The History of Saint Francis Xavier

Building a Legacy: Evangelizing Hearts, Encouraging Talent, and Embracing the Future
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School – Celebrating 105 Years

Early Beginnings

Holy Family Academy, the first Catholic school for African Americans in Baton Rouge, was founded and operated by the Sisters of the Holy Family. Located on Florida Street—where the Main Post Office now stands—the Academy served day students, boarders, and orphans.

With the arrival of the Josephite Fathers and Brothers to serve the newly established St. Francis Xavier Church, the vision for a parish school began to take root. In 1920, the Sisters sold Holy Family Academy. They used the proceeds to loan to the parish for the construction of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School—the first parochial school in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

On September 30, 1920, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School opened its doors. Today, it stands as the Diocese’s oldest African American Catholic school and the only predominantly African American Catholic school in the Baton Rouge area. Students travel from across the region—including Plaquemine, Zachary, and Gonzales—to be part of this enduring legacy.

Growth and Transition

In 1955, under the leadership of Rev. Francis Carney, SSJ, and Sister Rose de Lima, SSF, St. Francis Xavier High School opened with 200 students. Though it thrived, the high school closed in 1961 when the state acquired the building for interstate construction. That same year, the elementary school building—which had also served as the convent—was moved to the current parish site. A new school was constructed and opened in 1963, ensuring that Catholic education would continue to flourish in the community.

Mission and Identity

For more than a century, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School has been entrusted with the formation of thousands of children. Its mission remains steadfast: to educate the whole child—spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically—rooted in Catholic faith and values.

Today, SFX serves students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Nearly 90% of its student body is African American, and over 90% qualify for free or reduced lunch. Guided by the parish, the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office, and the SFX School Advisory Council, the school continues to serve as a vital lifeline for families in South Baton Rouge, many of whom face systemic barriers to quality education.

The work of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is anchored in four core pillars:

Faith – Living out the Gospel daily
Academic Excellence – Fostering intellectual growth and curiosity
Moral Integrity – Building character through Catholic teaching
Community Empowerment – Partnering with families to strengthen neighborhoods

Legacy of Impact

Generations of alumni have carried the mission of SFX into the wider world as leaders in faith, education, media, and public service. Notable alumni include:

Most Reverend John H. Ricard, S.S.J. – Superior General of the Society of St. Joseph (The Josephites)
Joseph A. Delpit, Sr. – First Black Councilman in Baton Rouge, Speaker Pro Tempore, 2024 Louisiana Political Hall of Fame Inductee, and founder of the iconic “Chicken Shack”
Dr. Dolores R. Spikes – First woman to lead a U.S. university system (Southern University System)
Hon. Patricia Haynes Smith – Louisiana House of Representatives (2008–2020), former Chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus
Very Rev. Roderick J. D. Coates, S.S.J. – Former Vicar General of the Josephites; Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Reserve, LA
Don Lemon – Former CNN Anchor

These distinguished alumni embody the school’s enduring mission of faith, excellence, and service.

Looking Ahead

Standing on ground made sacred by generations of sacrifice and service, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School remains committed to academic rigor, faith formation, and educational equity. With enrollment growing, SFX continues to prepare students not only to succeed in school, but to thrive as leaders rooted in Catholic values.

With faith, tradition, and resilience as its foundation, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School remains a beacon of hope and transformation for Baton Rouge—yesterday, today, and for generations to come.

#105ATSFX