Our Mission
As a mission of Four Parishes, One Faith, we aim to inspire all learners to grow in our Catholic faith, embrace family, be generous in service, and strive for academic excellence.
Our Philosophy
St. Joseph School, as a mission of Four Parishes, One Faith, is committed to providing an excellent Catholic elementary education that is available, accessible, and affordable to families in the Rice Lake area. Rooted in the belief that Catholic schools are “the most effective means available to the Church for the education of children and young people,” we strive to inspire all learners to grow in their faith, embrace family, be generous in service, and pursue academic excellence. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates Faith, Knowledge, Worship, and Service, ensuring that these values are both taught and lived daily as we nurture the future of the Church.
Our History
The roots of St. Joseph Parish date back to 1880, when the parish was first organized and later incorporated in 1881. The land on which St. Joseph Church and School now stand was purchased from the Knapp and Stout Lumber Company, reflecting the early settlers’ commitment to establishing a strong faith community. By 1889, 125 families were registered with the parish, and just a few years later, in 1892, the population of Rice Lake had grown to 2,500—a testament to the area’s rapid development.
With a deep desire to provide children with both academic excellence and a strong foundation in the Catholic faith, the parish established St. Joseph School in 1890. The school was originally staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of the Holy Family of Alverno, who dedicated themselves to nurturing young minds and hearts in Christ. For over 120 years, St. Joseph School has remained a mission of St. Joseph Parish, continuing its legacy of faith-filled education.
As the school flourished, so did the need for a larger space. By the mid-20th century, the original school building was filled to capacity with approximately 300 students. In response, the present-day school building was constructed on the same property and dedicated on October 12, 1952.
Today, St. Joseph School remains a thriving part of the Four Parishes, One Faith community, serving approximately 180 students from 3K through 8th grade. Rooted in faith, family, service, and academic excellence, we continue to build upon the vision of our founders—preparing students to grow as disciples of Christ and as the future of the Church.
This picture is of some of the students who attended St. Joseph School probably around the time it was opened (1890’s).
This picture was taken approximately the late 1890’s and shows us a side by side view of the school on the left, with St. Joseph Parish in the middle and the Rectory on the right.
This picture was taken approximately the late 1890’s and shows us a side by side view of the school on the left, with St. Joseph Parish in the middle and the Rectory on the right.
The cornerstone and this beautiful red granite plaque of St. Joseph was set in 1951 at the beginning of the current school building’s construction.
St. Joseph School from a Humbird Street view in 1952, the year of its dedication.
The first St. Joseph School building was staffed by Franciscan Sisters of the Christian Charity of the Holy Family of Alverno.
1951—A unique aeriel view of the original St. Joseph School building (just right of the center), and the original St. Joseph Church (far right), while the new school was being constructed in the background.
This picture is of the first students to receive diplomas from St. Joseph School in 1910.
This picture is the current view of the front office entrance of the current school building. This photograph was taken in September 2020.
