History

In 1963, the Episcopal bishop of Northern California decided to close the only local parochial school in Roseville, California, the St. Francis Parish School. Many of the parents were unhappy with this decision and decided to open up their own school, one that would offer a qualitatively different educational experience for their children. These founding families had the help of two Episcopal priests, one of whom had founded a St. Albans Country Day School in Chicago. When the time came to name their new school, this priest suggested the use of the name St. Albans. The Country Day School name was especially appropriate because the property upon which the school was to be built was located in what was then a rural area on the edge of Roseville.

The parents began making plans for their new school in the spring of 1963. During four short months they found a suitable site after promises of donated land evaporated; obtained funds through private loans when no bank would underwrite such a venture; and decided on building plans. The builders broke ground on August 15, 1963 and the contractor, who had promised completion in six weeks, finished the project in four! An informational brochure from 1964 described the campus as being located off highway 40, west of the city limits of Roseville, and consisting of nine classrooms. Many of the initial students who attended the new St. Albans Country Day school came from neighboring Episcopal parishes, the greatest number from the St. Francis School that had closed. Although the new school had religious activities, there was never a direct association with the church.

The founders of St. Albans succeeded in creating a school that stressed character building, had high academic standards, and was committed to providing small classes with much individual attention for students. They developed a strong curriculum, teaching educational “basics” such as phonics and math, and students wore school uniforms so they would not compete with each other in how they dressed. Over the years, classes in Spanish, art, music and drama, and physical education were added because of the belief of the importance of a well-rounded education.

A prekindergarten class was added in 1988. Now over 50 years later, the campus includes a computer lab, a multipurpose room, a library, playgrounds, an art building, and a science building. Classes are still small and although students no longer participate in religious activities, the teachers continue to stress moral and ethical values. Above all, St. Albans remains committed to providing students with a strong academic foundation that prepares them well for high school and beyond.