St. Augustine High School, founded in 1951 by the Josephite Fathers through the Archdiocese of New Orleans, sits between Law and Hope streets, a fitting location given its history of Divine Providence. The school was dedicated just before the Feast of St. Augustine, after whom it was named. St. Augustine of Hippo, a renowned Christian scholar, inspired the school’s motto "Gratia Est Vita" (Grace is Life), reflecting the institution’s commitment to educating young African-American men in wisdom, knowledge, and grace. The Josephites played a key role in the school’s founding, and Fr. Matthew J. O’Rourke served as its first principal from 1951 to 1960, establishing high standards for academic and personal development.

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, St. Augustine became a beacon of academic and athletic excellence, achieving groundbreaking successes in both fields despite the era's racial segregation. The school won multiple state championships in the Louisiana Interscholastic Athletic and Literary Organization (L.I.A.L.O.) and played a critical role in the desegregation of Louisiana high school sports in 1967. That same year, the school’s Marching 100 made history as the first African American marching band to participate in the Rex Mardi Gras parade. St. Augustine’s impact extended beyond sports, as its alumni began to break barriers in higher education and public office.

 

The 1970s and 1980s marked periods of expansion and continued success, including the first physical expansion of the campus in 1971 and multiple state championships in football. In 1986, Sidney Barthelemy, an alumnus from the Class of 1960, became the second African-American mayor of New Orleans. The school also gained national attention when the Marching 100 performed for Pope John Paul II in 1987. By the 1990s and early 2000s, St. Augustine had established itself as a cornerstone of New Orleans education. After celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2001, the school faced the challenges of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but quickly rebounded, reopening in 2006 with a renewed sense of resilience.

 

Today, St. Augustine High School remains a leading institution for African-American male students in Louisiana, known for its excellence in education and commitment to preparing students for success in higher education. While it now welcomes students from all backgrounds, the school continues to honor its legacy of leadership, faith, and community impact.