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The integration of religious truth and values with the rest of life is brought about in the Catholic school not only by its unique curriculum, but, more important, by the presence of teachers who express an integrated approach to learning and living in their private and professional lives. 

(USCCB, To Teach as Jesus Did, 104) 

History

St. Patrick School is the oldest Catholic School in the Diocese of Nashville, established in 1856. St. Patrick Catholic Church in McEwen, built during the tenure of the first Bishop of Nashville, was one of twelve churches founded by an Italian Dominican missionary, Rev. Aloysius Orengo, O.P.

Irish immigrants working to build the railroad system across Tennessee were encouraged to settle in McEwen, and the church was built for them in 1849. In 1856 St. Patrick's School was opened in a building erected in the previous year by the pastor. The school was operated by a lay staff until 1925, when Rev. John Murphy secured the Sisters of Mercy to administer and teach. In 1937, the administration was assumed by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia at the request of Rev. Thomas Gill, O.P. Reconstruction of the church, school, and convent was completed by 1949. 

In 2000, the current school building was established under the leadership of the then pastor, Rev. John Sims Baker.

One-of-a-Kind

St. Patrick School is the only Catholic school in Humphreys County, and draws Catholic students from several surrounding counties. The academic standards are high, as with all of the Diocese's schools, and St. Patrick sends its students well-prepared to private, as well as public high schools. Most importantly, the Catholic faith is not merely a part of the curriculum, but permeates the atmosphere and daily life of the school. While St. Patrick School welcomes students on any faith, the school is undeniably and unabashedly Catholic.

A Large Family

Generations of families descended from the original inhabitants have sent their children to St. Patrick School and continue to do so. The parish community has always been committed to a Catholic school for its children, and give generously of their time, talent, and treasure by volunteering in the school and working hard to raise the funds necessary to support an excellent education. The entire community, even those without school-age children, sponsors the annual Irish Picnic barbecue, which raises approximately $90,000 each year to support the school.