The History & Tradition of Loretto Catholic School

Loretto Catholic School first opened its doors in 1924, originally known as Loretto Catholic Central School. Its establishment was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Mrs. Elenita Brophy, who contributed both the land and funds in memory of her late husband and daughter. 

The school's dedication on September 1, 1924 was a grand event, attended by clergy and dignitaries from across the region including multiple bishops from Arizona and even Sonora, Mexico. Classes began the following day with 231 students across nine grades.

• From its inception, the school was administered by the Sisters Of Loretto.
• In 1948, oversight passed to the sisters of St. Dominic of Adrian.
• Between 1981 and 1987, the school was led by a lay principal.
• In 1987, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles assumed leadership, bringing their contemplative charism and apostolic mission.

Over time, Loretto has served as a grammar school, high school, and even a boarding school, reflecting its adaptability to the community's educational needs.

On November 24, 2020, the Diocese of Tucson announced that the 2020-2021 school year would be the last year the Carmelite Sisters would be involved at Loretto, citing the dwindling number of Sisters in their community.

A mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell was held on June 27, 2021, marketing the end of their 34-year ministry at the school. 

After the Carmelite Sisters concluded their longstanding leadership at Loretto Catholic School at the end of the 2020-2021 school year, the school's leadership transitioned to lay administration under the Diocese of Tucson. 

Starting in the 2021-2022 school year, Rosella Melgoza, a lifelong Douglas resident and a retired principal who felt called back into service, assumed the position of principal at Loretto Catholic School. As of 2024, she continues to serve in that role, overseeing the school's operations, spiritual formation, and academic life.

In September 2024, Loretto celebrated its 100th anniversary. The centennial included a commemorative Mass at St. Luke's Parish, celebrated by Bishop Edward Weisenburger and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas, followed by school tours and festivities. Over its century-long history, it's estimated that more than 30,000 students have graduated from the school.

Today, the school continues to enroll over 230 students annually from Douglas, Pirtleville, and neighboring areas like Agua Prieta, Mexico. It remains a cornerstone of the community, known for its strong academic curriculum woven with Catholic values, students participate in weekly Mass, serve in church roles like lectors and altar servers, and engage in extracurricular activities in a "fun yet rigorous" environment.

Loretto Catholic School has offered a wonderful tradition of making available to all students the very best education, while teaching them Catholic values to help them become kind, compassionate, effective leaders and citizens. Our students have fun and make friends everyday while learning the academic and life lessons that will help them succeed in their worlds. 

We are proud to serve our children and families!

The school holds accreditation from the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).