When the Reverend Peter Stoeters became rector of St. Boniface Church in Anaheim, California, in 1887, his one regret was that the children of the parish had not the blessing of a Catholic education. He placed the problem before Mother Pia Backes, the foundress of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. With full confidence, knowing of Mother Pia's zeal for souls and her love for children, he invited Mother Pia to open an academy in Anaheim. In response to his invitation, Mother Pia, accompanied by Sister Hyacinth, came to Anaheim in the spring of 1888.
By March 19, 1889, the new "St. Catherine's School" was dedicated. Six girls from San Francisco and five from Los Angeles would accompany the Dominican Sisters to Anaheim. They would become the first boarders at St. Catherine's School, which was intended to be an academy for girls and a parochial school for local families.
On March 25, 1889, St. Catherine's opened its doors with only eleven resident and nineteen day students. By August 1889, the regular school term opened with an enrollment of sixty students consisting of thirteen resident and forty-seven day students from Anaheim and Fullerton. Unfortunately, with this number of students the school would not be able to survive financially. Mother Pia suggested that the Sisters leave, but Father John Caballeria did not agree with this move and advised the Superior to consider orphans. Mother Pia embraced his suggestion, and in 1890, two large rooms were turned into sleeping quarters for the orphan boys until an orphanage could be built. The first thirty-two orphans arrived at St. Catherine's in July, 1894.
With the decrease of orphans in 1916, the sisters began a campaign for more resident students. They decided to employ male teachers for the older boys, as this would provide students with positive role models. After extensive research, a military officer was hired. In October 1923, Captain D.M. Healy was introduced as St. Catherine's first Commandant of Cadets. In 1925, St. Catherine's formally became St. Catherine's Military School.
The earthquake of 1933 and other natural disasters through the years left their mark on the school. However, the indoor swimming pool, dormitory and infirmary survived them all. These buildings date as far back as 1919. During a tour of the campus, the history and the success of the mission from so long ago are ever present.
"The Private War of Major Benson" was filmed on campus in 1955 - with cadets as the actors in all but the three leading roles. Universal-International Studios chose St. Catherine's cadets and location for their humorous comedy about the challenges facing the new Commandant of a Military School by the antics of a group of grade school cadets. The picture starred Charlton Heston, Julie Adams, William Demarest, and a full battalion of St. Catherine's finest.
The St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel located on the campus, is dedicated to the memory of Captain William Maguire, the cadets' chaplain in the 1950's . This gentle man served his Country for more than 30 years as a United States Navy Chaplain to the Pacific Fleet during WWII. Captain William Maguire was at Pearl Harbor, preparing to celebrate Mass, when the Japanese attacked. He was featured on the cover of Life Magazine (November 2, 1942).
The Dominican Sisters continue to be a presence on campus. Today, Sisters hold positions in administration, resident care, and teaching. The commitment and dedication started so long ago by Mother Pia, has never wavered. St. Catherine's continues to provide a safe and nurturing environment for boys in Kindergarten through Eighth grade.