The History of Sacred Heart Catholic School

Sacred Heart Catholic School is one of the oldest existing schools in Hattiesburg. In October, 1900, Father Sylvester Greimel opened Sacred Heart Catholic School, the first Cathlic school in the area, using the sacristy of the church and the rectory for classes. He was the first resident pastor at Sacred Heart Church.  His sister, Miss Anne Greimel, was principal. Thirty-five students were enrolled.

The Sisters of Mercy arrived in September 1902. A convent and school had been build for them on Walnut Street, next to the church. In 1908, the first class of seniors graduated from the school. 

The current Sacred Heart Church was built in 1927 and 1928. The current elementary building was build in 1951 and the convent which is now used for administrative offices and art room was built in 1959.

The Class of 1966 were the last to graduate from Sacred Heart when the high school closed due to low enrollment. After that, Sacred Heart only offered classes through the 8th grade.

In 2004 Sacred Heart Catholic School was granted permission by the Diocese of Biloxi to reopen its high school by adding the 9th and 10th grades. In 2005, the 11th grade was added and in 2006 the 12th grade was added. The Class of 2007 was the first class of seniors to graduated from Sacred Heart in 41 years. This small class of 9 students paved the way for may more to come through the high school.

The 2007-2008 school year saw many changes to the campus of Sacred Heart. A $4 million dollar expansion and renovation to the campus brought 15 new classrooms, new chemistry lab, high school library and computer lab, as well as a new cafeteria designed by Albert and Associates Architects. Finlo Construction build the cafeteria and renovated the elementary building.