School History
Celebrating 140 Years
Holy Rosary Catholic School has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in Yolo County since 1886. As the oldest Catholic school in the county—and the third-oldest in the Sacramento region—we are proud of our long-standing tradition of academic excellence, faith formation, and community connection.
Founded by Reverend John McGinty in 1885 and staffed by nine Sisters of the Holy Cross, the school was originally known as Holy Rosary Academy. It operated as a branch of St. Mary’s Academy and St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame, Indiana. The Academy officially opened on August 16, 1886, in a stately three-story Victorian building on Main Street in Woodland. The Weekly Mail of Woodland described the school at the time as a “pride and ornament to Woodland,” with spacious, well-maintained grounds that fostered a peaceful and inspiring learning environment.
Quickly recognized as one of the leading educational institutions in north-central California, the Academy served students from primary through senior classes. It gained distinction not only for its rigorous academic programs but also for its excellence in music and fine arts. While originally intended as a place for young girls to explore religious vocations under the guidance of the Sisters, the school soon added a coeducational day program for elementary and junior high students. This evolution did not change its core mission: to form young people in faith, character, and service. In 1920, Holy Rosary Academy was granted full accreditation by the University of California.
On October 6, 1952, tragedy struck when the Academy was destroyed by fire. Students were temporarily reassigned to Catholic schools in Sacramento and as far away as Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1956, Holy Rosary reopened at its current location, continuing its legacy of Catholic education and community service.
The school transitioned to lay leadership in 1973, following the passing of Sister Francis James. The last of the Holy Cross Sisters departed Woodland in 1977. Between 1980 and 1986, the Sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary served as teachers and principals. Since then, Holy Rosary has been led by dedicated Catholic lay educators who continue to uphold its founding mission.
For more than a century, Holy Rosary has educated generations of students, instilling in them the values of service, compassion, and lifelong learning. Our deep ties to the Woodland community and the Diocese of Sacramento remain a source of pride and strength. We invite you to be part of our story as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a vibrant future—especially as we prepare for the opening of our new church.
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