Saint Cecilia Parish was formed by Bishop Harkins, Bishop of Providence, on August 17, 1910. On October 28 of the same year, the Reverend Hormidas Z. Sylvester became the first pastor of this newly created parish of 168 families. By the autumn of 1912, the parish had constructed its first edifice, which included a chapel and a school. On October 14, 1912, 116 students were enrolled in three classes under the direction of three Sisters of the Holy Union of the Sacred Hearts, who had arrived in the parish on August 14.

In subsequent years many new homes were built and the little country school no longer sufficed for the rapidly growing population. When the Reverend Mathias A. Hebert arrived at Saint Cecilia’s as the new pastor, he remodeled two small houses and partitioned the former chapel, creating twelve separate classrooms.

On September 21, 1938, the Rhode Island area was devastated by a fierce hurricane, Saint Cecilia School was completely destroyed. The city of Pawtucket offered the use of the Central Avenue School and Goff Junior High School. Principals of both schools made required accommodations, including rescheduling school sessions, to ensure that Saint Cecilia School could continue to function. Without delay, skilled volunteer workmen in the parish began constructing a new school. The new school was completed two years later, in 1940.

In February 1970, the first school board was formed. The representative group of parents and interested persons met monthly and shared the responsibilities of the school and the administration. That same year, one of the vacant classrooms in the school was transformed into a spacious faculty/staff room. Two years later, a library and a reading center were opened in the basement of the school. In 1986, a computer room was created and dedicated in memory of the DeBlois, Ferland and Theriault families.

Throughout its history, principals, faculty and staff, both religious and lay, have dedicated themselves to the children of Saint Cecilia School. They have excelled in their mission to prepare thousands of boys and girls for their course in life, imbuing these children with love for God and service to the Church. In this spirit, Saint Cecilia School continues its labor of love in education of God’s precious children.