History of St. Albans Country Day School

In 1963, the Episcopal bishop of Northern California closed the parochial school of St. Francis parish. Some of the families from that school wanted to open a new Episcopal school in Roseville but the Episcopal bishop opposed the project. Founders of the new school included two Episcopal priests – one of whom had founded a St. Albans Country Day School in Chicago – and thus the name of our St. Albans. The Country Day School name was especially appropriate because the property upon which the school was to be built was located in what was then a rural area on the edge of Roseville. Many of the initial students who attended the new St. Albans Country Day school came from neighboring Episcopal parishes, the greatest number from the St. Francis School that had closed. Although the new school had religious activities, there was never a direct association with the church.

The founders of St. Albans wanted to create a school that stressed character building, had high academic standards, and that was committed to providing small classes and much individual attention for students. They developed a strong curriculum, teaching educational "basics" such as phonics, unlike the public schools at the time. Students wore school uniforms so that they would not compete with each other in how they dressed.

The parents who started the school began making plans in the spring of 1963. During four short months they found a suitable site after promises of donated land evaporated; obtained funds through private loans when no bank would underwrite such a venture; and decided on building plans. The builders broke ground on August 15, 1963 and the contractor, who had promised completion in six weeks, finished the project in four! An informational brochure from 1964 described the campus as being located off of highway 40, west of the city limits of Roseville, and consisting of nine classrooms. The first two buildings were those where the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms and the library and computer lab are today.

A prekindergarten class was added in 1988. The campus now includes a computer lab, a multipurpose room, a library, playgrounds, an art building, and a science building. Classes are still small and although students no longer participate in religious activities, the teachers continue to stress moral and ethical values. Above all St. Albans remains committed to providing students with a strong academic foundation that prepares them well for high school and beyond.