St. Benedict School Yesterday and Today
St. Benedict School has provided the City of Cambridge and surrounding Guernsey County communities with strong Catholic education opportunities since it opened in the fall of 1911. Dedicated religious sisters from the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Manitowoc, Wisconsin have been on staff since we opened our doors. Today, Sisters Helen Marie, Jan, Carol and June continue this same tradition with eleven lay teachers and eight staff members.
The school is adjacent to the Parish, which was established in 1897 as St. Benedict Catholic Church under the direction of Fr. Nathaniel McCaffrey. The parish became a part of the Diocese of Steubenville in 1944 when the diocese was established. The Most Reverend John King Mussio was appointed the first bishop in 1945. In 2009 St. Benedict Church, Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Lore City and Holy Trinity Church in Byesville consolidated to become Christ Our Light Parish. Our current Pastor and School Chaplain is Fr. Paul Hrezo.
In 1925 St. Benedict High School was established and was built on the site of the first rectory and convent. In a diocesan effort to make the high school more centrally located to accommodate students from neighboring communities, St. Benedict High School was closed in 1964 and Guernsey Catholic Central High School was established. Unfortunately due to financial difficulties and a decrease in enrollment the high school closed in June of 1982.
St. Benedict School is currently the only Catholic school in Guernsey County.
The school is open to children of all faiths in Preschool through eighth grade. St. Benedict School is accredited by the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association through the Ohio Department of Education. The school follows the Diocese of Steubenville course of study aligned with state standards. In addition to offering a strong academic course offering, St. Benedict’s provides a faith-filled education with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Physical education, art, music, computer and library classes are offered for all students. Algebra I is offered as a high school credit for qualifying students.
Students have the opportunity to participate in many activities including Student Council, Altar Servers, Academic and Science Fair, Girls Volleyball League, boys and girls basketball skills camp, band, and community service opportunities.
St. Benedict’s offers opportunities for financial assistance and is an State of Ohio Ed Choice Scholarship provider. After School Child Care is available for working parents.
Rich in tradition and striving for excellence, St. Benedict School is committed to teaching Gospel values in a caring environment that will enable our children to live as visible witnesses of Christ and responsible citizens in society.