Father Kearney, inspired to spread the Gospel of the Church in the Bronx, founded our parish in 1928 using two portable structures as a temporary church and auditorium. This endeavor marked the birth of St. Francis Xavier parish. Early on, Father Kearney recognized the need for Catholic children to be educated in theology and moral values. In 1929, under his leadership, the first class of St. Francis Xavier School was enrolled and housed in the auditorium. A happy day for all parishioners! On September 15, 1930, seventy-two boys and girls assembled for their first day of formal instruction the leadership of Miss Helen Kelly, the first Principal. The desire to provide children of the parish with an excellent Catholic education inspired Father Quinn, the new Pastor, and SFX parishioners to build a permanent school building. Ground was broken on April 11, 1937. The Sisters of Mercy staffed the new eight-classroom school. Joy and excitement were felt by all! The overwhelming growth and success of the school and parish were evidenced by the ever-increasing population. To insure a Catholic education for all who came through its doors, an annex school building was begun in 1955. Today, our parish school is home to 325 children from New Beginnings to Eighth Grade who continue to receive the finest Catholic and scholastic education available. We rely on our past to forge ahead, meeting the challenges and needs of the future. We are proud of and celebrate with our many graduates their accomplishments as successful men and women. Educating our children in Catholic values continues to be the primary mission of St. Francis Xavier School. Through the years, the school has become a beacon of faith and service in our ever-changing world. St. Francis Xavier is known to all as "A School You Can Believe In".