In 1983, with the help of a handful of Catholic lay faithful, the religious community of the Congregation of St. Philip Neri of Pontifical Right of Pharr, Texas, established its first school, the Oratory Academy, grades PK-K. Classes began at “Casa Maria”, a counseling home for women, located on Highway 281 and Rancho Blanco Rd. in Pharr. That year, in the living room of “Casa María”, classes began with 15 students, two part-time volunteers, and one paid employee.
The following links tell the full story...
School System History Page 1 School System History Page 2Building for the Future
To accommodate new enrollees and the growing interest in our preparatory program, the Oratory Schools will be building a new complex on the corner of Moore and Jackson Roads. This new development will consist of 20 classrooms, specialty rooms and labs, cafeteria, and a library/media center. The addition will expand the existing site of 16 classrooms, a pavilion, and corporate offices housed on the northwest corner of Moore Rd. Construction is scheduled to begin during the spring semester of 2006. This multi-million dollar complex will serve Valley families along the border seeking a private Christian elementary and secondary education with an emphasis on academics, discipline, leadership, community service, and spiritual formation. For information or a visit to our campuses, come by the Corporate Office on 1407 W. Moore Rd. in Pharr, or call 781-3056.