History of Holy Cross

During the mid 1950's the Archdiocese of San Antonio planned a trade school for boys to be located on the predominately lower-income West Side of San Antonio. But further planning and deliberation changed the direction from establishing a trade school to establishing a college preparatory high school. This led to the Brothers of Holy Cross accepting responsibility for the administration of the new high school and it was named Holy Cross High School. Brother Harold Young, C.S.C. was named the first principal and on September 3, 1957, Holy Cross opened as an Archdiocesan high school for boys with 84 freshmen. The entire faculty consisted of 3 Brothers of Holy Cross and Msgr. Alexander Wangler. These students and faculty described themselves as "pioneers", and the high standards they set continue making Holy Cross synonymous with excellence.

During their first four years these pioneers accepted the responsibility of initiating the many traditions that only a charter class could perform. They chose blue and gold for the school colors. Recognizing the affiliation of the Brothers of Holy Cross and the University of Notre Dame, they chose the famous "Notre Dame Victory March" for their school song. For their mascot they chose "Knights". When the "pioneers" arrived on September 3, 1957, there was only the library, eight classrooms, the cafeteria, and the Brothers Residence. They wasted no time pulling weeds and planting trees. It was their school and they proudly let it be known.

Gradually facilities were enlarged or increased, and activities were introduced. In January of 1961 the science building was completed. In 1963, after two years of hard work by a dedicated group of parents and their sons, the quarter-mile cinder track was ready for use. In 1964 the gym was completed and the basketball team no longer had to practice on the outdoor courts. In 1965 the baseball field was completed. Parents and students played significant roles in campus development. Not only did parents and students develop the original facilities but also through the years the parents and students have continued maintaining and improving the facilities.

When Holy Cross opened in 1957 it received subsidy from the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In subsequent years tuition costs rose but so did the subsidy. Then in February of 1968, Holy Cross was informed that at the end of the school year, the Archdiocese could not and would not provide further financial subsidy. Through the efforts of the parents, alumni, and friends, Holy Cross was able to avoid closure and was able to continue its education ministry. Most notable during this time and the following years were the many Benefit Concerts of Miss Vikki Carr.

During the early years, a large percentage of students who entered Holy Cross were from Catholic elementary schools located in South and West San Antonio. Unfortunately, many of these Catholic elementary schools began experiencing financial hardships and decreasing enrollments that led to their closing. Committed to its mission of Catholic education Holy Cross responded by expanding to include both seventh and eighth grades.

Between 1968 and 1998, Holy Cross continued offering its quality, value centered, college preparatory education although it was really without an owner. The Archdiocese of San Antonio owned the property but was removed from any financial obligations or responsibilities. Alumni remained loyal and attached. Then in 1998, a group of representative Alumni approached the Archdiocese of San Antonio, seeking ownership of Holy Cross High School. In April of 2001 all understandings and agreements were completed and ownership of Holy Cross was transferred to Holy Cross Community Services, a non-profit corporation.

Holy Cross has evolved from an all-boys school to one that serves a broader spectrum of students. In 2004 the all-boys middle school began the sixth grade program. The middle school now serves grades 6th through 8th. In 2005 the mission of education expanded as Holy Cross made the transition to coeducation at the high school level. Holy Cross is again happy to announce, beginning with the 2009 school year, the mission of education will again expand to include young ladies in the former all-boys middle school. 2009 will mark the first year Holy Cross of San Antonio became coeducational at all grade levels.

As an independent Catholic school Holy Cross of San Antonio continues its mission of Catholic education under direction of its school board. The spirit of the founders, those "pioneers" to whom all who are associated with Holy Cross are so thankful, continues today in the students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.