The Holy Cross Story

The roots of Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and Center trace back to 1994, when a generous anonymous donor provided a significant gift to the Diocese of Palm Beach with the vision of creating a school modeled after the success and mission of Hope Rural School in Indiantown, Florida. This extraordinary act of generosity laid the foundation for what would become a transformative ministry dedicated to serving young children, families, and the broader Palm Beach County community.

In March 2000, a group of dedicated Sisters of the Holy Cross gathered in West Palm Beach to explore the possibility of establishing a family-centered ministry in South Florida. After carefully assessing the needs of the local community, the leadership of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross embraced the opportunity to partner with the Diocese of Palm Beach in launching a ministry rooted in education, outreach, and service. Their vision extended far beyond the walls of a preschool. They sought to create a center that would strengthen families, empower individuals, and respond to the evolving needs of the community.

From its very beginning, Holy Cross was intentionally established as both a preschool and a community center. The Sisters recognized that supporting young children also meant supporting the adults who cared for them. As a result, Holy Cross became a place where members of the community could learn practical life skills through adult education programs, including sewing, cooking, and, most importantly, literacy and English language instruction. This commitment reflected the Sisters' belief that education transforms lives and that serving the whole community is central to the Gospel mission.

That vision became a reality on March 1, 2004, when Sister Yvonne Arcand, CSC, founding School Director, proudly opened the doors of Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and Center. Beginning with just 14 students ranging in age from three months to four years, the school was built upon a foundation of faith, excellence, compassion, and a commitment to serving families from all backgrounds.

More than twenty years later, Holy Cross continues to honor the mission and vision established by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. While our early childhood education program has grown into a thriving school serving approximately 100 children from infancy through preschool, our commitment to serving the wider community remains equally important. Today, Holy Cross proudly continues this legacy by offering free weekly English language classes, creating opportunities for adults to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and better support their families. These programs are not simply an addition to our school—they are an integral part of who we are and what we are called to do.

Guided by Catholic values and inspired by the educational philosophy of the Sisters of the HolyCross, Holy Cross Catholic preschool and Center continues to provide exceptional early childhood education while fostering strong partnerships with families and serving the broader community with compassion, dignity, and respect.

For more than two decades, Holy Cross has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering a love of learning, developing strong moral character, and empowering children and families to reach their God-given potential. Our legacy is one of faith, service, academic excellence, and an unwavering dedication to educating children, strengthening families, and enriching the community we are blessed to serve.