St. John School is the oldest Catholic elementary school in Orange County, having been established in 1861 with a staff of two teachers.  The Sisters of Charity of Mount St. Vincent, New York taught at St. John from 1899-1942.  At first, classes were held in the old rectory which was then renovated to provide classrooms on the first and second floors and living quarters for the sisters on the third floor.

In 1905, a new school building was erected on the corner of Erie Street and Murray Avenue with money donated by Miss Catherine Garr.  This three story building became known as Garr Hall and served as a combined elementary and high school until 1955.  That year the elementary school moved to 77 Murray Avenue.  In 1980, McCaffrey Hall, our new gymnasium was completed.

When in 1942 the Sisters of Charity withdrew, the Sisters of the Presentation took over the administration and teaching at St. John.  These Sisters served St. John parish for thirty-seven years. After John S. Burke Catholic High School was opened in 1963, Garr Hall closed.  Today this building serves as an office building.

Starting in 1979, the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt assumed the administration and teaching responsibilities of St. John School. Presently, a lay person serves as Principal with a dedicated lay faculty in Grades Pre-K through Grade 5. Part time teachers work in the areas of  Music, Gym, Spanish and Technology.