History of Saint Elizabeth Elementary School

Saint Elizabeth's has provided a quality education to the children of East Oakland for more than 107 years. In 1892 St. Elizabeth's Parish was created, and placed under the kindly patronage of the Franciscan Fathers to serve the German-speaking Catholics of Oakland. One year later on October 24 the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose opened Saint Elizabeth Elementary School (SEES) with an enrollment of 20 students. The school population increased slowly that first decade, but by 1913, SEES was educating more than 400 students. The initial school was located on the first floor of the Church building.

Before World War I, SEES had a distinctively German flavor, with German composition a regular part of the curriculum; however, even in this early era the school was multicultural as the student body included Irish, Portuguese, and Italian students. After World War I, the German character of SEES disappeared entirely, a victim of the anti-German hysteria induced by the war.

In 1921 St. Elizabeth High School (SEH) opened, also sharing rooms beneath the old Church. Obviously, more space was needed. By 1924, a new two story school building was completed, which provided fo ra grammar school on the first floor and a high school on the second floor with a gymnasium included. Both schools prospered over the next several decades, so that by the mid 1950s, the schools were educating a combined total of more than 1300 students. On October 18, 1959, a new building for the exclusive use of the elementary school was dedicated and SEES enrollment rose to more than 750 in the following years.

From 1920-1960, the area around SEES - the Fruitvale district of Oakland - prospered, consisting of modest middle and working class family homes, and small family businesses. The school taught a blend of Irish, German, Portuguese and Italian Americans. By the mid 1960s the area had changed dramatically. Increasing numbers of Hispanics from Mexico and Central America, African Americans, Filipino and other Asian groups, began settling in the Fruitvale area. During the same time businesses began to decline. In the mid-1960s Fruitvale was designated a target area in the War on Poverty. Typical inner-city problems confronted the area - drugs, vandalism and youth problems. St. Elizabeth Parish and School have been at the forefront of attempts to address these problems and were instrumental in the creation of the Oakland Community Organization.

Changing neighborhood demographics plus the changes initiated by the Second Vatican Council had a direct impact on SEES. By 1970, the school was more than 50% Hispanic and the faculty was more than 50% lay. In 1968, a Parish Board of Education was established consisting of lay members, Dominican Sisters and Franciscan Friars, who oversaw all the parish educational programs - SEES, SEHS, religious education, and adult education. In 1971-72, SEES initiated a bilingual kindergarten and expanded its program of bilingual education to include grades one through three the following year. In 1973-74, SEES introduced the open, non-graded, school concept, doing away with traditional grade levels. Students were grouped by room colors according to their abilities, and allowed to progress through the school at their own pace. To give positive direction to neighborhood youth, SEES also sponsored a number of summer programs.

By 1980, the bilingual program and open school were significantly modified. SEES continues to show a great deal of sensitivity to its Spanish speaking parents by publishing weekly newsletters in both English and Spanish, holding bilingual parent meetings, and making sure that a translator is present during parent-teacher conferences for those who are more comfortable with the Spanish language.

Increasing budgetary demands at the school combined with a declining Fruitvale District, have made finances an ever-increasing concern for SEES. During the 1970s, SEES was subsidized by the Diocese of Oakland. In 1978 it began receiving funds, to assist families with tuition, from the diocesan organization Family Aid-Catholic Education (FACE) and in 1995 Children's Educational Opportunity (CEO). In 1992, the school began its own development program, initiating the Second Century Fund, the Friends of SEES newsletter and giving special emphasis to cultivating its alumni.

In 1986, SEES established an after school extended care program to assist the children of working parents. More and more SEES families either have both parents working, or are single parent families.

The Centenary of the elementary school was celebrated in 1993. During this year, two significant improvements were added to the school plant - a colorful mural, depicting the history of the school was painted on the outside wall under the archway and a large play structure was installed in the field.

In 1993, the growing number of students with special needs became a concern. A pilot program, using the Student Study Team model, was implemented to specifically address the students with special needs. The program has grown to serve more than 100 students.

Currently, SEES is proud of its diverse population including 60% Hispanic, 22% African American, 9% Filipino, 5% Asian/Pacific Islander and 4% Euro American. The multicultural mix continues a long tradition at SEES and has been increasingly celebrated in school assemblies and curriculum.

In the Spring of 2002 we moved into our new Modular for Special Needs and Kinder Classes. Our new structure is on school propriety and is well equipped to serve the needs of our children and staff.

Despite all the current challenges, SEES has continued to provide a solid education to the children of the East Bay. Saint Elizabeth Elementary School, along with the parish, has served as an anchor in our neighborhood as we continue to offer a hope-filled Community of Faith.