The History & Tradition of Loretto Catholic School

Loretto Catholic School is one of the 25 Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Tucson, AZ. Located in Douglas, AZ, Loretto was constructed through a donation from Mrs. Elenita Brophy in memory of her late husband and her daughter. Her gift included both the land and the funds for the school’s construction. The school officially opened in 1924, administered by the Sisters of Loretto. The original name of the school was Loretto Catholic Central School.

In 1948, the Sisters of St. Dominic of Adrian took over the administration of the school. From 1981 to 1987, the school was managed by a lay principal. In 1987, the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles were honored to take over administration and teaching at the school. Throughout its history, Loretto has at different times served as a grammar school, high school, and a boarding school.

We are fully accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association(WCEA). We are a member of the National Catholic Educational Association(NCEA).

Since 1924, Loretto Catholic School has offered a wonderful tradition of making available to all students the very best in education, while teaching them Catholic values that help them become kind, compassionate, effective leaders and citizens. Each year we enroll an average of 230 students from Douglas, Pirtleville, and neighboring communities, and are proud to serve our children and families. Our students have fun and make friends every day while learning the academic and life lessons that will help them succeed in their worlds!