Founded in 1926 by the Priests of the Society of African Missions, St. Odilia Parish was the first African American Church established in the West and was originally known as St. Odilia’s Negro National Church. St. Odilia School opened in 1950 with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet directing the academic program.
St. Odilia School serves all children. Currently, 80% of our students are Roman Catholic and 20% are non-Catholic. Ninety five percent of students are Latino and 5% are African American or Other.

Though the community surrounding St. Odilia has undergone many changes over the years, the school stands as a beacon of light, bringing hope to the community by counteracting the disparate effects of poverty, violence and apathy.

St. Odilia School continues to be a role model for harmony, by providing our children with a safe, healthy atmosphere through self-esteem building, respect for cultural, racial and ethnic differences and the development and internalization of socially compassionate values.