Celebrating 100 Years of Sts. Peter and Paul School

The upcoming 2026-2027 school year will mark a milestone for Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School (SPP) and for the entire Consortium community. This year, the eighth-grade Class of 2026 will be the 100th graduating class from SPP!

Let’s reflect on the school’s rich history, as preparations to celebrate its 100 years are underway.

From Immigrant Roots 

The story of Sts. Peter and Paul is deeply tied to the story of South Omaha itself. The parish began in 1907, when Croatian immigrants gathered in the home of Nicholas Mickells to celebrate Mass in their native language. As one historical records note, “a small number of people of Croatian descent met with Father John Zaplotnik… to celebrate Mass in their native language.”

By 1917, the parish was formally incorporated, and the first church was completed the following year. The school followed soon after. Ground was broken on April 13, 1926, and on September 7 of that year, 205 students arrived for the very first day of school.

Within just ten years, the school had already grown and celebrated 240 graduates, a testament to the rapid development of the South Omaha community.

A School Formed by Faithful Hands

The school’s early decades were shaped by the dedication of religious sisters from six different orders—Benedictine, Franciscan, Dominican, Capuchin, Mercy and Notre Dame. Their presence, along with high standards, formed generations of students in faith and academic excellence.

Between 1944 and 1962, SPP was defined by bustling hallways, growing families and a parish that served as a cultural and spiritual anchor for Croatian, Slovenian and, later, Latino immigrant families. During these postwar years, the school accommodated a rapidly growing student population, reflecting a thriving parish community. As one historical document notes, “School enrollment saw a large increase… having peak enrollment with 680 students.” 

A Community That Evolved and Endured

Like many urban Catholic schools, Sts. Peter and Paul experienced enrollment decline in the late 20th and early 21st centuries due to many factors. Southeast Omaha experienced significant demographic shifts. Families moved west, family sizes became smaller and Mass attendance declined. At the same time, there were too many schools and parishes serving the same area for the traditional parish school model to remain sustainable.

As enrollment dropped, schools were forced to rely on increasingly difficult measures to stay open, including reducing teacher salaries and cutting resources. 

In 2014, the founding of the Omaha Catholic School Consortium marked a turning point.

With shared resources, collaborative leadership and a renewed mission, the school’s enrollment went from 140 students in 2013 to almost double (315 students) by 2019-2020. 

Today, Sts. Peter and Paul proudly serves one of the most diverse student bodies in Nebraska. In fact, it has supported the largest non‑public school Hispanic enrollment (92–94%) in the state for the past five years. This reflects both the demographic richness of South Omaha and the school’s commitment to welcoming all families seeking a strong Catholic education.

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

While the school’s history is long, its approach to learning remains forward‑looking. Sts. Peter and Paul is a leader in STREAM education within the Consortium, pioneering programs such as:

• CAD/3D printing
• Robotics
• Drone Club
• Integrated Science and Engineering projects

The school also offers a beloved Dance Program, a unique after‑school opportunity that blends culture, movement and community.

And in a powerful expression of its mission to serve families, Sts. Peter and Paul also extends many programs to family members as well. One popular past program included a federal Department of Education grant supporting family literacy, providing English and GED classes for parents. This program and others strengthen the home‑school connection and empower parents to be active partners in their children’s education.

Celebrating the Class of 2026: The Centennial Class

This year’s rising eighth graders stand at a remarkable intersection of past and future. They are the 100th graduating class of a school built by immigrant families, sustained by religious sisters and strengthened by parishioners. They have grown up in a school that honors its immigrant roots while embracing the vibrant Latino culture that defines today’s community. They have learned in classrooms shaped by a century of prayer, sacrifice and hope.

The 8th Grade Class of 2026 is a celebration of:

• 100 years of Catholic education in South Omaha
• 100 years of families choosing faith‑based formation
• 100 years of teachers shaping minds and hearts
• 100 years of a school that continues to evolve, welcome and thrive

A Legacy for the Entire Consortium Community

The story of Sts. Peter and Paul is the story of the Consortium: resilient, diverse, faith‑filled and committed to forming students who will go out and transform the world.

As we celebrate this centennial year, we honor the generations who built this school, the families who entrust their children to it today, and the Class of 2026—young people ready to carry this legacy forward.

Here’s to 100 years of Sts. Peter and Paul School. And to the next 100! 

Celebrate with the SPP community on Sunday, August 3, 2026 at their 101st annual festival, held at SPP from 12-8 p.m.