A dream put into action by a small group of parents is how the Seton story began.  In 1994, a group of parents from Hudson, Ohio, discussed the limited options for Catholic elementary education in their community.  Unwilling to accept that their children could not be educated in the Catholic school system due to full enrollments and long waiting lists at neighboring communities’ Catholic schools, they formed an exploratory committee to determine need and support for a new Catholic school in Hudson, Ohio.

They began by approaching their home parish, St. Mary’s in Hudson.  In June 1995, the pastor allowed this core group to poll the parishioners to determine a level of interest in developing a parish elementary school.  Informational meetings followed, and it was determined that there was a tremendous amount of support and enthusiasm for a school.  However, when the proposal went to the parish Finance Council, they were unable to give any financial backing due to a recent completion of a new worship space and planned renovation to the parish hall. 

Not easily discouraged, this group of parents approached the Diocese of Cleveland and sought Bishop Pilla’s approval to found a Catholic elementary school independent of any parish.  Bishop Pilla supported this idea, and the parents began a two-year journey of faith toward opening an independent Catholic school. 

Meeting weekly in their homes, the parents researched state education guidelines, regulations, and requirements for chartering, looked for suitable real estate, sought financial backing, and prayed to God and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton for their blessings, guidance, and support for the success of this project.  Eventually they set up a nonprofit corporation to acquire the real estate and established a board of trustees to govern the school.

The vision and effort of this group of parents resulted in the creation of Seton Catholic School.  On November 1, 1996, Bishop Pilla issued a decree stating that Seton Catholic School was officially established in Hudson, Ohio, according to Canon Law.  Sister Marie Damicone, O.P., with many years of experience as a principal in the Cleveland Diocese, was hired to lead us into our first year.  Many schools, churches, businesses, organizations, and families donated furniture, books, educational materials, supplies, services, and time to Seton.  Teachers were hired and were given a bare classroom with desks.  They outfitted their rooms with donations as well as many of their own supplies.  With a lot of enthusiasm and creativity, they turned a hollow building into a colorful and educationally stimulating environment that welcomed our students on the first day of school.

Seton Catholic School, named after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the patron saint of Catholic education, opened its doors on August 25, 1997, just three short years after the founding families’ initial discussions.  Bishop Anthony Pilla celebrated the opening Mass and commented, “Establishing Seton Catholic School was the single most important act of my episcopacy.”

Since 1997, Seton has continued to grow, increased its student enrollment in grades kindergarten through eight, added a complete technology lab to the library, placed three computers in each classroom, added a hot lunch program, increased in-service opportunities for our teachers, established extra-curricular choir, piano, and strings/orchestra programs, added CYO athletics, ski club, student ministry, student council, Seton Academy, and have graduated five classes of eighth grade students.

With the recent construction of our new main building, our faith-filled journey continues as we plan for continued growth in holiness and faithfulness in a God-centered environment that strives for academic excellence.