St. Xavier High School Revenue and Competitors

The phrase “generation gap” as it applies to the St. Xavier alumni is a term more of place than of time. “The good old days” for classes prior to 1960 revolve around an old building at Seventh and Sycamore, volleyball in the blacktop yard enclosed by a high iron fence, city noises and Memorial Hall. Classes after 1960 recall memories of a new, bright building in Finneytown, plenty of open spaces for sports, well-equipped labs, commuting by carpools and the Rainbow Room. Bridging this gap, however, and welding these two generations together are important elements of the St. Xavier experience: the ideals of Jesuit education, the demanding academic program, the caring atmosphere, the good times, and even jug. St. Xavier High School has passed through numerous stages in its 181-year history. The diocese of Cincinnati was only nine years old when Bishop Fenwick opened his school at Seventh and Sycamore Streets on October 17, 1831. He named the school the Athenaeum and placed it under the patronage of St. Francis Xavier. Eight years after Bishop Fenwick’s death, Bishop Purcell was finally able to persuade the Jesuit fathers to staff this school; and in 1840, Fr. John A. Elet, S.J. opened St. Xavier College to 76 students.