In May of 1955, the Most Reverend Charles F. Buddy, Bishop of San Diego, appointed Father Thomas Maloney as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Riverside, California. At this time, five acres of land were purchased on the corner of Central and Streeter and a building program was begun with the plans to build a church, school, convent, and parish hall.

Ground breaking ceremonies for Our Lady of Perpetual Help School took place December 8, 1959, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Father Malodorous asked the Sisters of St. Francis to staff the school. In August of 1959, three sisters arrived to open Kindergarten through 4th grade. In 1961, 5th through 8th grades were added to the school plant who were also staffed by the Sisters, as well as the lay teachers. The first graduation was held in June 1962. The last of the Sisters of St. Francis retired in 1989.

The original classrooms are still in use. Other buildings have been added, redesigned or reassigned for better use since their original plan. Our school has a state of the art computer lab, library and resource center, and Preschool program for students 2 years, 9 months to school age. The playground area has undergone multiple changes to accommodate the growth of the parish and school community. A new church was built in 1971 and the original church became our parish hall.

Distinguished for academic excellence, OLPH cultivates the “Whole Child”, offering athletics, fine arts, student leadership, academic competition, liturgy, Title 1 academics, and field trips. OLPH also offers extended care before and after school. Our Lady of Perpetual Help School has been administered by seven principals, the most current beginning in July 2011. Many families currently attending OLPH were students themselves and are returning with their children or grandchildren. It is most appealing to have a God centered family atmosphere where everyone is welcomed.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School will continue to provide families with a high quality of Catholic educational experience.