St.
Ambrose School was established on August 31, 1914 by Father Vincent Dever.
The school was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph and classrooms were located
in the basement of the church on Broadway and Dock Streets. Thus began the
tradition of academic excellence which continues today. Fifty
one girls and forty eight boys were enrolled in the school. The first commencement
was held on Sunday, June 24, 1917, following the ten o'clock Mass. To Miss
Frances Dalton and Miss Mildred Reiff belongs the honor of being the entire
first graduating class.
In
1928, Father John J. Carr authorized the building of a school and an auditorium
at 214 North Margaretta Street at a cost of $48,000. Classes continued on
a small scale with only five students graduating as late as 1941. With an
increase of enrollment in the late 1950s, Father Donohue reactivated two
classrooms in the basement of the church on Dock Street.
Under
the direction of Father Alfred Ott, a 14-acre tract of land off East Main
Street in North Manheim Township was purchased in 1971. This land was to
be utilized for the relocation of the church, school and rectory.
The
first lay principal, Miss Mary Lou Casserly (Mrs. Michaels), was hired in
1985. Recognizing the need for a new school, Father Francis J. Schuster
supervised the building of the present St. Ambrose School and adjacent parish
center. On September 3, 1986, the school opened its doors and on September
14, 1986, it was dedicated by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. Due to the changing
role of the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Ambrose School began the 1987 school
term with an all lay faculty. The school was accredited by the Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools on October 23, 1992. Mrs. Anne B. Curry
took over the position of Principal in August 2001. She, along with the
members of St. Ambrose Parish, have made a commitment to Catholic education
for the students at St. Ambrose School.
