History of Saint Anthony School


St. Anthony School as it appeared when it was built in 1926. (photo Fort Lauderdale Historical Society)

Saint Anthony Catholic School is a historical landmark nestled near downtown Fort Lauderdale. The school was constructed in 1926, designed by the famous architect Francis Abreau. Saint Anthony Catholic School has the distinct honor of being the first Catholic school established in Broward County. In September of 1926 Saint Anthony Catholic School opened its doors under the pastoral direction of Father Michael Mullaly and Sister Marguerite Cichansk, OP, Principal; devoted to the Catholic teachings of grades one through eleven. Adrian Dominican Sisters taught and administered Saint Anthony Catholic School from its foundation, until 1982.

In 1928 Father John J. O’Looney became the Pastor of Saint Anthony Catholic Church and was the driving force for Catholic education throughout Fort Lauderdale. In 1952 grades nine through twelve were transferred to another site. That high school was originally named Central Catholic High School, which was later renamed, and is known today as, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Father Timothy G. Hannon became Pastor of Saint Anthony Catholic Church in 1982, and secured the services of the Order of the Marist Brothers, with Brother Thomas Aquinas, FMS becoming the First Brother Principal. After the untimely death of Brother Thomas in 1986, Mrs. Elaine L. Patterson became the first lay principal. Suzanne Sandelier followed in Mrs. Patterson’s footsteps by becoming principal in 2002. Father Hannon remained Pastor of Saint Anthony Church until his passing in 2005. At that point Father Jerry Singleton was commissioned as the new Pastor and is presently leading the way for continued enhancements and advancements to Saint Anthony Catholic School. The school is now under the direction of Ms. Norma Kramer who was assigned as principal in 2007.

Today Saint Anthony Catholic School has an enrollment of 350 students. The school consists of Pre-Kindergarten Three through Eighth grade. The students, faculty and staff begin each day reciting the following Saint Anthony Catholic School mission statement, which emphasizes and reinforces what we are all about.

Saint Anthony Catholic School provides a safe, nurturing, educationally challenging environment, built upon the catholic principles of prayer, community and service.

© 2008 Saint Anthony Catholic School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida