St. Teresa School was founded in September, 1950 with an enrollment of 240 students and a faculty of five Sisters of Mercy as a parochial school in the city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. At that time, the pastor, Monsignor Matthew F. Clarke “emphasized the need for a parochial school and faculty to fulfill the parish’s role as a spiritual force in the community.” St. Teresa School continues to be a force in the neighborhood and is a strong element in the parish, thanks to the unusual commitment of the Pastor and the parish community. The school had its beginnings as a four-room section of the old Lincoln Avenue School in 1950, then became a one-story school on the present site in 1953, and completed construction of a second floor in 1960. The first graduation occurred in June of 1956.
The curriculum offered at St. Teresa has followed the Mercy tradition of being cutting edge and designed to prepare students for life as responsible, intelligent, Catholic Christians in the world. The sisters of Mercy were loyal and faithful stewards of the faith development and educational administration of St. Teresa School for 48 years. In September of 1998, there was a lay principal for the first time in the history of St. Teresa, however, the identity of the school as a vital, Catholic school does build on and continue to follow in the tradition and practice of many sisters of Mercy who labored so diligently in this particular vineyard. The school is now under the leadership of Fr. Joshua Barrow, Pastor of St. Teresa Church, and Ms. Susan Mansfield, Principal of St. Teresa School. These two individuals are supported by a dedicated school board that continually meets to address the needs of the school and its community. St. Teresa School is a parochial school located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island just north of the East Providence/Pawtucket line. We educate students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Eight from the communities of Pawtucket, East Providence, Seekonk, and from as far as Providence, North Providence, Warwick and Foster. Although many of our students are parishioners of St. Teresa Church or nearby parishes, we welcome all people in the name of Jesus Christ.