street. In 1866, the Archdiocese of Boston assigned this independent parish to the Augustinian Order, led by Michael F. Gallagher, O.S.A.

In the 1870’s, the Catholic population of Andover flourished and the chapel on Central Street soon became too small. Pastor Ambrose Mullen, O.S.A. acquired the property on which the church and friary now stand. Sadly, a fire engulfed the church only ten years after its construction was completed. On August 18, 1895, the cornerstone was laid for a new brick church, and on May 6, 1900, the present day St. Augustine Church was opened and dedicated.

Years later, in 1914, St. Augustine Parish opened its grammar school under the direction of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. In its first four years, classes were conducted in the convent. In 1918, our current school building opened its doors to the excitement of children and their grateful parents. 

In 1961, under the pastorate of Fr. Henry Smith, O.S.A., the school built an addition along Chestnut Street which doubled its capacity.

For many decades, generations of families have come through the doors of St. Augustine School. While countless of our alumni have gone on to create prosperous and flourishing personal and professional lives, an even more impressive number of them come back to say they could not have achieved to the extent that they did without the foundation they received at St. Augustine School. This is most evident in the high numbers of alumni who send their own children and grandchildren here!

 
 With every new class that enters through these doors, new zest for learning meets St. Augustine School's rich academic history. For over 100 years, we have been forming the next generations of saints and scholars. Become a part of our legacy. Apply today!