About Us

---

 Holy Cross High School was formed in July, 2007, after a Diocesan study recommended the merger of Bishop Hannan High School, Scranton and Bishop O’Hara High School, Dunmore. The two campus sites remained open during the 2007-2008 year. In August 2008, after completing renovations at the Dunmore site, a unified Holy Cross High School opened its doors.

St. Cecilia Academy, founded in 1872, is considered the forerunner of St. Peter Elementary School and Cathedral High School, which was established in 1958 by Bishop Jerome D. Hannan. In 1969, St. Paul High School and Holy Rosary High School consolidated with Cathedral High School, and the school’s name was changed to Bishop Hannan High School. Further mergers occurred in 1971 when Marywood Seminary was devastated by fire, and in 1974 when West Scranton Central Catholic High School joined Bishop Hannan High School. Another merger took place in 1982 when Bishop Klonowski High School joined Bishop Hannan High School. Bishop Hannan High School then became the only Diocesan high school in the City of Scranton.

Dunmore Central Catholic High School opened in the fall of 1964 following a successful pledge drive by the parishioners of five parishes in Dunmore: All Saints, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Casimir, St. Mary of Mount Carmel, and St. Rocco. The first class was graduated in June, 1968. Four years later, citing the increasing enrollment of students from the Mid-Valley and Valley View School Districts, Bishop J. Carroll McCormick, D.D., Bishop of Scranton, expanded centralization of the school. Nineteen parishes were added to the list of those supporting and participating in the school. At the same time, the school’s name was changed to Bishop O’Hara High School in honor of Bishop William O’Hara, the first bishop of the Diocese of Scranton.

Holy Cross High School, an institution of excellence, is committed to the development of the whole person, offering comprehensive academic, social and athletic programs which are rooted in the Gospel and teaching of the Catholic Church. A Roman Catholic High School in the Diocese of Scranton, Holy Cross challenges its students to appreciate life-long learning and to develop character, leadership and integrity in a caring environment in order to promote a culture of peace, justice and service. 

 We Believe:

• That the Gospel teachings of Jesus serve as the core of all religious, academic and extracurricular activities at Holy Cross High School.
• That through our Baptism we are called to share in the mission of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the Gospel, fully and actively celebrating the sacraments, and promoting a culture of life, justice and peace rooted in Christian service.
• That our Catholic faith fosters a welcoming family, faith-based environment for all people, regardless of race, creed or culture.
• That a respect for the dignity and value of self and others is essential for all growth, and that the whole person – mind, body and spirit – must be nurtured.
• That a challenging curricular program in the arts, sciences and humanities seeks to instill an appreciation for life-long learning and fosters the development of Christian leadership, character and integrity in all students.
• That our students’ diverse physical and athletic abilities be developed to their full potential.
• That family participation, along with quality education, is important for our students to achieve their full potential.