Saint Augustine Catholic School is the second oldest Roman Catholic Parochial School in the Archdiocese of Washington, and the first Catholic school dedicated to educating African -American children.

In 1858, a group of African-American Catholics who were parishioners of St. Matthew's Church established St. Augustine Catholic School before building St. Augustine Catholic Church. This school operated four years before mandatory free public education of African-American children became law in the Nation's Capital. The original school was housed in the Smothers' schoolhouse on the corner of 14th and H Streets, NW for two years. It was housed for one additional year in the home of teacher and parishioner, Eliza Ann Cook, located on L Street between 12th and 13th. The school closed temporarily in 1861 when funds were diverted to the Civil War.

In 1866, the school reopened with academics for boys, girls, and an adult evening program. In 1874, the parish began an impressive campaign to build a new church and school. Classes were held in the rectory and sacristy so that the education process would not cease. In 1876, the new church and school were dedicated under the patronage of Saint Augustine. Due to a financial crisis in the parish, the school was closed in 1895.

In 1908, the school reopened under the direction of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first order of African-American religious women in the world. The Oblate Sisters of Providence faithfully served St. Augustine Catholic School from 1908 to 1998. The school flourished throughout this period. In 2006, the ninety year legacy of religious sisters at St. Augustine Catholic School was revived with the arrival of three sisters from the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, a religious order founded in Nigeria.

In 1929, the parishioners built St. Augustine School on 15th Street between R Street and S Street, Northwest. In the early 1960s St. Augustine School and Church were merged with the primarily Irish and German parish of St. Paul’s relocated on 15th and V Street Northwest (current site). The school remained on 15th & R Street until the late 1970s. In the late 1970s the school was relocated into Mackin High School at 1421 V Street Northwest next to Sts. Paul and Augustine Church (current site). In 1982, the Archdiocese of Washington granted the request of the Pastor of Sts. Paul and Augustine to rename the church and school to St. Augustine Catholic Church and School.

Throughout its history, the anchor of St. Augustine Catholic School has been the staunch commitment, love, and financial support of the parishioners of St. Augustine Church. This remains true today!

Children from diverse backgrounds continue to receive an excellent Catholic education rooted in a rigorous curriculum and a foundation of faith, hope, and loving service to our neighbors near and far.