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History of St. Dominic School

St. Dominic School, located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The school was founded on November 9, 1924, four years after the establishment of St. Dominic Parish in 1921. Its history is intertwined with the development of its parish and community.

View of the temporary location of St. Dominic Catholic Church, when it was housed in a tent. In the spring of 1921, two lots were purchased on Merton Ave. in Eagle Rock, and the tents were erected. On October 16, 1921, Fr. Francis Driscoll, O.P., St. Dominic's first Pastor, offered the first mass in this place of worship.
View of the temporary location of St. Dominic Catholic Church, when it was housed in a tent. In the spring of 1921, two lots were purchased on Merton Ave. in Eagle Rock, and the tents were erected. On October 16, 1921, Fr. Francis Driscoll, O.P., St. Dominic's first Pastor, offered the first mass in this place of worship.
Prior to this first building, services were being held in tents that had been set up on two lots that had been purchased on Merton Ave. in the heart of Eagle Rock's valley. By 1925, as the city's population boomed, a new church complex as well as a school and convent were built on the same location. View of the temporary wooden chapel of St. Dominic Catholic Church, built 1921, and subsequently known as the "Old Hall" and later "DePorres Hall".
Prior to this first building, services were being held in tents that had been set up on two lots that had been purchased on Merton Ave. in the heart of Eagle Rock's valley. By 1925, as the city's population boomed, a new church complex as well as a school and convent were built on the same location. View of the temporary wooden chapel of St. Dominic Catholic Church, built 1921, and subsequently known as the "Old Hall" and later "DePorres Hall".
Side view of St. Dominic Catholic Church and school, located on the northeast corner of Maywood and Merton avenues in Eagle Rock. St. Dominic School was founded in 1925, four years after the parish was established. It was dedicated on February 24, 1925, and officially opened on September 8, 1925 with four teachers and approximately 100 students.
Side view of St. Dominic Catholic Church and school, located on the northeast corner of Maywood and Merton avenues in Eagle Rock. St. Dominic School was founded in 1925, four years after the parish was established. It was dedicated on February 24, 1925, and officially opened on September 8, 1925 with four teachers and approximately 100 students.
Exterior view of St. Dominic Catholic Church. St. Dominic's Catholic school was founded in 1925, dedicated on February 24th, and officially opened on September 8th, of that year. By 1940, as the congregation and the city's population boomed, construction for a new church building began, and the church opened for public worship on Rosary Sunday, 1941 at its current location (seen here).
Exterior view of St. Dominic Catholic Church. St. Dominic's Catholic school was founded in 1925, dedicated on February 24th, and officially opened on September 8th, of that year. By 1940, as the congregation and the city's population boomed, construction for a new church building began, and the church opened for public worship on Rosary Sunday, 1941 at its current location (seen here).
St. Dominic's Catholic Church (at center left), located at 2002 Merton Avenue in Eagle Rock; view is looking southwest. St. Dominic's Catholic School is visible across from the church. Eagle Rock Elementary School, located at 2057 Fair Park Avenue, is visible at upper left; Eagle Rock Boulevard runs middle top to middle right; Caspar Avenue is middle right to upper middle; Maywood Avenue curves from bottom right to middle left; Chickasaw Avenue is at lower left corner and jars from middle left to upper center; Colorado Boulevard is at bottom right. Photograph dated September 19, 1957.
St. Dominic's Catholic Church (at center left), located at 2002 Merton Avenue in Eagle Rock; view is looking southwest. St. Dominic's Catholic School is visible across from the church. Eagle Rock Elementary School, located at 2057 Fair Park Avenue, is visible at upper left; Eagle Rock Boulevard runs middle top to middle right; Caspar Avenue is middle right to upper middle; Maywood Avenue curves from bottom right to middle left; Chickasaw Avenue is at lower left corner and jars from middle left to upper center; Colorado Boulevard is at bottom right. Photograph dated September 19, 1957.
A group of children from St. Dominic's School found a way to take real advantage of the snow on January 10, 1945, by making a toboggan course in the 1800 block on Chickasaw Street, Eagle Rock, for sleds, boards, or anything else that could be slid on.
A group of children from St. Dominic's School found a way to take real advantage of the snow on January 10, 1945, by making a toboggan course in the 1800 block on Chickasaw Street, Eagle Rock, for sleds, boards, or anything else that could be slid on.

Founding and Early Years (1921-1925):

The origins of St. Dominic School are closely linked to the establishment of St. Dominic Parish. In the spring of 1921, two lots were purchased on Merton Avenue in Eagle Rock, where tents were erected to serve as a temporary place of worship. On October 16, 1921, Fr. Francis Driscoll, O.P., the first pastor, offered the inaugural Mass in this makeshift setting.

Recognizing the need for a parochial school in the growing Eagle Rock area, the Dominican Fathers initiated the project. They sought assistance from the Dominican Sisters of the Congregation of the Most Holy Name, San Rafael, who responded to the call for educators. A building was constructed on the northeast corner of Maywood and Merton Avenues to house the school and the church.

On September 8, 1925, St. Dominic School officially opened its doors with four teachers and approximately one hundred students. Initially, the school comprised four classrooms, each accommodating two grade levels. 

Expansion and Development (1941):

As the student population grew, the need for additional space became apparent. In 1941, following the completion of a new church building, the original church structure was repurposed to provide extra classrooms for the expanding school.

Continued Commitment to Education:

Throughout its history, St. Dominic School has remained committed to providing quality Catholic education, adapting to the evolving needs of its community while upholding its foundational values. The school’s mission emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the development of a compassionate community. St. Dominic School continues to serve the Eagle Rock community today, honoring its legacy while embracing modern educational practices to prepare students for the future.

Founding and Early Years

Establishment: St. Dominic School was founded on November 9, 1924, four years after the parish was established.

Opening: The school officially opened on September 8, 1925, with four teachers and about one hundred students.

Location: The school was initially housed in a building on the northeast corner of Maywood and Merton Avenue, which also served as the church.

Growth and Expansion

1941: When the new church building was completed, the old church was converted into extra classrooms.

1953: Four brick classrooms were added to accommodate the growing student population.

1964: The school reached an enrollment of 720 students and became a complete first through eighth-grade school with two classes for each grade.

Modern Developments

1992: A Kindergarten class was added.

1996: The Science/Art and Library/Computer classrooms were established.

2012: The preschool program was established.

Current Enrollment: The school now has approximately 250 preschool through eighth-grade students.

Mission and Philosophy

St. Dominic School is a Catholic faith-filled community that provides quality education, fostering the whole child’s development in a safe, caring, and academically stimulating environment. The school emphasizes Gospel values of love, hope, and social justice and aims to prepare students to be contributing members of their family, Church, and global communities

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