History

Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo (CSGK) offices were established in 2004 following a recommendation from a Blue-Ribbon Committee of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. This initiative aimed to unify the educational efforts of the local Catholic community under a centralized governance structure.

The Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo was formed in order to offer support, guidance, and assistance to St. Monica Catholic School, St. Augustine Cathedral School, and Hackett Catholic Prep High School.

Each school has an extensive and intriguing history we are truly proud of starting all the way back to 1851!

St. Augustine Cathedral School began in 1872 as a parish school in the church basement on Kalamazoo Avenue. In 1925, Fr. Hackett moved the parish and school to its current site, adding a high school, elementary school, church, and convent. Under Msgr. Keating (1955–1963), the high school was remodeled into O’Brien High School for Girls, while Hackett High School for Boys relocated to Kilgore Ave. A new elementary building opened on W. Michigan Ave. in 1964. In 1971, O’Brien and Hackett High Schools merged and moved to Kilgore Ave.

Fr. Crowley arrived just before St. Augustine became the Cathedral for the new Diocese of Kalamazoo, converting part of the old O’Brien building into the rectory. After a tornado destroyed the elementary school in 1980, the school returned to the old elementary/high school building, where it remains.

In 2014, the Community Anchor Project – Love Thy Neighbor! transformed the campus with new playing fields, gardens, outdoor learning spaces, and playgrounds. The project was completed in 2018 with landscaping, parking upgrades, and a new terrace in front of the school.

Learn More About St. Augustine Cathedral School's History

The story of Hackett Catholic Prep began in 1963 when St. Augustine High School, the predecessor to Hackett, was forced to turn away 200 prospective students due to lack of space. Recognizing the urgent need for a larger facility, the surrounding Catholic community rallied together. A capital campaign was launched, raising an impressive $1.5 million in just over a year, thanks to the support of 4,300 local Catholic families.

On October 4, 1964, Monsignor John R. Hackett High School opened its doors, named in honor of the longtime pastor of St. Augustine Cathedral, who served the parish from 1923 until 1953. Initially established as an all-boys school, Hackett transitioned to a co-educational institution in 1972 and was later renamed Hackett Catholic Prep. Today, Hackett Catholic Prep continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence, serving 203 students with a strong foundation in Catholic education.

Learn More About HCP's History

The parish of St. Monica was founded in the early 1950s when 350 families, led by Father Adolph Nadrach, came together to build the parish in a true barn-raising fashion. Their dedication to Catholic education led to the construction of St. Monica Catholic School in 1958. Over the years, the school has grown, adapted, and thrived, maintaining its reputation for academic excellence and spiritual development.

Today, St. Monica Catholic School is home to nearly 300 students and is accredited by the Michigan Non-public Schools Accrediting Association. It is also a proud member of both the National Catholic Education Association and the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.
The history of Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo is a testament to the power of faith, family, and a shared vision for providing quality Catholic education to generations of students.

Learn More About SMCS' History

The history of Catholic education in Kalamazoo begins in the mid 1800s and spans many decades of serving students within a Catholic tradition framework. 

Here is a brief history of Catholic education in the Kalamazoo area:

1851: The first Catholic school in Kalamazoo was established in a log home on Ransom Street. 

1871: The Lefevre Institute (the first official Catholic elementary school) was opened and later run by the Sisters of St. Joseph at the request of Msgr. O'Brien.

1883: Fr. Francis O'Brien arrives in Kalamazoo. 

1887: Nazareth Academy (Catholic girls' school) is created by Msgr. O'Brien. In 1913 it became Nazareth College, which closed in 1992. 

1902: Barbour Hall (Catholic boys' school) is opened by Msgr. O'Brien. It closed in 1979.

1907: Per Mgsr. O'Brien's recommendation, Gibbons Hall was created using a converted parish building to make a high school.

1923: Fr. John Hackett arrives in Kalamazoo. 

1925: Construction of St. Augustine High School begins at the request of Msgr. Hackett, to replace Gibbons Hall. It ​opened in 1926.

1964: Msgr. John R. Hackett High School opens as an all-boys high school.

1964: St. Augustine High School was converted to Msgr. Francis A. O'Brien High School, an all-girls high school. 

1971: O'Brien High School closed and the two high schools merged into Hackett Catholic Central High School.

2004: The Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo (CSGK) organization is established to unify services across the high school as well as two Catholic elementary schools. 

2015: Hackett Catholic Central changes its name to Hackett Catholic Prep to reflect the schools' mission statement.