St.Philomena Elementary School, fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA), opened in September 1958 with Grades One through Four. An additional grade was added each year, with the first graduating class in 1963. By 1969, sixteen classes were in use with a total enrollment of 698. In 1972, at the request of the Archdiocese, the school began a phasing out process, starting with the First Grade, until the school was single-graded again by 1984. The extra rooms have since become offices and meeting rooms for the Religious Education Program, and the many adult education and parish ministry meetings here at St. Philomena.

 

A Kindergarten class was added in September 1992. Kinder-prep was added in September 1997, but discontinued at the end of the 1999-2000 school year. In the summer of 2002, air-conditioning units were installed in the two classroom buildings. In the late summer, the computer lab, and the School and Religious Education offices were wired for the Internet. In December 2010, forty new computers were added to the refurbished computer lab and in 2011-2012 interactive white boards were installed in all classrooms. In the same year, we began a 1:1 notebook computer program in the Junior High. Students in grades 6-8 used their notebook computers on a daily bases to take notes, do research, complete assignments, etc. Also, in order to provide additional rooms for differentiated instruction, the library was converted into a classroom. The 2012-2013 school year saw the beginning of the Transitional Kindergarten class for four year olds who are preparing for Kindergarten.

 

The school is staffed by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles (who have administered the school since its founding), 11 lay full- and part-time teachers, and nine auxiliary staff members. The faculty and staff serve a culturally diverse school population; most of whom reside in the Carson area.