Sale of Dutchtown campus for $1.5 million closed in July
St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School has purchased its Dutchtown campus from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, closing the $1.5 million sale on July 14.
St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School was established as an independent Catholic school in 2023, after the archdiocese announced in fall 2022 its plans to close the high school at the end of that school year. The all-boys high school initially signed a three-year lease of the 23-acre property and its buildings with the archdiocese.
“Our school remains rooted in the mission, values and beliefs we’ve upheld for the past 90 plus years,” St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School president Mike England said in a news release. “We remain committed to our families, Dutchtown and our faith.”
About 240 boys are enrolled for the 2025-26 school year, according to the news release. In 2023, the school launched a pre-apprenticeship program in partnership with local trade unions. This year, it will add a new partnership with SSM Health to offer two seniors a year-long internship with HVAC and plumbing professionals, the release said.
“We believe in what our neighborhood and city can be, and we are all in on doing the work,” England said during an Aug. 12 news conference. “There are no quick fixes. This is the long game, but each day, we will work to move the needle in a positive way to better support our young men, our families and our community through our Catholic values and teaching.”
Catholic schools including St. Mary’s prepare students not just through education but also formation in living lives of virtue, Julie Soffner, president of the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education and Formation, said at the news conference.
“As you continue to grow in wisdom, in your education and your character and in your faith, we just want to let you know that you’re always in our prayers,” Soffner said. “On behalf of the Office of Catholic Ed and from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, God bless; we wish you well. We are your partners, and we look forward to strengthening your school in the future.”
St. Mary’s High School was founded in 1931 by the Christian Brothers but has been affiliated with the Society of Mary (Marianists) since 1933. After the school became independent in 2023, the Marianists again serve as its canonical sponsor.
