St. Helen School was established in 1941. Due to the war conditions of the times, the construction of the school was stopped. Eight classrooms, a library, and office were completed at the time. The remaining structures of the school which included additional offices, classrooms, auditorium, and storage spaces were never built.
In September, 1941, 368 students were taught by the pioneer faculty of eight Sisters of Notre Dame in the original St. Helen Church located at the corner of Firestone Boulevard and Madison Avenue. It was not until December 9, 1941, that the eight-classroom school was ready for occupancy.
Even though the conditions of wartime made it impossible to include all that was planned when St. Helen School was first built, the passing years have made up for this lack. The present St. Helen School setting is a credit to the neighborhood and to the City of South Gate. The members of the parish and school communities take great pride in the school’s accomplishments. During these many years more than 200 dedicated Sisters of Notre Dame, laywomen and men have educated over 6300 students. The St. Helen School has made a very positive impact on the entire South Gate Community. Alumni from St. Helen School have contributed promising employees to the medical, business, political, and numerous other professional fields.
In September, 1941, 368 students were taught by the pioneer faculty of eight Sisters of Notre Dame in the original St. Helen Church located at the corner of Firestone Boulevard and Madison Avenue. It was not until December 9, 1941, that the eight-classroom school was ready for occupancy.
Even though the conditions of wartime made it impossible to include all that was planned when St. Helen School was first built, the passing years have made up for this lack. The present St. Helen School setting is a credit to the neighborhood and to the City of South Gate. The members of the parish and school communities take great pride in the school’s accomplishments. During these many years more than 200 dedicated Sisters of Notre Dame, laywomen and men have educated over 6300 students. The St. Helen School has made a very positive impact on the entire South Gate Community. Alumni from St. Helen School have contributed promising employees to the medical, business, political, and numerous other professional fields.
