Our History

St. Joseph School was founded in September 1950 by Reverend George Wieneman. Sister M. Stephanie, IHM, served as the school’s first principal. The school originally opened with six grade levels and was staffed by three lay teachers and three Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who served the school and parish for eighteen years in a strong tradition of academic excellence.

In early 1967, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles notified religious communities that the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary would no longer staff several schools. At the request of Cardinal James Francis McIntyre, Archbishop of Los Angeles, and Reverend Edward V. Callahan, Pastor of St. Joseph Church, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles assumed responsibility for St. Joseph School in September 1968.

That same summer, the Carmelite Sisters moved into a convent on Hill Street. The original group included Sister Mary Bernadette (Principal), Sister Mary Lourdes, and Sister Helen Marie. The Carmelite Sisters faithfully served the school for many years, continuing the mission of faith-based education.

St. Joseph School expanded its academic offerings in later years. In 2010, the school welcomed its first Kindergarten class, followed by the addition of Transitional Kindergarten in 2014. In July 2015, a lay principal was appointed while two Carmelite Sisters continued teaching fourth and eighth grades. In June 2016, the Carmelite Sisters concluded their service at St. Joseph School.

In February 2025, St. Joseph School proudly celebrated 75 years of service to the children and families of the St. Joseph Catholic Church community and beyond. The celebration included representatives from the City of La Puente, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and St. Joseph School alumni. Today, St. Joseph School continues to move forward in faith and excellence, guided by the motto “Siempre Adelante”- Always Forward.

St. Joseph School is part of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles school system and is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA).