History
Late 1920s
The original St. Benedict parochial school was opened, staffed by the Sisters of Loretto.
September, 1968
Due to the parish no longer being able to fund the program, the
parochial school was closed. A non-denominational primary school
for children in surrounding neighborhoods in grades 1-3 opened.
The new school was funded by donations from the Brown Foundation,
the Archdiocesan Foundation, other private donations, and tuition.
September, 1969
A kindergarten class was added, followed by a four-year-old class
one year later.
August, 1971
The St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education was incorporated
and licensed by the state. Forty-five three, four, and five year olds attended
the center under the direction of Ceciliana Skies, S.L. The center was
primarily funded by a contract with the State for Title IV-A funds.
September, 1972
Children ages thirteen to thirty-six months old were able to attend the
center.
April, 1973
St. Benedict Center became a member agency of the Metro United Way.
Funds from MUW are used to subsidize tuition for families who are
ineligible to receive funding from other state or federal programs.
September, 1973
An infant room built to accommodate twelve children was added with the assistance of WHAS Crusade for Children.
June, 1975
St. Benedict Primary School was closed so that the Early Childhood Education Center could expand into the space.
1982
Friends of St. Benedict's was established to help fund the Center.
November, 1994
New Directions Housing Corporations unveils plan to transform the
neighboring Brandeis Elementary into an apartment building of 50 units.
October, 1995
The Board of Alderman voted to appropriate $100,000 in
community-development block-grant funds to the center.
These funds were allocated to be used for the construction of a new
center on the property of the new Brandeis Apartments.
December, 1995
Innovative ideas for the construction of the new St. Benedict Center
were unveiled by Watrous Associates Architects. The building was designed
as part of a "new generation of buildings called 'Sunships.'" The building
was intended to be as energy efficient as possible.
November 19, 1995
Ceciliana Skees, S.L. organized a reunion for the graduates from
St. Benedict Parish. The event was hosted at St. Francis of Assisi
Church and Parish Hall. 550 people from the Class of 1933 onward
were in attendance. The reunion also served as a fundraising effort for
the construction of the new center.
August 21, 1996
The new Brandeis Apartments has their grand opening ceremony.Next-door, children helped break ground for the construction of the new St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education.
July 30, 1997
The new St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education,
located at its current location at 25th and Kentucky,
opened to the public. The inaugural class was made up of
over 100 children.
Spring, 2014
New Directions Housing Corporation began working
with St. Benedict Center.
First Communion Class of 1956.
