St. Wendel Catholic School
4725 St. Wendel-Cynthiana Rd.
Wadesville, IN 47638
(812) 963-3958 - Fax (812) 963-3061
4725 St. Wendel-Cynthiana Rd.
Wadesville, IN 47638
ph: 812-963-3958
fax: 812-963-3061
rpittman
About Us
ACCREDITATION
St. Wendel School is accredited by the Indiana Department of Education, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, and is an Evansville Area Reading Council Hon or School.
HISTORY
St. Wendel School began as a log school in 1844. This primitive structure straddled the Posey and Vanderburgh County lines near the present cemetary entrance at the intersection of St. Wendel and Boonville-Ner Harmony Roads. The first teacher employed was Frederick Pepersack. By 1863 there was a demand for two teachers. Male teachers were employed up until 1876. In the summer of 1876, the services of Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg, Indiana, were obtained. These sisters staffed the school entirely until 1962 when lay teachers were added.In 1884 a new two story brick building was constructed with two large classrooms on each floor. Each room was heated by a pot-bellied stove until 1905 when a steam heating furnace was installed. Records indicate that a fire escape was built in 1935 and electrical writing was installed in 1936.
The four-classroom school built in 1884 became inadequate for the 270 pupils who enrolled for the 1956 school year and plans began for a new school. During construction of the new school, classes were held in the community hall. On August 31, 1958, the new building was dedicated, and 290 students were enrolled. The new building contained four classrooms, two restrooms, and a first aid room on the top floor and four classrooms, two restrooms, and a utility room on the first floor.
In the 1980's an addition was built to the school which housed a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The addition was built by many parishioners and was ready for the 1988-89 school year. Other improvements during the 1980's were: hot water in the janitor's room and nurse's office, installation of cold water drinking foundains on both floors, added computers which brought the total number of computers to 15, a science lab table and additional science equipment, a St. Wendel sign at the front entrance to the school. In 1985, the first lay person became principal of the school.
The year 2005 saw the beginning of construction which adds a new office area, a new Kindergarten room, a music/art classroom, a new science lab, and a multipurpose room which includes a gymnasium.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
The best way for newcomers to travel to St. Wendel School is to get on Highway 41. From Highway 41 North, turn left at the 4-H Fairgrounds. From Highway 41 South, turn right at the 4-H Fairgrounds. This will put you on Boonville-New Harmony Road for eight miles. This will lead you into beautiful downtown St. Wendel
4725 St. Wendel-Cynthiana Rd.
Wadesville, IN 47638
ph: 812-963-3958
fax: 812-963-3061
rpittman
