History & Mission

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School builds a strong foundation of academic excellence while embracing the Catholic faith, respecting diversity and fostering community.

Our History

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School was founded in 1926 by Fr. James O'Brien, the rector of the St. Catherine of Genoa Church. The school, originally staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, taught students from the surrounding Somerville community. In 1953, Msgr. John Mahoney renamed the school St. Catherine of Genoa School to promote a closer relationship with the parish. In 2019, the Somerville parishes of St. Ann, St. Catherine of Genoa, and St. Joseph combined into the Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin parish, with the school returning to its roots as St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School. St Theresa is the daughter of Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin and so a return to the school’s original name was befitting of the newly realigned parish and its historic mission.

Today, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School is a dynamic school community that meets the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of its students. Staffed by experienced educators who understand students' needs and abilities, we ensure that students not only feel the safety, comfort, and care of a private elementary school, but that each student reaches their God-given potential. The students of St. Theresa’s today are from Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Everett, Arlington, and other surrounding communities. Many of our students matriculate to competitive, well-known area Catholic and independent schools.

"My favorite thing about St. Theresa is that you are treated like family." - Student, 2021

"I enjoy St. Theresa School because everyone cares about you and your education.  All the teachers in the school are friendly and care about what they are teaching." - Student, '24