Mission:

St. John Catholic School exists to educate young men and women in the Christian faith who will enrich the community through their actions to love others, grow in faith, learn about the world, and believe in God's plan for salvation.

History:
The First St. John Church :

In 1903, under the direction of Fr. Edward VanWaesberghe, 50 Catholics built a small brick church, 33 feet by 40 feet. Ground for the building was donated by William Johnstone. The church was enlarged in 1910 and stained glass windows were put in. The interior was finished in the Gothic style. The parish grew along with Bartlesville.

St. John School 1912-1950 :

The original red brick school house opened its doors at 801 South Keeler to the children of Bartlesville in 1912. The building itself, covered a ground area of 33 feet by 40 feet. It cost $6,000 to build. Its two floors could hold up to 150 students.

The Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kansas staffed the school. In the beginning an Ursuline sister taught first and second grades in one room. Another sister taught third and fourth grades in the other downstairs classroom. The setup was the same upstairs for fifth through eighth grades.

One sister taught music. She could teach anything from violin and piano to tap dancing and singing. Every May the students put on a program to demonstrate their talents. Many faces have come and gone and changes have been made, but the Spirit and love in this school remains strong.

St. John School 1950-present :

Plans for a new St. John School were made in 1946. Fr. John Lynch gave his dynamic leadership to build a most modern Catholic school. There were 11 classrooms in a building which cost $100,000 to erect. "I want you to know that I am profoundly grateful to the Catholic people of Bartlesville for this wonderful school," commented Bishop Eugene McGuinness, "This school will do more for Bartlesville than you will ever realize." He used these words at the St. John school dedication, Sept. 24, 1950.