The History of
St. Edward Catholic School
Little Rock, Arkansas
When the parish was established in 1884 by German settlers, provisions were made for a school room. The school opened in September 1885 with 64 pupils. Lay teachers operated the school for several years. Mr. Hemsteger began teaching in 1885. He was suceeded by Adolph Benetz. Mr. Benetz was succeeded by Joseph Stutzer. In 1890, Mr. Stutzer moved to Morrilton, Arkansas. In 1892, Olivetan Benedictine Sisters from Jonesboro were asked to take over the school.
Also in 1892, the new pastor, Father Fintan Kraemer, felt that a man would be better to teach the big boys, so the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters were replaced by Professor Joseph Duerr. Mr. Duerr began the 1894 term with 60 pupils. At the beginning of the 1895 term, Benedictine Sisters from St. Scholastica's Convent in Shoal Creek, Arkansas, were engaged to teach the smaller children. In 1896, Mr. Duerr resigned for health reasons and the Benedictine Sisters took complete charge of the school. By 1899, six sisters were teaching kindergarten, regular classes, and music.
Since 1885, St. Edward's School has been conducted in three different buildings. Classes at first were conducted in the building which was divided into church, school, and parsonage. In 1924, the old church building was moved about 80 feet, on the Ferry Steet side of the church property, and remodeled to serve as school and parish hall. It served until the present school was dedicated in 1955. An annex containing a large gymnasium and additional classrooms was added in 1962. Peak enrollment of 360 pupils was in 1965-1972. In 1993, the two remaining Benedictine Sisters retired and a lay principal was hired.
Other St. Edward's Historical Interests:
Will St. Edward's Close? Children's Choir Dedication of New School (1954)
Principals of St. Edward's Parochial School
| 1885 - ? | Mr. Hemsteger |
| ? - ? | Mr. Adolph Benetz |
| ? - 1890 | Mr. Joseph Stutzer |
| 1892 - 1894 | Olivetan Benedictine Sisters |
| 1894 - 1896 | Prof. Joseph Duerr |
| 1898 | Sr. Scholastica |
| 1898 - 1908 | Sr. Agatha (later Mother Agatha) |
| 1908 - 1920 | Sr. Perpetua (later Mother Perpetua) |
| 1920 - 1926 | Sr. Charitas |
| 1926 - 1930 | Sr. Hilda |
| 1930 - 1931 | Sr. Dolores |
| 1931 - 1932 | Sr. Charitas |
| 1932 - 1933 | Sr. Patrica |
| 1933 - 1935 | Sr. Alexis |
| 1935 - 1943 | Sr. Louis |
| 1943 - 1951 | Sr. Henrietta |
| 1951 - 1959 | Sr. de Chantal |
| 1959 - 1992 | Sr. Hermana |
| 1993 - 2001 | Mrs. Vernell Bowen (later Superintendent of Schools) |
| 2001 - Present | Mrs. Theresa Hall |