​HISTORY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL 

St. John the Baptist School is located in the City of Baldwin Park, California, nestled in the center of the San Gabriel Valley. It is the only Catholic elementary school serving this community of approximately 80,000 residents. 

The school was established in 1952 under the direction of the, Reverend John G. Flack, Parish Pastor and the Benedictine Sisters. The initial student enrollment consisted of two hundred eighty students in grades first through fifth. 

Then, in 1953, grades sixth and seventh were added. At this time, the first lay teacher joined the faculty. By 1955 enrollment had increased to four hundred ninety-eight students. 

In 1959 the school doubled the number of classrooms. The new Saint Elizabeth Building consisted of grades fifth through eighth, and the Saint John Building housed grades first through fourth. Finally, in 1967 the construction of a new Parish Hall was completed to serve both the school and parish. 

The Benedictine Sisters staffed the school until June 1972. In September 1972 the Sisters of the Love of God, an order from Spain, replaced the Benedictine Sisters. The Sisters of the Love of God, under the principles of their founding father, Venerable Jeronimo Usera, continue the charism of St. Benedict, “Ora et Labora”, to pray and work. Their charism is to “incarnate the love of God in the world,” which is derived from St. Benedict’s Rule. 

In September 1987 a computer lab and school library were added. In 1994, the initial computer lab, was moved to its present location. The library was closed in 1997, to accommodate the school’s need for an Extended Day Care Center. Usable library resources were transferred to the classrooms. The computer lab was upgraded and is currently named “The Shea Technology Center.” In 2015-2016 WiFi system was incorporated into the school’s technology assets. This ensures easy online access among administration, staff, and students.

In August 1998, the new Kindergarten classroom and the faculty lounge were dedicated. These much needed buildings provide adequate space for faculty and student use. At Saint John the Baptist School, we are extremely proud of our most recent upgrades. The school was entirely air conditioned in July 1999. 

Saint John the Baptist celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2002. A year of special activities culminated in a parish-wide celebration during the 50th Anniversary Mass. Alumni, former principals, current and retired faculty and staff, former pastors and religious leaders were present during the anniversary celebration. The school was recognized for its achievements and service to the Baldwin Park community by civic leaders of the local and state government. 

After the completion of air conditioning the entire school, our technology program became a high priority. All classrooms have SmartBoards, Wifi, Teacher laptops, and 3 mobile computer carts. In the year 2013 the Transitional Kindergarten was incorporated into our school family. 

In the year 2013-2014 the School Speak Website was adopted to ensure better communication among the administration, faculty, parents, and other significant shareholders. 

Saint John the Baptist School belongs to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We provide the community with an elementary school that reflects solid Catholic morals and traditions, and a high academic standard. This is the result of a dedicated administration, faculty, school board and supportive parents. St. John the Baptist School proves to be a true witness of Catholic faith in the community of Baldwin Park.​